Skip to main content

Full text of "Joseph Kinghorn, of Norwich: a memoir"

See other formats 


This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project 
to make the world's books discoverable online. 

It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject 
to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books 
are our gateways to the past, representing a wealth of history, culture and knowledge that's often difficult to discover. 

Marks, notations and other marginalia present in the original volume will appear in this file - a reminder of this book's long journey from the 
publisher to a library and finally to you. 

Usage guidelines 

Google is proud to partner with libraries to digitize public domain materials and make them widely accessible. Public domain books belong to the 
public and we are merely their custodians. Nevertheless, this work is expensive, so in order to keep providing this resource, we have taken steps to 
prevent abuse by commercial parties, including placing technical restrictions on automated querying. 

We also ask that you: 

+ Make non-commercial use of the files We designed Google Book Search for use by individuals, and we request that you use these files for 
personal, non-commercial purposes. 

+ Refrain from automated querying Do not send automated queries of any sort to Google's system: If you are conducting research on machine 
translation, optical character recognition or other areas where access to a large amount of text is helpful, please contact us. We encourage the 
use of public domain materials for these purposes and may be able to help. 

+ Maintain attribution The Google "watermark" you see on each file is essential for informing people about this project and helping them find 
additional materials through Google Book Search. Please do not remove it. 

+ Keep it legal Whatever your use, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that what you are doing is legal. Do not assume that just 
because we believe a book is in the public domain for users in the United States, that the work is also in the public domain for users in other 
countries. Whether a book is still in copyright varies from country to country, and we can't offer guidance on whether any specific use of 
any specific book is allowed. Please do not assume that a book's appearance in Google Book Search means it can be used in any manner 
anywhere in the world. Copyright infringement liability can be quite severe. 

About Google Book Search 

Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers 
discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web 



at |http : //books . google . com/ 



I 




600026067R 







■% * ♦. •• 



^h 




DimA 8ftpt;iA33» Aged 66. 



IiuidanjKibli4icd in ihf tatf ■! lAJ&ftin^ 



r 



JOSEPH KINGHORN, 



OF NOEWICH: 



A MBMOIK BY 

MAKTIN HOOD WILKIN, 

WITH INTRODUiTOIlY CHAPTKR, 1'KEFA.CE, ETC., HY 

SIMOX AVILKIX, F.L.S. 



NORWICH: 

FLETCIIEK AND ALEXANDER; 

LONDON ARTHUK UALI. * CO. 

M 1> C C C L V . 



PREFACE 



Of all misnomers one of those most invariably in use is the 
word '^ preface." Instead of being previous — ^it is almost 
miiformly subsequent — ^labour; so in the present ease, 400 
pages of the work had passed through my hands when I was 
called upon to write '^ the preface." It was a dark, stormy 
afternoon, the ground covered with snow, when I addressed 
myself to the task of presenting to the reader a narrative 
of the origin, progress, and almost completion of the life of 
Joseph Kinghorn, of Norwich. 

My revered friend, on his decease, had committed to my 
care some five thousand letters and notes, varying in character 
from the brief note of invitation to the folio sheet of closely 
written and closely thought theological, philological, or 
philosophical discussion. When first, after his departure, 
I entered his study, and sat down in his large arm-chair, I 
looked sorrowftdly around upon the books which filled his 
shelves, and I found — just as he had left them — a mass of 
papers and letters at the end of his table ; and, opposite to his 
chair, his writing materials, his common-place book, and some 
unanswered and unfinished letters. It seemed to me as if he 
had but just quitted the apartment, and might re-enter the 
next moment, with his tall figure and ample morning gown, 



IV PREFACE. 

to give me again his kindly and cordial welcome^ as oft-times 
before ! 

On fiirtlier examination^ I found many drawers filled with 
letters^ those of earlier dates methodically folded and en- 
dorsed; the later correspondence had grown beyond his 
leisure for arrangement^ and piles on piles had been left open. 
When at length I ascertained the real extent of the corre- 
spondence — ^by arranging it chronologically, and nimibenng 
the letters — I felt overwhelmed at the idea of reading, in 
order to bring into use, such a mass of materials as I found 
myself to possess. I however consulted London publishers as 
to the probability of sale; they altogether discouraged me, and 
advised me not to incur publication imless I could lay some 
solid basis by a good list of subscribers. I felt that it would 
be very mortifying should I find the life of my friend, after 
involving much labour, to remain waste paper, and as I was at 
that time occupied, and remained so for some years afterwards, 
in preparing my edition of Sir Thomas Browne's Works, I 
regarded it as an object to be at least postponed. After that 
work was accomplished, we resumed the reading and con- 
sidering Mr. Kinghom's correspondence, in the course of 
which many himdred letters were destroyed as useless. The 
labour, however, I found to be very heavy, and years were 
therein consumed. But other and younger help, more zealous, 
was at hand : as years passed by, the author of the present 
volume, even when a mere child, took very great interest in 
these letters, and I was cheered on ; and, as he grew older, 
entreated by all means to proceed with the work. Accordingly 
a transcription was commenced of the letters which were 
thought suitable for insertion, and instead of my remaining 
the solitary workman, the labour became a family compact. 
In order to bring into clearer view the principal personages of 
the history, I drew up an introductory chapter, and several 
passages in the course of the volume were also written by 
myself, as recording events or conversations which had passed 



PREFACE. V 

under my own knowledge; all of which are distinguished 
either by signature or pronoun. Nearly aU the editorial and 
narrative portion of the work, however, was my son's, to 
whom, therefore, the authorship of the volume is due. 

While the work was in progress it was resolved to open a 
subscription, and I am bound to express my hearty thanks for 
the very liberal and general response which it has received, as 
weU as to aU those friends who have kindly contributed letters 
or otherwise assisted us. 

The long lapse of time since the departure of our dear 
friend has, alas, swept away many who woidd have delighted 
to read the book. This, too, has deprived me of not a few 
whose letters would have contributed to its pages. Of these 
I especially deplore the decease of my early and valued friend 
the Bfiv. William Hawkins. His letters to Mr. Kinghobn 
were very numerous, and with the answers, would, no doubt, 
have enhanced the interest of the volume. 

I cannot close without offering my most affectionate tribute 
to the memory of Mr. Kinohorn. He has been to me, when 
early deprived of my parents, more than a &ther; from 
childhood his care, his counsels, and instructions guided me, 
and through life his affectionate sympathy ever attended me, 
in health and sickness, in prosperity and adversity. I owe 
him the deepest respect, affection, and gratitude. 

In one respect, especially, I wish briefly to sketch my view 
of him. I refer to his very remarkable unity of aim as well 
as of character and action, throughout his entire course. 
From the time when, as a youth, he devoted himself to the 
service of Gk)d in the ministry of his word, he never once 
tamed aside from the object before him, but pursued it 
incessantly in fiiith and humility. Moreover, he never sought 
great things for himself; it seems he would have remained 
with the small congregation at Fairford had they only been 
imited ; and from his subsequent and more important position 
no solicitations, however urgent and repeated, could induce 



VI PREFACE. 

him to remove^ even to a more honourable and lucrative one. 
He remained with those over whom God had placed him^ to 
the end of his pilgrimage. He had an irrepressible thirst for 
the acquirement of knowledge throughout his life ; his stores 
of information of all kinds connected with his sacred vocation 
constantly accumulated^ as book after book he laboured to 
make his own^ and language after language he strove to 
acquire^ aU to be consecrated to the great and sacred aim of 
his life^ the glory of Grod and the good oi immortal souls. 
May the Lord of the vineyard send forth many more such 
faithful labourers, and grant that the perusal of this volume 
may be a source of interest, edification, and encouragement 
to those who are devoting themselves to the ministry of the 
Word. 

Simon Wilkin. 

Hampstead, Feb. 19th, 1866. 



I think it well, in presenting the present work to the 
public, to guard against a misunderstanding which may arise 
firom the use of pronouns of the first person singular ; they 
always refer to my father; as, had any other arrangement 
been adopted, many interesting narrative portions of the work 
either would have lost their identity, or must have been 
thrown into notes. 

Martin Hood Wilkin. 



CONTENTS. 



Page. 
LfTBOBUCTOBT ChAPTSB 1 



CHAPTEB I. 1766-1770: jbt. 1—4. 

Families of Kinghom, Angus, and Jopling; a Christmas 
Party; Love Letters; Marriage; Birth of Joseph Eing- 
hom; an Ancient Apartment; Leadings of Providence; 
Tuthill Stairs ; Liyitation to Bishop Burton 6 

HAPTEBII. 1770— 1780- JET. i— 14. 

Journey to Bishop Burton; David Kinghom's Ordination; 
Kecreations; Visit to London in 1771 ; Mr. Gumey; the 
London Ministers ; an Literview with Robert Hall, Sen. ; 
Mood in the North; W. Hague's Ordination; Visit to 
London in 1772 ; Joseph Kinghom enters School in 1775; 
goes to Hull in 1780; Correspondence; 111 Health; 
EetumHome , . . . 18 

CHAPTER m. 1781—1782: jbt. 16-16. 

Joseph Einghom a Clerk at' the Els wick Lead Works, New- 
castle ; Letters between Father and Son ; First Birthday 
Prayer ; a Year's Expences ; Desire for the Ministry . . 80 



YUl CONTENTS^ 

CHAPTEE lY. 1782—1784: XT. 16-18. 

Psfe 
Joseph is baptized by his father at Bishop Barton and returns 

to Newcastle ; Visit of Robert Hall on his way to Aber- 
deen ; a Country School versus a Clerk's Situation ; Joseph 
is by his father's consent devoted to the Ministry, and 
enters Bristol Academy 44 

CHAPTEBV. 1784— 1785: JET. 18—19. 

Bristol Academy; Its History and Tutors; Mr. Kinghom's 

Friends and Daily Occupations there 69 

CHAPTER VI. 1786—1787 : jet. 19—21. 

Occupations at Bristol continued; Robert Hall; Medley of 
Liverpool; Parsons of Leeds; Excursion into "Wales; 
Leverian Museum ; Dunn and Joseph Xinghom at Fair- 
ford ; James Hinton and Joseph Xinghom candidates for 
Oxford ; Visit to Bishop Burton ; Pendered at Newcastle ; 
Remarkable Adventure 89 

CHAPTER VII. 1788; jet. 22. 

Invitation to Fairford; Double Lecture at Bourton-on-the- 
Water ; Hinton' s Ordination at Oxford, by Mr. Evans and 
Dr. Stennett; Letter from Pearce of Birmingham; Invi- 
tation to Hanley, Staffordshire; Turner of Abingdon; 
Arlington ; Centenary of K. William's Landing ; Disquiet 
among the People at Fairford 115 

CHAPTER VIII. 1789: xt. 23. 

Invitation to Norwich ; Correspondence thereon between Mr. 
Evans, Mr. Kinghom, and the Norwich Friends; Arrival 
at Norwich ; his Exception ; Visit to Bishop Burton, and 
Betum to Norwich 134 



CONTENTS. IX 

CEAPTEE IX. 1789 : jet. 23 

Pa^e. 

Norwich in Olden Times ; Persecutions of the Puritans ; Rise 
of the Dissenting Churches in the City, especially 8t. 
Mary's; County Baptist Churches 151 

CHAPTEB X. 1789—1790 : jet. 23—24. 

Prequent Visits to Cossey; Mechanical Amusements there; 
MoYcments in Norwich for the Eepeal of the Test 
and Corporation Acts ; Unanimous Invitation to take the 
Pastoral Office ; his Dismission from Tuthill Stairs, New- 
castle; his Ordination; Confession of Paith 162 

CHAPTEB XI. 1790-1791 : mt. 24—25. 

First Administration of the Lord's Supper ; First Baptism ; 
The Origin of Evil ; Commencement of the Baptist Cause 
at Aylsham; Letter from Dr. Ryland; Baptism in a 
River; Warhurton*s Divine Legation; Excursion into 
Camhridgeshire ; Robert Hall; Protestants in Prance; 
Death of Dr. Manning, of Rhode Island, U.S.; and of 
Dr. Evans, of Bristol 179 

CHAPTER Xn. 1791—1793 : jbt. 25—27. 

Bishop Burton News; Mosheim; Baptist Seminary in the 
North suggested; Whitaker's Arianism; Infant Com- 
munion; Excursion to the North; George Liele founds 
the Pirst Baptist Church in Jamaica ; Baptist Missionary 
Society 199 

CHAPTER Xni. 1793—1794: jet. 27—28. 

Reply to Evanson's Dissonance contemplated ; Thoughts on a 
National Past ; Pleming on the Apocalypse ; Hall's Ser- 
mon on the Preedom of the Press ; E. Winchester on the 
Revelation; GKhbon's Decline and Pall; Debating Society 
at Norwich; W. Taylor; Mihier's Church History; 
Bryant on the Plagues of Egypt 219 



X CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XIV. 1796—1796: *T. 29-^. 

Piife. 

A Severe Winter ; Roman Catholic Sermon ; Voncma's Eccle- 
siastical History ; False Prophets ; James Hinton and the 
Woodstock Riots; Baptism for the Dead; the Stennett 
Family; Reply to Peter Edwards; Meteoric Stone; 
Yorkshire Visit ; Storm at Sea ; Rahbinical Hebrew . . 245 

CHAPTER XV. 1797: jet. 31 
Home Pursuits ; Buonaparte and the Pope ; David Kinghom*s 
Verses on the Anniversary of his Wedding; Joseph 
Kinghom's Reflections on his own Solitariness; Riot at 
Norwich; Wilberforce on Christianity; Geddes on the 
Old Testament ; Dyer's Life of Robinson ; Death of Dr. 
Enfield; ''Speculative Society;'* Brief Sketch of its 
Members 268 

CHAPTER Xn. 1798—1799: jet. 32-33. 
Winterbotham in Normch; Dr. Evans's Hymns; Jonathan 
Edwards's "Revival in Xew England;" Halyburton's 
Life ; Zoroaster ; Death of John Beatson, of Hull ; Visit 
to the North; Dlness; Conversation with an LodQdel; 
l^>om at Cosscy opened for Preaching ; Wake's " Primitive 
Epistles ; " Decease of my father, W. W. Wilkin ; Troubles 
in the Church at Bishop Bui-ton ; D. and E. Kinghom re- 
move to Norwich; Subsequent History of the Bishop 
Burton Church 280 

CHAPTER XVII. 1800—1809: jet. 34—43. 
Close of the Correspondence between Father and Son; Dr. 
Ryland, his Account of Bristol Academy ; " l^ublic Wor- 
ship Considered and Enforced;" Letter from Dunn, in 
America; Invitation to the Presidency of the Northern 
Baptist Academy ; Letters firom John Fawcett and others 
respecting it ; Final Declension by Mr. Kinghom ; Corro- 
epondcuce with Dr. Ryland and Andrew Fuller on the 
Di\'ine Government; Joseph Hughes; Tract and Bible 
Societies ; Aylsham Riots and Trial ; Visit to Cambridge ; 
Dr. RecB ; Letters to a Young Friend ; John Townsend . 298 



CONTENTS. XI 

CHAPTER XYIII. 1810—1812: xr. 44—46. 

l*age. 

)ecea8e of Mrs. Kinghom ; Invitation to Stepney Academy ; 
Declension of the same ; Sermon to the Jews ; St. Mary's 
Meeting-honse pulled down and rehidlt ; Joint Occupation 
of ** the Old Meeting" by the Independents and Baptists 
during the rebuilding; Dr. Newman; Lord Sidmouth's 
Bill; Visit to London to present Petitions; Sermon on 
the Shemhamphorash ; Opening of the New Meeting- 
house ; Dr. Pye Smith 328 

CHAPTER XIX. 1813—1817 : iBT. 47-61 

Death of John Kinghom of Newcastle ; Eenewal of the East 
India Company's Charter; Letters from Bishop Bathurst 
and William Smith, Member for Norwich ; Mr. Kinghom's 
Visits to Bedford, London, and Bristol; French Protestants; 
Reviewak ; " Baptism a Term of Communion ; " Opinions 
respecting the Work; Ordination of William Hawkins; 
Correspondence with Eev. E. Bickersteth respecting the 
*' Scripture Help" 349 

CHAPTER XX. 1817—1822 : jet. 61-66. 

O)rre8pondence with Rev. T. S. Crisp, on Baptism; Joseph 
John Gumey; Joshua Tinson; Journey to Scotland 
on behalf of the Mission; Bickersteth's ''Treatise on 
Prayer;" William Innes, of Edinburgh; Correspondence 
with Bickersteth, respecting his '* Treatise on the Lord's 
Supper;" Letter from James Peggs, the Missionary; 
Proposal to form a Baptist Tract Society ; John Poster's 
I^ectures at Broadmead 365 

CHAPTER XXI. 1822—1827 : mt, 66—61. 

Second Visit to Scotland for the Mission ; Death of William 
Ward, of Serampore ; " Claris Pentatenchi ; " Controversy 
respecting the Apocrypha ; the Bordeaux New Testament ; 
Life of Eev. Isaac Slee ; Letter to a friend on her baptism ; 
Letters to B. S. Foster, Esq 383 




600026067R 




I'lte • * t 






• * - 






n 

N 

% 
f . 

f 



■• 4* 



-•.• 



• t 



I- 



•*1 



> 






i 



' • •• 



I 










!A:«.*' 1 ■-• .' ■' •..••t;..Ml .11 



V. -Ml '.: :. I :. 1 



f 




^j o/^w A't-^ /^/ 



'^A 



WK-yy* ift3:^.» •>'•/'•• ^<"; 



I I '■■■I.' i "m". ■■■;'. <'i :ri 'l.r *^i;.i'-.i M;ti'» 



JOSEPH KINGHORN, 



OF NORWICH: 



A MBMOIK BY 

MARTIN HOOD WILKIN, 

WITH INTRODUCTOllY CHAPTER, PREFACE, ETC., BY 

SIMON WILKIN, F.L.S. 



NORWICH: 

FLETCHER AND ALEXANDER; 

LONDON: ARTHUR HALL & CO. 



M BCCCL V. 



J/^. ^. h:?^^^ 



CHAPTER I. 

17« — irra xr. i — 5. 

Bi'jtAep Bmrism. 



Hating endeaToured in tbe pmediiis paf» to ] 
mdos m sketdi of the pnncipal cksnttns of tbe 
tustcMTTy we nrast now rerert, as praBtsed, to cjuou Tcaon^ md 
first, to the anoestnl hstorr of the fiunQT. 

The name of Kin^hom is trt piohdUr derrred fiom the 
town of Kinghom, in Scotland,* but we have not been able 
to trace the origin of Mr. David Kinghom's fianilT, and die 
only relations of whom we hare anv consideraUe knowledge. 



* T^ pnisH wad ta^m of EngkfltB, ia tkr ttmatt «f Tihthin^ tn i 
tbt Bortlieni coKt of the Firtk oT Forth, Mazir oppost* t» ££abv^ TW Umu 
is one </ the oldest in the couty; it w nftdearoTiI Bczi^by Dttnil^aadMBtmaid 
s rojil resideBce formanT jcan, the pdareboK stntodoa tt»hi^ fromm^ oTtriook* 
iogthetows. ItvYiiDhnrrinf oofromliiTtrieithingtoKiBghoiv, iMeoBeeroua^ 
coBtnrj to the entmiies oi his eouticfs, that Aiaanda 111 act his dci^ Hie ugki 
WIS dai^jSBd the nod dagcroas»lTiBgrkMeakag the edge of the difi»:^E]Bg's bant 
Bade a false stcfv asd hone aad rider were throvn orcr the diff. Br Alrrandet^a 
death, aad sooo after, bjr thai of the next heims to the crovn, the ■■I'Arn of Xcrvij, 
the competition for the sorereigntj arooe, vhich for io many jean distracted the 
coontrj. 

Bobert II granted the rojal hoose and demesne to Sir John Ljob, who had named 
the King's third daughter, Jane, and from him desetnded the Eaiis of Kiaghon 
whose title was changed bj Cbaries £1 to that at present borne bj the £uail j, (£ari of 
Strathmore,) in consecincnce, it is said, of the dislike Triiich Patrick, third Eiri of 
Kinghom, coneeired against it, as the boys in Edinburgh used to contract it into 
*' flomie," and call after the Earl in the streets^ using this elegant appellatire. 

The name of tbe plsce is not derired from any drcnmstance connected with a Kinff^ 
bat from the adjoining promontory of land, styled in Gaelie Ceam-gcm^ or Gwm^ 
signifying the blue-head. Such an etymology is coantcoaneed by tiie popular pro- 
Btindation Kin-gcim, See Chambers' Oaietteer of Seotknd, 1846, pp. 647—648. 



ANCESTRY. 7 

are his brother John^ and his sister Ann^ who married Mr. 
Henderson.* 

David Kinghom was bom October 3rd^ 1737^ (it is supposed 
at Hexham^) and married December 27th^ 1762> Jane^ daughter 
of Bartholomew Andrew. Their son^ bom September 17th> 
1763, was named George; but a week after his birth his 
mother died, and he only survived nine months. 

After the death of his first wife, Mr. Kinghom married 
Elizabeth Jopling, a member of one of the largest and most 
respectable fSEunilies in the north, — ^that of Angus, — ^her grand- 
mother being daughter of Henry Angus, of Rawhouse ; and 
here it will not be out of place to give an outline of a £Eunily 
so well known, and so widely extended, f 

''Some,*' says Douglas, ''have supposed this family con- 
nected with the Earls of Angus : but there is nothing, either 
historical or traditional, to confirm this idea. 

" The honour of the family is that of having sprung, not firom 
either noble or royal blood, but firom christian confessors or 
martyrs. They can therefore say vdth Cowper — 

*My boast is, not that I deduce mj birth, 
From loins enthron'd, or rulers of the earth ; 
But higher far my proud pretensions rise, 
The son of parents pasa'd into the skies.' " % 

It is probable that the ancestors of the family fled from 
Scotland during the fiery persecutions of the Beatons, in the 
first half year of the 16th century, and sought protection in 
Northumberland. The earliest member of the family of whom 
any thing is known, is a Richard Angus, a farmer at Dilston, 

* In a memorandum book of Mr. Joseph Kinghom, we find the following entry ;— 
*^Mary, wife of George Kinghom^ bom Oct, 6, 1707," which, in all probability, 
refers to Darid Kinghom's mother and father, as it is followed by the entry of John 
Kin^om's birth, and that of other members of his family. 

t It is much to be regretted that the Genealogical Table of this family, prepared, with 
much labour, and at great expence, by Bev. Bichard Pengilly, of Newcastle, did not 
obtain a sufficient number of subscribers, to warrant its publication. The pedigree was 
intended to trace a period of 300 years, from the settlement of the family in the North, 
about the year 1520, to the date of the proposal to publish it, 1820, and to describe 
more particularly the indiyiduals from 1620, about the date of the birth of Henry Angus, 
of Bawhouse, Northumberland. 

X Douglas' History of the Northern Baptist Churches, p. 24. 



8 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

whose will has lately been found at Durham, dated 1603. 
His son is supposed to have been Alexander^ and his grandson 
G^rge^ who resided at the Rawhouse, '^afarm about six miles 
south-east of Hexham, and lying between Broomhaugh and 
Broomley, where there are now (1845) two Baptist Chapels, 
chiefly erected by the descendants of Mr. Angus, and where 
the successors of the Baptist Church at Hexham assemble, to 
worship the same Grod, and attend to the same ordinances, as 
did their ancestors/^* 

George Angus had three sons, Henry, William, and G^oi^. 
Henry was the first of the family who embraced baptist prin^ 
ciples, himself and wife being immersed May 14th^ 1653, and 
united to the Chiu'ch at Hexham, then under the pastoral 
care of Mr. Thomas Fillam. His brother William had no 
children; it is therefore from this, Henry Angus and his 
brother Geoi^e, that the large family of Angus and Angas^ 
(originally one name) sprang. Henry had three sons, William, 
(whose house at Hindley was for 150 years the Chapel for the 
family and the neighbours,) John, and Titus ; and a daughter 
Deborah, who married Joseph JopUng, of Ravensworth, near 
Newcastle. 

The family of Joblin, JopUn, or Jopling, has been known for 
two centuries amongst the Baptists of the north of England. 

The name of John Joblin is affixed to a letter from the 
church of Christ assembled at Hexham^ Mar. 7th, 1654, to 
Sir Thomas Liddell, thanking him and his " precious Ladie,*' 
(daughter of the eminent Sir H. Vane) for the great kindness 
shewn by them to a poor sister, Elizabeth Heslopp. 

This John Joblin doubtless is the same person that was 
accused of participation in the so called Anabaptist plot, at 
Muggleswick park, tried, and acquitted. Of this plot Mr. 
Douglas has made an interesting mention, shewing the entire 
want of evidence on which the accused could be found guilty. 
Rumours the most vague seem to have been the only pretence 
of evidence, — ^respecting "two troops of Anabaptist horsemen, 

* Doaglas* History of the Northern Baptist Churches, p. 22. For many of the (acts 
above recorded respecting the families of Angus and Jopling, we are indebted to 
Hr. Douglas' valuable work, though we have not thought it neceoiary to mention 
every reference. 



THE JOPLINOS. 9 

and two men, fording the Derwent with glittering swords/' — •, 
rumours which proved entirely unfounded, as Surtees, the 
historian of Durham, has shown. 

Andrew Jopling, j«obably related to the aforesaid John 
Joplin, though the precise relationship is not known, is men- 
tiimed by Surtees as a freeholder of Satley, in 1687, and it is 
said to be his son Joseph, who married, as we have above 
remariLed, the only daughter of Henry Angus, of Bawhouse* 

Joseph and Deborah Jopling had several children, but it is 
their son Joaephy that we must particularly mention, for it is 
firom him that our friend Mr. Kinghom is immediately 
descended ; let us then introduce our readers, in imagination, 
to his fireside at Satley, a retired village, in the North- Western 
extremity of the County of Durham. He was, as we have 
shewn above, a member of an ancient dissenting fEuooily ; and 
he kept an open house for all the ministers coming to supply 
at the adjacent Baptist meeting houses of Hamsterley and 
Cold Rowley. We may therefore judge that he was a good 
specimen of a warm-hearted, hospitable, old-fashioned dissenter 
of the last century. At the time of which we are writing he 
had been twice married ; by his last wife he had only one son, 
Isaac, who would then be about nineteen years of age, but by his 
former, a large family. Let us picture to ourselves the family 
circle at Christmas, 1764; when we may fairly suppose all the 
members of the family would be at home. First, we have 
Joseph, the eldest son, a blacksmith in the village; then, 
Thomas and John, masters of a dyeing establishment, at 
Cotherstone; next, Ann, the widow of Bev. Isaac Gamer, 
minister at Hamsterley, with her group of four girls and two 
boys ; and then Elizabeth, a very attractive damsel, judging at 
least from her appearance in after life. A younger daughter^ 
Mary, and a brother Silas, not forgetting the youngest, Isaac,* 
and his mother, Mrs. Jopling, complete the group. 

Snch then was Mr. Jopling's family circle, when David 
Kinghom proposed himself as a suitor to the second daughter, 
Elizabeth. He was then a widower, about twenty-seven years 

• See infra, Oct. 9th, 1822, in Joiumal of Scotch Tour. 




* i gwg son. vnr lad. mt: j ' ^l- ' ^ill & rime fnnsiDaB. s 

Jz irJL ift uses. 2l "^ iulnw^n^ laiffSw tsik las hai & 

ank!; ^ussc ive ■ng^mrniaffii'*. iir id^ ! 

91^ Slit TU!iui» iL icT-j^ snr mniiK? 

& 'flRiB}. Sill crfiinu: ii * iim i*"TT: xiL A c^icstt lonc ^ 

31 -vizia. lui ^^ieae jr—TTrirg » 

^uitsptuKozMid ai:ae JcPBgrggiiT : ii* . 

iuf:ile« :z. i iczxzi. ^ >:irckn2 ^r:»e. vxia. s^^avs 

rjtr^ s=ii fai g g :: pesx. -da^Eaec wickc&sicpiiesHe aiil Cicmct 
of flnlfr. as* •cEden 'Attt s: rcer iiBcrKCvr atad nsBRati^. 

TIm: £?r. asd sr< di? ^essc aansz^ aoii wkbl at kii coru 
fisai^juieaee. acre ks kcacR to EuaabRb JcqIk. brfore their 
■dtrrage, ^vIa, caicfzl focL ^tjun^j tbem iaieh*, vUle ker 
own teem lolsddie mesvidi ikeir descrankc err ^rrlndtfe 
opfKVtTmhr of XDfCSiatf die pob&c (ty: v!r tnnxxibe two— 

I>LL3b Bettt. 

€T€T K3K« I trsz hori it. srret: =* »:=» cracer^ on the Kcooiit of 
Tvir PecoTtl t5 Si zreas % &ijii:^ frm Xevcistie, ca^wddDr at I 
ha^e leen £xe^ in isy c.ird f:<r sc'oe tizae, if Jeboi^ah siv it a^te - 
Me to his Loir vill, to hare tog f<x an belpcsate : Iwit did not 
chfx/se to be hasty in proceeding on «o moQentoiis an affiir, and leat 
an (^yportnmtr shcmld not be giren of diftdosing mr nind, whicb I 
did intend br word of moath, I now hare recoorae to bt {mb^ 
hoping TOO win not thereby be offended, nor blame me fiir being too 
fh J, or on the other hand, think I have had little Talne fie my 
fcfmer wife, 'which my conscience uphnuds me for the contnury) 
tm to think so soon of another. 

I being pretty well acquainted with yoa formerly, am not at m 
lofi to beliere you will be an agreeable helpmate for me^ as iar 
jtmr part yoa cannot be altogether ignorant of me, bat may know 
as moch aa to determine yon (through the direction of him who 



DAVID KINGHORK. 11 

roles over all bis creatures, and tbeir actions,) how to give an 
answer to my honest question, which is, whether you would choose 
me for a partner or not ? As feir as I know my heart, which is de- 
ceitful above all things and desperately wicked, and as far as 
temporal things can, it would yield me great satisfaction to hear you 
answer with Euth, (Euth i, 16, 17) or with Bebekah to Abraham's 
servant (Gen* zziv, read 57, 58,). I will use his words and say, If 
you will deal faithMly with me tell me, and if not, tell me ; and 
may Jehovah, our Alim, direct you to speak, and me to hear, with a 
holy submission to his holy will, which way soever it pleaseth him. 
I shall wait for an answer from you, and hope you will oblige me 
so ftr as to let me have a letter from you, when in the country. 

I rest, your [sincere] well wisher, &c., 

David Kinghobn. 

Mr DEAR Lors, 

I have received your letter which gives me great 
satifl&ction to hear of your health of body, whilst I sympathize with 
you in your complaint of the want of spiritual health, which to a 
sensible soul is of all things the worst to bear, for what loving wife 
can boar the frowns of a husband, or what dutiful child can bear to 
see a father angry, and not begin to reflect upon their past conduct, 
and say within themselves, wherein have I offended him whose love 
and care are continually exercised for my real good ; but, my dear, 
how have you and I offended our father, husband, and love ! How 
can we reflect without shame, wonder, and astonishment at his 
patience, his compassion, his love, who when we had broken his 
laws and exposed ourselves to his vindictive justice, burned toward 
us with that love which constrained him to part with his ddkr Son, 
to die for such vile ungrateful monsters as you and me ? Wonder, 
heavens, be astonished, earth, at this amazing love, that he who 
was the brightness of his father's glory, the express image of his 
person, should stoop so low as to take notice of us ; and we, slaves 
to sin, and rebels against God, should be brought into a state of 
friendship with God, into imion with the Father, through the Son, 
by the Spirit ; yet, amazing ! how soon do we grow cold and luke- 
warm, and as you say with Ephraim, as a cake half-turned. Yet, 
my dear, rejoice in this, that God's covenant is an everlasting cove- 
nant; it is well-ordered in all things and sure. But I recommend 
secret prayer as the only means of reviving languishing love, for 
although he hath bound himself by promise to save us from all 



12 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

our iniquities, which are the cause of all our sorrows, yet he hath said. 
For these things will I be enquired of by the house of Israel ; and, 
indeed, it is in secret where the soul hath to deal immediately with 
himself; and this you know, a faith's view of his lovely face and our 
interest in him, will scatter all our fears and doubts, and where 
shall we have a sight of our king, but by coming into his royal 
presence with boldness, as he is seated on a throne of grace with 
love in his lovely looks, inviting us to draw near that we may 
receive the purchase of his blood, which is pardon, peace, and recon- 
ciliation ? Oh ! remember what Mr. Eomaine said. Take the bank 
notes of heaven and carry them to the bank, plead their divino 
stamp, ** Thus saith Jehovah ;'* and hath he said, and shall he not 
bring it to pass, hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? 
to bo enabled to act faith on all his blessed promises, until we 
arrive at the promised rest ! Amen. 

I rest your lover, &c., 

David Kinghobn. 

Only tliree others of these letters are preserved ; in the last 
of which, dated March 22nd, 1765, the writer expresses his 
anxious hope of seeing his beloved ere long ; and even gives 
her the pleasant expectation of reaching Satley " about six 
hours after this is received," and of having the nuptials 
celebrated before May. Accordingly on the 22nd April, 1765, 
they were wedded, and on the 17th January, 1766, the subject 
of this memoir was bom, at Gateshead-on-Tyne,* in the county 
of Durham. Their only other child was a son David, who 
died young. 

The last habitation before JosepVs birth, of which we have 
any record, is in the Low Church Chare, near the steps on the 
right hand coming from the church.f Soon afterwards, 

* On the monumental tablet at St. Mary's, Norwich, Newcastle is assigned as 
Mr. Kinghom's birthplace : Gateshead would, it seems, have been more correct, wiiich 
is a suburb to Newcastle, on the opposite bank of the Tyne, and consequently in a 
different county. We have this information through our kind Mend Mr. H. A. Wil- 
kinson, of (Hteahead, who ascertained the fact from the only first cousin of 
Mr. Kinghorn then Hiding, Mrs. Elizabeth Craggs, of Satley, who died before the 
information reached us. 

t The High and Low Church Chares haye been pulled down to make way for the 
erection of a new street, in order to avoid the steep hill called Bottlebatik, The Low 
Church Chare led from the steps at the end of the church down to the alley called 



JOSEPH KINOHORN's BIRTH. 13 

however, they removed to Newcastle, and in 1770 they resided 
at Caleb Alder's, cheesemonger, in the Side. The Side was 
formerly one of the principal thoroughfares of Newcastle ; it 
is a long winding street, leading from the river to the 
northern part of the town; and Caleb Alder's house is 
still standing, the very last house on the left, in going from 
Sandhill, before the new and magnificent railway arch at the 
foot of Dean Street. This house we visited when at New- 
castle in 1851 ; it was old and dilapidated. A narrow low 
passage led by the side of the shop up a staircase to a large 
room over the shop. It was neatly wainscoted aU roimd; the 
wainscoting divided into small compartments. The fire-place 
was apparently not more than seventy or eighty years old, 
but in a closet next to it we saw the date anno dom. 1590. 
In this room we imagined David and his spouse, with their 
little Joseph; and then again fancied the little fellow 
'' making a horse '' for his father to ride home on, according 
to worthy Philip Nairn's letter to David Kinghom, while the 
latter was from home.* 

At this time David Kinghom was an assistant preacher to 
the Baptist Church at Tuthill Stairs, Newcastle; and we 
will make some extracts from an interesting and curious 
document left in his hand-writing, drawn up probably about 
1770, headed, 

A BKIEF ACCOUNT OF MY CALL TO THE MINISTRY. 

As I never kept a diary the first that I can rememl^er that had 
the appearance of it [a call to the miniBtry] was toward the end 
of the year 1 763, at which time I was frequently led to meditate 
on the word of God, especially when walking alone ; and to my 
astonishment at that time it always opened in a methodical order, 
particularly one text which continued on my mind about a fortnight, 



HiUgate, opposite fhe foot of Bottlebank. The chares are narrow passages, like the 
rwM at Yarmoath, leading from one street to another, and densely inhabited. 
During the ciril wars such an arrangement was yery useful, as many persons could 
obtain shelter in these houses which would be rendered inaccessible by blocking up 
th» entnmees to the chares. 

• " Your son," says P. Nairn, " is very hearty; he has been making a horse for you 
to ride home on." 



H LIFI OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

wliioh I tiOArd proaohod from about a month after in yery near the 
Mm* offdor of method that I beheld it in, which filled me with 
worulor lit tho Muno timo whorennto my then freqaent meditations 
would grow. 

Allnr 1 hml joinod tho haptiat church, I was in as great a strait as 
pxvVt fliotT l»oln>( no notUod piistor, although brother David Femie 
«mitu» m\\\ inlnintmvd to us tho word and ordinance of Jesus Christ 
iMi«»t» u lunnlh. Ihit some of our little few had their eye on me, 
tiMlging thoro up|H^ared something in mo, as they have told me since, 
whli^h nmdo them conclude I would be a minister. This, on Atigost 
Hth, 1700, occasioned a discourse at a sister's house, as one of the 
hivthnm afterwards informed mc, and on inquiring tho particular 
tiniu of their conference 1 found that at the same time they were 
spotiking of my being hopeful for tho ministry, I being at home aloiM^ 
the Ix)rd had drawn out my heart to pray particularly that, if it was 
his will that we should meet in the above manner, he would make 
me an instrument of speaking some word of comfort firom the word 
of truth suitable to the case of his people, and that he would open 
my understanding to know my duty in the case from his Vord of 
truth, I being made willing to throw my mite into his treasury. 

On April 24th brother F. prevailed on me to go into the pulpit 
and preach publicly to all people that might come to hear, which, 
by reason of a sense of my own weakness and a cowardly unbe- 
lieving heart, I was very reluctant to do, and met with muoh 
opposition from the adversary and my own pride which can appear 
in many colours. Lord's day following I preached in the forenoon. 

Here we will mention more particularly the church at 
Tuthill Stairs, and the place of worship in which they met, 
as we shall have frequent occasion to speak of both, and the 
meeting-house itself is further rendered interesting by its 
being the place where John Poster, the essayist, preached, 
and which he thus quaintly describes, in a letter published in 
Mr. Ryland^s memoirs of him.* 

"to MB. H. HORSFALL. 

Newcastle, October 2nd, 1792. 
'* But our meeting for amplitude and elegance ! I believe 
you never saw its equal. It is, to be sure, considerably larger than 

• Vol. 1, p. 61. 



DAVID KINOHORN's CALL TO THE MINISTRY. Ig 

3roar lower school ; but tkoi m Uadk^ «nd so dork.* It looks just 
like a conjuxiiq^ loam, and accordingly l^e ceiling is all covered 
with curious, antique figures to aid the magic. That thing which 
^cy call the pulpil is as black as a chimney ; and, indeed, there is 
a chimney-piece, and very large old fire-case behind it. There is 
nothing by which the door of this same pulpit can be fastened, so 
that it remains partly open, as if to invite some good person or 
olher to assist you when you are in straits. My friend Fero, whom 
I have mentioned before, did me the honor one Sunday to attempt 
to enter; but from some prudential notion, I suppose, I signified my 
will to the contrary by pulling- to the door, and he very modestly 
retired. Yet I like the pulpit mightily, *tis so much the reverse of 
that odious priestly pomp which insults your eyes in many places. 
I hate priestly consequence and ecclesiastical formalities. When I 
order a new coat I believe it will not be black ; in such a place as 
this it would be unnatural to speak loud, and consequently there 
cannot be a great degree of exterior animation." 

Though the records of the northern Baptists contain 
notices of the existence of the Newcastle church fi^m about 
1650,t there is no account of any place of worship occupied 
by them previous to the year 1720, when Mr. George West, 
a wealthy member of the church, purchased this house for 
£120. It stands half-way up the long flight of steps called 
Tuthill Stairs, and just below the meeting-house which was 
erected in 1798. When at Newcastle in 1851 we inspected 
the old place of worship, and foimd that the two upper stories, 
formerly occupied as the minister's house, were used for the 
schools; while the groimd floor, where the services were held, 
is converted into two dwellings, each consisting of a single 
room. The ceiling is left as it was ; and we were interested 
in looking at the curious decorations which amused Foster ; 
wMle we imagined him preaching in the roimd black pidpit, 
to which he was so much attached. This pulpit, in which 
both David and Joseph Elinghom preached their first sermons, 
stood opposite the entrance which is now the door of the left- 

* "The sombre appearance was owing, in part, to the old oak wainscoting; the 
pulpit also was of the same material/' 
t Douglas's History of Baptist Churches in the North of England, p. 6, p. 143. 



16 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

hand cottage. On entering that door, how different a scene 
did we witness ifrom that which we should have beheld in 
earlier days. The room was nearly filled by two large beds^ 
on one of which a man, just returned from labour for his 
noontide meal, had thrown himself down and fallen fast 
asleep. In the other lay a little child, apparently in the last 
stage of consumption. A woman was cooking potatoes on 
the large open hearth ; and other children were in the room. 
The unexpected visit of a party of strangers was almost 
unheeded, for sorrow was in the mother's countenance ; and 
the filth and wretchedness aroimd made us sad at hearty 
when we remembered that this spot was once dedicated to 
the service of the Lord. 

Douglas informs us, that previously to the Revolution this 
room was used as a place of worship by the corporation of 
Newcastle ; and " there were affixed to the old pews hands for 
holding the sword and mace.'* There was also a wooden tablet 
in the wainscoting which covered the walls, bearing the date 
1588. 

In 1770 David Kinghom received an invitation from the 
Baptist Church at Bishop Burton to preach there, with a 
view to the pastoral office. This cause appears to have been 
begun in 1764, at which time there was no gospel nearer than 
ten or twelve miles on one side, at Hull, (whither some went 
on foot ;) twenty miles on the other, at Burlington ;* sixty or 
seventy miles distant on the west. Joseph Gawkrodger, pastor 
of the church at Bridlington, and Richard Hopper, ''a gifted 
brother," at Bishop Burton, preached for them in a house 
bired for the purpose, which became dilapidated in 1769, and 
they resolved to endeavour to build a more substantial one, 
which they were able to finish in the following year.f 

Mr. Hopper, who had left them a year previously, wrote to 
Mr. Kinghom, urging him to go, and enclosing an invitation 
signed by fourteen brethren on behalf of the whole. He 
accordingly visited them March, 1770, and foimd the number 

* Burlington, or Bridlington, 
t ThiB new Meeting was opened March 7th ; '* the day was comfortably spent," — 
David Kinghom to Philip Nairn, Marcli lOth, 1770. 



INVITATION TO BISHOP BURTON. 



17 



of members about thirty, of hearers from 150 to 200; and 
the cause apparently in an encouraging state. 

On the first of April they invited him to remove to Bishop 
Burton, ''to come and labour amongst us, and in due time to 
take y* pastoral care and charge over us;'' and they add, 
''we do also agree for your present comfort amongst us, to 
raise £26 per Ann" ; and provide a house for you and your 
family, and to make intercession for y* fund, and also bear y* 
expense that attends your removal.'' 



CHAPTER II. 

1771—1780. 5—15. 

Journey to Bhhop Burton — David Kinghom^s Ordination — RecrsO' 
tions — Visit to London in 177 1 — Mr. Gurney — the London Minister* — 
an Interview with llhhert J fall , Setiior — Flood in the North — 
7F". Hague's Ordination — Visit to London in 1772 — Joseph King- 
horn enters School in 1775 — goes to Hull in 1780 — Correspondence-^ 
III Health — Eeturn Home. 

David Kaughom left Newcastle, April 26tli, and amved at 
Bishop Burton, May 4th. His wife and son, who were staying 
with Mr. Jopling at Cotherstonc, left on Thursday, June 14th, 
and arrived at Bishop Burton, on Friday ; Mrs. Eanghom gives 
the following account of the journey ; — 

After I left Newcastle, I underwent a gQod deal of trouble in my 
mind, partly, because our removal was so far from all my relations 
and acquaintance, and likewise the fatigue of our journey, but may 
I bo enabled to give glory to him that hath said, *' as your day is so 
shall your strength be." That morning I sot off from my father's 
the promise was fixed on my mind, **my presence shall go with 
you," and I was enabled to believe, that as he is a faithful God, he 
would do as he had said : a word in season, how good it is, for our 
journeying was tedious, because of the child, yet it made me that I 
was no way fretful, but went through it with pleasure. I like the 
place very well, and the people, and let me not forget to tell you 
that my husband had never such good health since I knew him, and 
is much fresher coloured of his face ; Joseph thrives very well, and 
grows till you would scarce know him, he will be nothing but a 
farmer, he is so busy every day with loading com, and one thing or 
another, till he goes as weary to bed as a little thresher, but when- 
ever he meets with a little offence, he is for coming back to Newcastle 
again. Dear friend, we arc very comfortably situated as to the 
world ; my life was far happier than when I was at Newcastle, as the 
Lord is pleased to bless our family with health, which is the greatest 



19 

blessing we can enjoy in this life : oh ! may we walk worthy of this, 
and every other mercy we enjoy. 

All things seem to have gone on as pleasantly as could have 
been wished at Bishop Burton. Mr. Kinghorn says — 

" The blessing of peace is the most valuable of all ; whicli, through 
the mercy of God, we enjoy in this place : may the God of peace 
continue it upon a good foundation, and cause the gospel of Christ, 
and love to him, to be the bond of it May this be our continued 
blessing until we enter into the peaceful regions of eternal bliss." 

In November^ the final invitation was given to Mr. King- 
horn^ from the church at Bishop Burton, " to take/' say they, 
*' the pastoral care and charge over ns, for to warn us of our 
enemies, to describe their cunning ways y' they have to entrap 
our souls, and to describe our armour, and shew us our 
refuge." The letter was signed by twelve members. 

This invitation was accepted by Mr. Kinghorn, and his 
ordination took place. May 1st, 1771. The service was com- 
menced by Mr. Richard Hopper, of Nottingham, who 
formerly preached at Bishop Burton. He read, 1 Tim. iii, 
2 Tim. ii, and Heb. xiii, prayed, and gave a short introductory 
discourse. Then Mr. William Crabtree, of Bradford, asked 
some questions, 1st, of the people, 2nd, of Mr. Kinghorn, who 
thereupon gave his confession of faith, after which Mr. 
Gawkrodger, of Bridlington, ofiered prayer, with imposition 
of hands, and Mr. Crabtree preached from 1 Cor. iv, 2. The 
whole service lasted from a quarter-past ten tiU half-past two : 
four hours and a quarter ! but still the good friends were not 
satisfied : for at four they assembled again, when Mr. Gawk- 
rodger preached from Eph. v, 2, after which three deacons 
were ordained by prayer and laying on of hands. Thus, Mr. 
Kinghorn was settled as the pastor of the church at Bishop 
Burton, and he appears to have been very comfortable there. 
He no longer worked at his business : of his recreations, we 
have a lively accoimt in a letter to his friend, Philip Nairn : — 

" I don't always sit idle, for when I have exhausted my spirits 
with reading and study, 1 sometimes go into a barn, and thresh 

c 2 



20 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

awhile : at other times I visit my people, who mostly live about two 
mill's from Bishop Burton in different quarters, which helps to chee 
me, as you know I am naturally subject to lowTiess of spirits, except 
when I am admitted near the throne, which sometimes is thirty days 
ere I am called by the Kinj^ to bc^hold the glory of his majesty : oh, 
what strangers are we at Court ! but, were we to be always there, 
we should forget we were in the body, or be puffed up with pride." 

He made several joumies to collect for the chiirch at 
Bishop Burton, in various parts of the kingdom. In 1771, he 
went, June 20th, by Bradford, Huddersfield, Sheffield, Leices- 
ter, Nottingham, and Oluey, to London, where he arrived, 
July 16th, and remained till August Cth, spending the greater 
part of the time at Mr. Gurney's.* He returned through 
Nottingham, from which place he wrote to Mrs. Kinghom, 
both in going and returning. 

Nottingham, July 6th, 1771. 
My Deab, 

Your letter I received which gave me mudi 
satisfaction to find that you arc so rcKJonciled to the will of God, and 
in some measure comforted concerning my journey, as you say you 
have been since you received my first letter. could we learn to 
cast ourselves more on God we should experience many a happy 
hour which we bereave ourselves of by endeavouring to shift his 
yoke from off our neck, which, though in itself gentle and easy, 
becomes galling and burdensome by attempting to remove it, whilst 

♦ Mr. Joseph Gurney, the son of Mr. Thomas Gumey, the short-hand writer, and 
the father of Baron John Gumey, and of William Brodie Gamey, Esq., from whose 
very kind note on the subject, we insert the following extracts — 

Denmark UUl, 3rd March, 1854. 
My dear Siu, 

I haye often heard my father speak of his acquaintance 
with the father of our late friend Mr. Kinghom, and in my time, the latter was a 
visitor at my father's, and the first time I was at Norwich, which was in 1805—6, my 
father charged me with a message to Mr. Einghom, and I spent a yery pleasant after- 
noon with him. 

I am not certain whether my father resided on Holbom Hill (opposite Haiton 
Garden) in 1771, or in Southampton Buildings, I should think the latter ; Mr. Toplady 
boarded with him some years there, and when he removed to Stamford Hill, in June, 
1777, used to come down when his engagements permitted, and was one of the first 
who welcomed me when I made my appearance in this world. 
Yours most truly, 

W. B. GVRNET. 



JOURNEY TO LONDON, 1771. 21 

a patient resignation of ourselves to him and an humble dependence 
on him sweetens all our comforts and makes every difficulty become 
as nothing. my dear, let me beg of you to be much at a throne 
of grace, for the more frequently you draw near to God the more 
welcome you will be, and the more comfort you shall enjoy ; and as 
you have now more opportunity for secret prayer, let not the 
precious moments fly without improving them, which if you essay 
to do, you will find that God is near to all that call upon him. 

I have left eleven guineas with Mr. Hopper to send to the church 
the first opportunity, as I thought it needless carrying it about with 
me. 

Nottingham, Aug. 2l8t, 1771. 

My Dear, 

Your letter I received, and am glad that you are 
somewhat better of your indisposition. my dear, while we are 
in the body we may expect to have many damps to our joy, and 
may expect to meet with troubles from various quarters; were it not 
80 we should be apt to settle hero and sit down in quiet as if this 
was our rest, but God, who has a tender care of and concern for us, 
will not suffer us to rest in the enjoyment of any of the things of 
time and sense, therefore he is pleased ofttimes to blast all our hopes 
and disturb our peace either by cross dispensations of providence or 
by his more immediate hand afilicting us, and thereby rouses us out 
of our spiritual lethargy, and happy are wo if all his various dispen- 
sations towards us be for this end and produce this effect upon us, 
as it will prove God*s love to us. So it ought to fill our hearts with 
joy and gratitude to him who manifests himself as having a real 
concern for our good, and never takes his lovingkindness from us 
nor suffers his faithfulness to fail. Here we may rejoice in his love 
abounding to us in Christ Jesus, in coveniint ond promise, in mercies 
and rod; and, indeed, sanctified afflictions are among our greatest 
mercies, that you and I could learn to live more upon God and 
less upon creature comforts ! for when all these things fail he is the 
same. 

As to myself I am in middling health, and hope to see you in a 
day or two after you receive this if health and weather permit, for 
I purpose leaving Nottingham to-morrow, and expect to be in Burton 
on Saturday. 

Give my love to all the brethren. 

I am, my dear, your affectionate husband, 

David Ki^guoun, 



22 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

8oon after Mr. Kinghom's return from London his friend 
and correspondent, Philip Nairn, was suddenly obliged to 
remove thither, but the correspondence was still continued 
and turned much on controversy, especially the most abstroae 
disquisitions on the nature of the pre-existence of Christ, cm 
which Nairn seems to be considered by his friend somewhat 
inclined to Sabellian notions. In the course of this corres- 
pondence Christopher Hall (the elder brother of Robert Hall 
of Amsby) is mentioned as being resident in London, and as 
having embraced views on the person of Christ bordering on 
Unitarianism, which had led to a serious difference between 
him and his brother Robert, who had been visiting him in the 
metropolis. In a letter about this time Mr. D. Kinghom 
gives his friend Nairn the following account of an interview 
with Robert Hall. 

I saw Robert at Arnsby, he is a very thinking, sensible man, and 
Bcems to think twice ere he speaks once. He read some things to 
me of a very deep nature, among which were the heads of a sermon 
in which there appeared some clear ideas concerning the divinity of 
Christ. In discourse I hinted to him that the Sabellian scheme 
sapped the foundation of a Christian's hope, at least, should it be 
true, ray hope in Christ is gone for ever. For none can by any 
means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him, but he 
who is God himself. See Ps. xlix. 7, 8, 9, 15. Ho replied that he 
had lately preached from that text, but never thought f f my argu- 
ment from it, which, he said, seemed very conclusive. 

One of the principal local circumstances of interest at this 
time is the remarkable flood which occurred in the norths 
Nov. 17, 1771, and committed great devastations. Mrs. 
Kinghorn's brother, Thomas Jopling, who had a dyeing estab- 
lishment at Cotherstone, a village on the north bank of the 
Tees, gives a dreadfrd account of the damage occasioned in 
his neighbourhood. 

December 7th, 1771. 
Loving Bbother and Sister, 

You seem to be desirous to hear from us, being 
startled by the newspaper on the hearing of the flood, and indeed it 
has made many to fear and tremble, so dreadful is the account. But 



FLOOD AT NEWCASTLE. 23 

we maj say in the midst of judgment there is meroy, and it is of 
the Lord's mercies we were not consumed ; for that day being at our 
dyehouse it began to rain in the morning about six o'clock, and 
before we went to dinner we were compassed about with water so 
that we coTild with difficulty wade out, and before we got to the 
bridge the water broke down about twenty yards of wall, and 
continued rising till about one or two. It undermined the stairs> 
broke them down, and swept the dam clean away; we have no 
water, so y« miU is rendered useless. Y« low mill which stood on 
y* river Tees was all swept away ; it was said y« house was seen go 
whole through Barnard-Castle bridge. We have got y« stock and 
feet, but they were as low down the river as Gainford. 

As to y* account of Barnard-Castle, y« bridge end on y* Yorkshire 
side was so driven away that people came down by a ladder about 
eight yards high. As for the turnpike bar, it is not known where it 
stood. Our garden is clean gone with y« trees to the bare crag, and 
y battlement before y* dyehouse is broke down. 

Your loving and affectionate brother in y* best bonds, 

Thomas Jopling. 

John Kinghom and Mrs. Henderson give a still more 
fearful account of the eflTects of the flood at Newcastle. The 
former says, in writing from Newcastle : — 

Nothing but scenes of horror were presented that Sabbath morn- 
ing. About four our bridge fell with all the houses and shops from 
the Blue-stone to Gateshead, and one arch on this side the toll-shop, 
which has quite ruined the trade of this town.* 

Many lives were lost, and many families ruined by this 
great calamity. 

In May, 1772, Mr. Kinghom attended the ordination of 
William Hague,t at Scarborough, and in July went again to 

• Our kind friend, Mr. Henry Angus Wilkinson, of Gateshead, thus writes :— " The 
Blue-stone on the bridge is a stone of that colour, which marks the division of it : all 
on the north side belongs to Newcastle, all on the south (about one-third) belongs to 
the county of Durham, and the bishop is under obligation to keep it in repair. The 
toU-hoose was built at the Gateshead end of the bridge, and toll was taken of those 
who passed along; and on the old bridge, which was swept away with the flood in 
1771, shops and houses had been built. 

t William Hague was bom at Malton, Yorkshire, Nov, 19, 1736. In his twentieth 
year he went to sea, but in three years was tired of a sailor's life, and in July, 1759, 



24 Lirs or Joseph kinohorn. 

London to collect for the Bishop Burton chnrch. AmongBt 
the principal ministers with whom he there became acquainted 
we may mention especially Dr. Andrew GiflFord, whose name 
is too well known to need any remark ; Benjamin Wallin, of 
Maze Pond ; and John Macgowan, of Devonshire Square. 
Wallin was a most useful minister, and Ma(^wan a very 
remarkable man, earnest in his ministry, and sincere in his 
devotion, but singularly quaint and severely satirical in his 
published works. His " Dialogues of Devils '^ is pretty well 
known, and his sermon occasioned by the expulsion of six 
young gentlemen from the University of Oxford for praying, 
reading, and expounding the Scriptures, humbly dedicated to 
the Vice Chancellor and the Heads of Houses, and entitled 
''The Shaver, or Priestcraft defended,'^ offered a good field for 
the display of Mr. Macgowan^s satire. 

Connected with this visit in London the following letters 
may prove interesting. 

London, July 2(Hh, 1772. 
My Dear, 

I came to Mr. Langford's on Saturday night, 
who shewed mc great kinduess and made me welcome to lodge in 
his house. Yesterday forenoon I preached for him, and in the 
afternoon I went to hear W. Blackett, who is at this instant with 

he returned to Scarborough, where hU delighted mother anxiously awaited him. He 
BOon shovred an eager desire to obtain knowledge, and would sometimes sit up aU 
night learning to read. Tlie Bible was his le8sM)n, and over its sacred pages he bent 
with happy interest night after night in his little garret. In 1761 he joined the 
roethodists, and then his persecutions began. One night he and three other young men 
were seized by a prcssgang, dragged on board a tender then in the harbour, and put 
down into the hold under an iron grating, where they lay until twelve o'clock the next 
day, and then were led by the collar through the streets amidst the shouts of the 
people. But this he records as a happy circumstance, as he was never after ashamed 
of his profession of Christianity. In course of time a Cal^inistic minister from 
London visited Scarborough, where his sentiments created some disturbance, and 
awakened considerable inquiry. William Hague studied the subject careftilly, and 
being convinced of the truth of the doctrine of free grace he began to speak his mind 
in the class-meeting. It was then suggested that he should leave the society, which 
be accordingly did, and he and several others of similar sentiments held meetings for 
reading, singing, and prayer, in a private house. Hearing of the Baptists at Brid- 
lington Mr. Hague often walked over, though twenty miles distant, heard preaching 
twice, and walked home again. On the 8th of June, 1767, ho was baptised by Mr. 
Qawkrodgcr at Bridlington, and soon aiterward commenced preaching at Scarborough. 
In 1771 the church at Scai borough was formed of fifteen members, and Mr. Hague 
ordained pastor. 



VISIT TO LONDON^ 1772. 25 

me at Mr. Langford's. I have seen none of the Board ministera 
except Mr. Macgowan and Mr. Clarke,* who seemed glad to see me. 
I expect I shall have plenty of employ in preaching, as Dr. Gill's 
meeting is vacant. Mr. Cranerf is sick, and Mr. Eeynolds}: gone to 
the country hefore I got to London. 

D.K. 

Dizeet for me at the Ber. Mr. Langford's, in Thomas Street, Bhick's Field, Horsly- 
down, London. 

London, July 29th, 1772. 
This day I received yours, and was trouhled that 
you should he so distressed in your mind concerning me. Do you not 
know that God reigns king over all the earth ? He kills and makes 
alive, he wounds and he heals, he brings down to the grave and he 
restores at his pleasure. I suppose I shall have to stay in town at 
least a month, if not six weeks yet. Last Lord's-day I preached 
thrice, and shall do the same next, viz., I am to be twice at Dr. 
Gill's, and at Mr. Mercer's in the evening. 

Monday, Ang, 3rd. 

As to my preaching, so far as I know I am greatly esteemed; God 
has so disappointed my fears hitherto that instead of my knees 
smiting one against another he enables me to speak with all bold- 
ness, and though I have much more labour than I have at home, (as 
I preach thrice every Lord's day, and two or three times a week 
beside,) yet what with the Lord strengthening me and the people's 
kindness, my spirits are so kept up as that I am almost like Mr. 
Rutherford in spirit, bold as a lion and have the majesty of a king. 

Yesterday I preached at Dr. Gill's, and many of the people were 
so much refreshed that to-day they have spoke to me with pleasure 
and the greatest freedom, and I was honoured to dine with Mr. 
Wame, and ride with him in his chariot to the meeting at afternoon. 

* William Nash Clarke, A.M., son of the Bst. Abraham Clarke, pastor of the 
Baptist church at Blunham, in Bedfordshire. In October, 1762, he was ordained OTer 
the chnrch at Unicom Thrd, the pastorate of which he resigned in March, 1785. 
The last five or six years of his life were spent at Exeter, where he died, July 29, 
1705. 

t Thomas Craner, who remored from Blunham church in Bedfordshire, and was 
ordained pastor at Jewin Street, Oct. 21, 1756, from which place the congregation 
remored in 1760 to Meeting-house Alley, Bedcross Street. Mr. Craner died, March 
18, 1773, in the 57th year of his age. 

X JobJk Beynolds was the successor of John Skepp and John Brine in the pastorate 
of the ehurch founded at Broken Wharf, Thames St. by the eminent Hansard KnoUys, 
but afterward established in Currier's Hall, Cripplegate. He died Feb. 6, 1792. 



26 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

Hiich in tho luvo of the rich ones to those who are made instminents 
ill thn hand of Ood of speaking a word of comfort to their souIb. 
O whfit rouBon have I to wonder that God makes use of such a poor 
iimininit'iit us I uni for such wondrous purposes ! But above all, 
wliut rtNiHon luivu we to praise him for a good hope through grace of 
our own inU^ront in thu Messings of grace which are treasured up in 
(ylirint our living hoad, who has said, Because I live ye shall live 

I Mhniild huvo lKM»n very glad to have seen you in London, but 
mMflng it in ho uk it is I have sent you a pound of ten-shilling tea, 
und u guinea to buy you a gown or what else you please. As they 
WITH niv«»n to mo for preaching I freely part with them to the 
ohjiut of my love, and hope that you will look upon these presents 
IU4 tokens of conjugal affection, for though I am absent in body yet 
am present with you in love and affection as the dear part of myself. 
Mr. and Mrs. Langford give their respects to you, and would have 
been glad to have seen you at London. May the Lord grant you 
much of his comforting prescnct) and fill you with all joy and peace 
in believing. From your loving husband, 

Davii) KiNouoRir. 

Tell Joseph I have got a fine top for him, and six of Dr. Watts's 
books of Cradle Hymns to give away, given by Dr. Gifford. 

But we must return more particularly to the subject of our 
narrative. Joseph Kinghom entered school March 6, 1775. 
His education seems to have consisted principally of Latin and 
Greek, with the usual branches of an English education^ 
including Mathematics, with which science he became wdl 
acquainted. Shorthand formed another of his principal studies, 
or rather, perhaps, of his amusements, and he transcribed 
various systems, but finally fixed upon Gumey's brachygraphy, 
which he employed very extensively during his whole life. 
At least 2000 sketches for his sermons are extant written in 
his shorthand, as well as a large quantity of miscellaneous 
MSS. He was also in the habit of taking notes of the 
sermons he heard, even as early as 1776.^ 

* Augnst 18. Mj father made some beautifiil remarks from Ocn. xxxr, 2, where he 
•aid that we should cast away the idols of our hearts, and that we should not suffer 
the^world to intrude when we should worship Ood, and we should not hsTo an etorj- 
dij's heart in a Sunday's eoat 



JOSEPH KINGHORN AT HULL. 27 

In December, 1779, Mr. Beatson, Baptist minister at Hull, 
wrote to Mr. Kinghom to inform him that Mr. CUffe, a clock 
and watch-maker in that town, was willing to take Joseph, 
then nearly fourteen, as an apprentice, the premiimi to be £10. 
In the following month he went on trial, and seems to have 
been very diligent in his business; but in March, 1780, it 
appears that he removed to Mr. Denton's, a watchmaker in 
another part of Hull. The correspondence between Joseph 
Kinghom and his father during the short period of his absence 
contains some interesting notes, of which we, therefore, insert 
some extracts. 

January 25tli, 1780. 

Mt dsab Child, 

As I cannot have the pleasure of speaking to you 
as usual, I take this opportunity of expressing my sincere regard for 
your welfare. As I have endeavoured to give you the best advice I 
was capable of, I should cease to love you if I did not continue to 
recommend to you a life of piety, that is, repentance toward God 
and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, together with a practical ob- 
servance of the duties of religion and morality which your years and 
circumstances in life call for at your hands. Be careful, my dear 
son, to read the sacred Scriptures when you have opportunity, and 
daily to pray to God to keep you from every evil, and humbly thank 
him for every mercy you receive from him. Above all things, 
remember to keep holy the Lord's day. He that neglects to honour 
the Lord in his house, or that spends the Lord's day idly, need not 
wonder if God sujQfer him to run into all manner of sin. be 
careful that you do not commit little evils, for a commission of small 
sins (as some call them) makes way for the commission of greater. 
Semember the words of Solomon, Prov. i, 10, My son, if sinners 
entice thee, consent thou not. Thy mother and I seldom have thee 
out of our mind, but we hope that thou wilt be well used by thy 
master and mistress, and that thou wilt be studious to please them, 
by a constant application to business, and a submissive behaviour. 

We shall expect a letter from you, if health and time permit, on 
Friday. D. K. 

Hull, Thursday eyening, March 16th, 1780. 
Deab Father Aim Motheb, 

• «««««« 

Thanks be to God, we have a help at hand, Jesus 

our Mediator, ever ready to help : but though this be the case, we 



28 LirS OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

are apt to get out of the right line, to err and go astraj to the right 
hand or to the left, which saps our comforts, and throws us into the 
same, or a similar hole again, as before. Mr. Boatson was upon 
peace, last Lord's day, from John xiv, 17, but were I to give you 
the skeleton, (which I have,) I should be tired with writing it, 
therefore I omit it here, perhaps you may see it another time. Of 
late I have been but very dull with respect to God, and things of 
God, that I can't find Immanuel in Mansoul, yet though I have him 
not now, I hope to find him, as his arm is not shortened, 
nor his ear heavy, and his promise is still the same. Your 
parcel and letter I received safe on Saturday night last, and have 
acquainted Mr. Denton with respect to the time I am to come home, 
and he has given his consent to it, therefore on the Saturday before 
Easter I think of coming to Beverley, with the coach, on the out- 
side, as I think it would not be prudent to walk it. That day you 
went home, illuminations were here at night, on account of Admiral 
Rodney's success ; we shut up shop soon, and the Quaker has all the 
rooms, (except the three we have) and he would not light up ; you 
may judge of the consequence of this, according to custom. 

This is our last week of working by candle light ; my kind love 
to all inquiring friends, and accept the same from your loving son, 

J. K. 

Monday, April 10th, 1780. 
Deah Sox, 

Your letter we received, and were glad to hear from 
you, but were sorry you got cold in going to Hull, though it is what 
we thought would be the case, as it was a sharp east wind that day 
you went : as I have not yet got the money of Simon [Gregson], I 
cannot bind you, seeing your master will expect the premium the 
day you are bound. I should be sorry to bind you if you are not 
likely to have your health, as it will be of no avail either to your 
master or yourself, especially as some circumstances are not so 
agreeable as I could wish. I entreat you to beg of God, that he will 
keep you from every evil, and fill you with the true knowledge of 
his holy will, that you may live to the glory and praise of his name, 
in whatever situation you are placed and in whatever employed. 
I purpose seeing you in a little time at Hull ; give my respects to 
Mr. and Mrs. Beatson. 

I rest, your loving father, 

D. K. 

Joseph's health became, however, so weak that it was not 



ILL HEALTH. 29 

thought advisable that he should be apprenticed to the watch- 
making business. He accordingly returned home^ and during 
the time he was out of employment amused himself by making 
a dock. Though he had only been about four months at 
work he had obtained so good a knowledge of the business 
that the clock he then made (which had been laid up for 
many years) was in such good condition in 1843 that with a 
very little adjustment it was put in order so as to go well, and 
has been ever since a very good guide. 



CHAPTER III. 

1781—1782. -KT. 16—17. 

Joseph Kinghorn a Clerk at the Ehwich Lead Wbrh, NewcoMtU — 
Letters between Father and Son — First Birthday Prayer — A 
Tears Fxpences — Desire for the Ministry, 

The next principal event in Mr. Kinghom's life, was his 
removal from homc^ in March, 1781, to the service of Mr. 
Archer Ward, formerly of Bishop Burton, who had taken the 
ELswick white-lead works, near Newcastle-upon-Tyne. On his 
return to his native place, he was welcomed by many friends 
and relatives ; ^' some,'^ he says, ''knew me at first sight ; others 
thought it was me from, the likeness I had to my father; in 
short, a great many came thronging about me, I knew nothing 
about.'' 

He lived with Mr. Ward, and attended usually at Tuthill 
Stairs meeting-house, where a Mr. Dawson then preached. 
Mr. Fishwick, Mr. Ward's partner, lived also with him, and 
being ''just cut out for an instructor," helped Joseph in his 
studies. The Greek Testament afforded employment for his 
leisure hours, and he seems to have been diligent in the 
perusal of it. The practice of taking notes of the sermons he 
heard, was continued as when he was at Bishop Burton. 

The letters of this period begin to be filled with theological 
discussions, of which Mr. David Kinghorn was very fond. 
Mr. Ward was also much addicted to arguing on points of 
divinity, such as the nature of the pre-existence of Christ, &c. 
After telling his father some of Mr. Ward's arguments, Joseph 
adds, " "WTien people get entangled in mazes they know no- 
thing about, it turns out well, if bad work i& not made of it; 
the Scriptures are the best rule, could we but properly see 
into them ; any further we have no business with. May the 



CORRESPONDENCE. 31 

Spirit of Truth guide us all into the truth." To this his 
father gives the following characteristically prudent answer. — 

Bishop Burton, April 16th, 1781. 
I advise thee my son to beware of the vain jangling of 
such persons as are forward to dispute about the Deity, seeing we 
can know no more of him than what is revealed in Scripture ; what 
it says, and not what man says, is to be our rule. But the great 
things in religion are to be most attended to ; holiness in heart and 
life, without which no man shall see the Lord. As thou art of a 
keen temper, beware thou art not ensnared by being too forward in 
displaying thy little stock of knowledge ; remember the advantage 
which a freethinker, i. e.y a Deist, gained over Mr. Newton by that 
means; the same advantage may a Socinian, Sabellian, &c., gain 
over thee. Shouldst thou be attacked in the same manner, and be 
once baffled in thy aigument, thou art in the greatest danger of 
being undone. Therefore I intreat theo to be swift to hear, slow to 
speak, especially about the sacred trinity. Sherlock says, "One fool 
may start many queries, which a hundred wise men cannot answer, 
and that not only about religious, but natural or philosophical 
things." D. K. 

Mr. Kinghom^s true piety even at this age is beautiftdly 
expressed in some of his letters to his parents^ from which we 
give extracts. 

Newcastle, May 9th, 1781. 
My deak Father and Moth eh, 

I was very glad to hear from you, and thank you 
for the precepts laid down [in your letter] ; they are of the greatest 
moment. I have reason to thank God for protecting and preserving 
me from evil, he only can protect us and guide us in the right way. 
It is a great blessing when our hearts' desire is after the Lord, and 
then all sublunary things are felt to be in subjection to him ; then 
we find most peace in our minds — real, not imaginary peace. I have 
had better health thus far here than at home, and hope it will con- 
tinue. I have often a little spare time, in which I pursue the study 
of the Greek Testament, and hope to improve therein. 

Your remarks, cautions, &c., at the latter end of your letter, I 
believe are very true, but I do not think any of the Baptists here 
are of Mr. Ward's opinion except himself, and it is only with him I 
have conversed. I still see no reason to forsake, but retain the old 



32 LIFE OF JOSEPH RINOHORN. 

opinion ; however, we always settle matters very amicably before we 

give over.* Mr. Dawson is not so very deep a preacher as I have 

commonly heard, yet preaches many excellent practical discourses, 

which is the life and soul of religion. 

J.K. 

Newcastle, July 18th, 1781. 

I shall be glad to hear the work of God goes on 
among you, either generally, or individually ; where that flourishes 
it is a sign of the good pleasure of God towards the people who are 
the recipients of it; happy are we, happy am I, when I find the 
light of God's countenance ; he has never deceived me in withhold- 
ing his blessing : no, nor ever will, so long as I can earnestly seek 
him, I hope I may truly say, I have found the above true. Who 
then, for the perishing joys of earth, would part with the eternal joys 
of heaven ? I hope the Lord, of his great goodness, will keep me 
from doing this. I had almost forgotten one circumstance, which is 
that, in Cotherstone, Mr. John Wesley has had a preaching house 
erected, just at the end of the town, as you go in from Bauther 
Bridge, on the right hand side. May the blessing of God rest upon 
you, and his Holy Spirit go with, guide, and direct you. 

I am your loving son, J. K. 

Bishop Burton, July 28th, 1781. 
My dear Son, 

It gives me pleasure that you say you have found 
God to be a hearer of prayer, and that you have tasted some sweet- 
ness in calling on, and trusting in him : you may assure yourself 
from his word, that he will be always found of them that seek him 
with the whole heart, and will be a very present help in time 
of trouble to them that trust in him. Though many have been dis- 
appointed in trusting to human promises, and to the outward 
appearance of things, none were ever disappointed that waited on, 
and trusted in God. 

Bishop Burton, Oct. 6th, 1781. 
All you can expect in point of study, is to im- 
prove vacant time. I would remind you that the great point you 
ought to keep in view, is the salvation of your own soul, for not- 
withstanding we are saved by grace, and that not of ourselves, it is 
the gift of Goi, Eph. ii. 8, yet it is earnestly to be sought, t. $, 

♦ f. «., " leave off :" Yorkshire dialect. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 33 

prayed for, as a gift of God : and to encourage us therein, he hath 
promised to give Ma Holy Spirit to them that ask, and every needful 
thing. Matt, vii, 11, Luke xi, 13. Let this be your first, your chief 
care, to seek a spiritual knowledge of Jesus Christ and his righteous- 
ness, as a justifying righteousness, and to enjoy the sanctifying, 
comforting, leading influences of the Holy Spirit, and you have his 
word, that all other things shall be added unto you, Matt, vi, 33. 
If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, James i, 5, 6 ; but 
when you pray for wisdom, read the Scriptures carefully to see 
what he says to us in them, and pray with the Psalmist, that God 
would give you understanding that you may keep his word, so to 
keep it, as to treasure it up in your heart, that you may not sin 
against him, by having unworthy thoughts of him and his ways, or 
an unsuitable behaviour toward him. For, as the Apostle tells us, 
though we have all knowledge and all faith, without charity, or love, 
we are nothing, 1 Cor. xiii : nothing in the sight of God, but as 
sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. Therefore, while you study 
the words of the New Testament, pray for understanding, that you 
may perceive the beauty of the Lord therein, or as the Apostle styles 
it, the glory of the Lord (Jesus), so as to be changed into the same 
image, from glory to glory, that is from grace here to glory here- 
after. Compare Psalm xxvii, 4 ; 2 Cor. iii, 18. 

D. K. 

Newcastle, Nov. 7th, 1781. 
Dear Father and Mother, 

I am glad you sent Mr. Hall's association letter, 
I shall preserve and return it as you direct ; I think the arguments 
in it are strongly founded indeed. Though that doctrine is one of the 
vitals in religion, yet it is a tender point, and ought to be treated 
with great caution, lest we therein err to the hurt of our souls ; the 
best way is to take and believe the thing just as it is revealed in 
Scripture, and just let it rest there, without applying our reason to 
it at all. I cannot but thank you again for your letter of the 6th of 
Oct., ulto. I wish I could see more beauty, and feel more divine 
energy from the reading of the sacred Scriptures, and live more to 
the honour and glory of their divine author. I sometimes, I hope, 
see a glimpse of divine glory, but the pleasure that flows from con- 
versing with our Creator, is unsearchable. May the grace of our 
Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. 

I am yours affectionately, 

J. K. 



^1 UFK OP JO&EPH KIXGHOEX. 

JanBT 1*^ 1782. 



I^KkK Sex, 

As everT levolvin^ season proclaims the former 
to he post* » tfce biith of one rear is but the death of another. 

Tli» day w are as osoaL caliiag to mini toot first appearance in 
tfce worid ; » sixteen years hath rolled away since you ent^ed into 
life* w a pivKtttioner for eternity, and as you are this day entered 
«pcA another year, we desire you to remember, that as we hare 
•Iwmyj thoQ^t upon this day with some degree of pleasure, we hope 
yw ^"^ cv^ntinue so to act in this life, as that we may hare a con- 
tmoal rea»i>n to rvjoice therein on your account. For our joy most 
nse or £dl in proportion to your in *rease in wisdom and the fear of 
God. I cannot wish for anyihuu: more desinble for us, or advan- 
t^ireous to yourself, than what the pious king of Israel wished or 
prayed for, on accv^unt of his 6on Solomon, 1 Chrtm. xtit^ 19, 
•*and give unto Solomon, my son, a perfect heart," 4c., and 
I rvi»mmond his advice also to you, 1 Chrxm. xxriii, 9, " and thou, 
my :»n, kuv^w the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect 
heart, and with a willing mind, for the Lord searcheth all hearts 
and undor^tandcth all the imaginations of the thoughts : if thou 
icek him, he will bo found of thee : but if thou forsake him, he will 
east thee off for orer." 

What an unsj^eakable privilege is it to have Ctod for our friend, to 
"whvMu at all timcet and in all places, we may have access by prayer, 
and on whv^m wo m»y depend with the most stedfast confidence, as 
on a friend that stickcth closer than a brother, a willing, loYing, 
eompsissionato, tender, able. £iithful, and alwaT^present friend and 
holiH^r to thorn that call upon him in truth. We rejoice to hear you 
make that obs^^rvation, that in proportion as you seek Grod, and im- 
prove the public moans on Lord's days, you feel the comforts of 
religivm. This will doubtless be the case while you lire in the 
world. For gn^at jKNUce have they that love God's law, and nothing 
shall offoud them, IValm cxix,16o, see Johnxir, 21, 22, 23. Foraa 
wo can do nothing without divine grace but what will turn to our 
ruin, «H> we have no rational ground to expect his favour but in his 
own way. Therefore as God has given you understanding above 
many at your years, and hath, I hope, inclined you in some measure 
to stH*k him, and given you some tastes of his goodness, O improve 
the g\Odon st ason of yi>uth by treasuring up his word in your heart. 

Wo aro glad to hear you cimtinue in health, we join in love to you, 
and lYiit your loving father, D. K. 

1\ S. I would caution you to bew{u:e of that spirit, which sets 



BIRTHDAY REFLECTION. 6b 

Hght by exhortations to duty : as well as guard against a legal 
dependence on duties ; the former tends to antinomianism, the latter 
to Pharisaical hypocrisy. 

This day was also remembered by Joseph^ for on it he 
wrote the first of those beautiful annual reflections^ which 
continued till the sixty-sixth and last anniversary of his birth- 
day. We transcribe it entire ; — 

Newcastle, January 17tli, 1782. 
Lord God Almighty, I would desire at this time to be thank- 
fill to thee, the giver of all good, in that thou hast preserved me 
hitherto, and made me a monument of thy sparing mercy, yet how 
few returns have I made to thee ! how many sins have I committed^ 
and how justly mightest thou have punished me with eternal ven- 
geance ; but thy tender mercies are over all thy works : sixteen years 
have I been preserved of thee, in some of which, I hope I have 
experienced the light of thy countenance, shining on my dark soul, 
for which I would desire to be thankful, and humbly beg that thou 
wouldest shine upon me more and more, and subdue all my sinsi 
and may I be more conformed to thy glorious image, and may the 
whole course of my life be perfecting holiness in the fear of thee 
the Lord ; here, Lord, would I surrender myself and my all, en- 
tirely to thy care and fatherly disposal. Give me all needed bless- 
ings : with me bless all my connexions and Mends; bless thy church, 

Lord, and bless this guilty nation with peace and thy Holy Spirit. 
Bless me, Lord, this year, and as long as thou continuest me here, 
may I live only to thy glory, may I be blest in soul and body, in 
things spiritual and temporal, and Lord, now I am thine, here would 

1 devote myself to thee, in witness of which, I would here sign 

myself, 

Joseph Kikohorit. 



In the next letter to his father, his first intimation of a 
desire to become a preacher of the gospel is given. 

Newcastte, February 13th, 1782. 
Deab Father and Mother, 

Yours of the 1 7th ult. I duly received, for which 
I return you my sincere thanks. That day I must say had some 

D 2 



36 LIFE OF JOSEPH KIXGHORN. 

weight upon my mind, considering that I was entering upon another 
year, and in the time I had lived, how little it had heen to the ^ory 
of God, and how greatly I had sinned. Yet, (I hope I may say 
truly,) it is now my desire to be the Lord's only for ever, and I feel 
more solid pleasure in a view of the gosjK^l in any one port of it, 
than in all the pleasures the world can giw« I hope in these things 
I am not deceived ; if I havo l!»ocfn so tihw; to, I pray God I may be 
led into the right w»y — freqTwmtilj- 1 ji»<t «»xt the ministers I hear, 
on account of the b^pipy f*jtpfit*ttttiii^ 4(uii "i^tU'rviews they seem to 
have with (n>d mhiV th(\ ft*r Vkv^lw*^ ^hc glorious gospel of his 
grace to niankivKl. 1 d<«iiT¥^ ^*yhU \ ^^^ here, not to live in vain, 
but to thr ,ri*'»rr M' 0/wi «*: >*^vnQ 4«^ yv<iwr icom:K>rt. But I feel a great 
deal of »iu ;iykI A'^n'^Tt^if/ii; ^ titt^i Iki^turtv and much I am a debtor to the 
grace of tn\i ^ wv»rti^^5«;^ w** ft\>m sins of various kinds which I 
would oth<TvU' ^ x*^v 

Shall W m'^*^ ^*^^^\l tv> yvhx if you will please to inform me what 
your idva i* c^f i^v V*.ikI v*f Uvj* the saints eiyoy in heaven. 

J. K. 

The fi>th>%iu^ c\tnici» from two letters may be considered 
as i^4h>^ IV* iho abo\e. 

Bishop Burton, Fcbntary 23rd, 1782. 

•* Y\m M> xu jvur fwnuor letter, you envy the happiness which 
Mini:^n^r!^ jvvv.x k^ ci\ioY. It is true that God deals kindly with them 
fcvr tW mW vNt' th%N»i^ U> whom they minister the word of life, yet a 
fw^>n WsA>i V A* tniK happy in hearing as the minister in preach- 
i^jt^ 1\n\ ;hx^Vy<h ho hxH* uumy advantages in point of knowledge 
*Wxv t^o xNx\;\\iAr> ht\^r^*rs, he has many perplexities they are 
»^\>^AJ^'^'^ ^'^ K\xh\> hill hath its x-alloj-s and every sweet its bitter; 
iK^ e>x^^ \ >^^\v«* Ki^ih it* vwiufvul. and ovory misery in this life its mercy. 

'" \ x^w x\^\Mxv tv^ luo>n my idi><is concerning what kind of bliss the 
*Ai¥U x^\h^\ iu hxNANew. To this I must say, whatever ideas I have 
lW> ^^\iM W \w\^vrt\Yt ; ftu: wo see in part and know but in part — 

'^ \V i^\\^ tt^ kwixvn ^v \^ things below, 
>fc V^^ ,Nk* >nv w**i^ b«t ftvm what wc know -"—Pope. 

N x^>\\ N^WA'^^t^N^w, thxnvj^h sluMTt. r^iuires a double answer. First, 
\»^>^^^\^V>v ^^>' M\ut> m their si^^virato state before the resurrection. 
HnnnHx^vx , A<\\^ tho nMtHrtxvtiv>n, I need not take notice of negative 
Vx^x:*^ ^^^^ y\ Atk t\>N\^^n\ <VvNw\ |vwn, sickness, sin, sorrow, temptation, 



THE SEPARATE STATE. 37 

affliction, persecation, and sach like, because death would free us 
firom these, supposing there were no friture happiness to be enjoyed. 
But first, the happiness of the separate state of the soul seems 
to consist — 1st. in being with Christ, and beholding his glory: 
Phil, i, 23; Luke xxiii, 43; John xvii, 24; 2 Cor. v, 8. If the 
Queen of Sheba esteemed Solomon's servants blessed above others 
because they heard his wisdom, 1 Kings x, 8, how much more must 
saints be blessed in Christ's presence, in whose presence is frilness of 
joy, and at whose right hand are pleasures for evermore : Psa. xvi, 1 1 . 
— ^2nd. In a perfection of holiness. Holiness and happiness have a 
natural connexion, and a necessary one, where the soul only is con- 
cerned, as in its separate state. All the thoughts, desires, and 
passions of the soul being holy, it must be completely happy. 
— Srd. In the exercise of holy love to a holy God and Saviour. 
Peter saith, 1 Pet. i, 8, "Whom having not seen ye love, in whom 
though now ye see him not, yet believing ye rejoice with joy un- 
speakable and fall of glory." If the exercise of holy love produces 
such joy in this imperfect state, what must it do when faith is losi 
in sight, and hope in full fruition. — 4th. In beholding the manifold 
wisdom of Gk)d as displayed in our complete salvation. When all 
the way that the Lord has led us through the wilderness, and all the 
mysteries of his providence and the riches of his grace are laid before 
us in one volume, what wonders shall we then behold. We shall 
truly say, the half was not told us. — 5th. In growing knowledge of 
God. The soul of man is made for contemplation, and hath a par- 
ticular pleasure in contemplating noble objects, and every peep we 
get of the wisdom and goodness of God, while on earth, yields us 
delight : but how great must the joy be, to see as we are seen, and 
to know as we are known; there is enough in God to employ all our 
rational powers throughout eternity. We are exhorted to grow in 
grace, and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus, " and this is life eternal, 
to know thee, the only true God," &c., John xvii, 3. — 6th. Part of 
our bliss wiU be in converse with angels, "and the spirits of just men 
made perfect," Heb. xii, 22, 23. If angels can speak to men while 
in the body, no doubt they can do the same in heaven, see Dan. 
ix — X, and many other places, Dan. viii, 13, 14, 15. 

As to the bliss of the saints after the resurrection, they shall be 
like Christ, (in body) shall see him as he is, and be ever with him. 
But alas, we cannot conceive the greatness of the glory that shall be 
brought to the saints at the appearance of Jesus, " for eye hath not 
seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man to 



88 



LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 



conceive tlie things which God hath prepared for them that love him/' 
The description of our Lord^s transfiguration gives us the nearest 
view of the glory of tho upper world in its external appearance of 
any place in 8cripturp» Matt» xvii, 2. If we are to be like him, how 
astonishing will \\\%> oh(in^> bo ? how will every believer wonder 
at the chan|(<) \«pon hiiuwolf as well as wonder at the glory 
of God slUnii^ tu Imiuiuuiel? It is impossible for tongue or 
pen to dt>•(^r)Ut> \\\t^ unturo of holy love or what the soul enjoys 
even wht>u lU^ <H^Hh. when it is in exercise of holy love to God, 
therefoiHJ It U indltHl joy unspeakable and fidl of glory. May the 
love of Ooil \^ nhod abroad in your heart and ours ; I've oft thought 
on thuso words of Dr. Young, a deity believed is joy begun, a deity 
adored is joy advanced, a deity beloved is joy matured. 

D. K. 

You will see I have broken off before I have finished my subject, 
and have only given you a few hints of the first part, founded upon 
reasons drawn from those things which are the present enjoyment 
of saints. It being impossible to describe what we do not know, 
nor shall ever know till we arrive there : but to see the Son of Grod, 
to speak to him mouth to mouth, as Moses did on the mount : to 
converse with saints in light, being clothed with immortality, to be 
holy as he is holy, to dwell in his presence for ever, to be ever 
learning new lessons of his matchless wisdom and goodness, and to 
be growing in knowledge through eternity, are thoughts that may 
set us longing to be with him where he is to behold his glory. 

Newcastle, March 14th, 1782. 
Dear Fatheb and Motheb, 

I return you my thanks for your answer to my 
query, I never thought of the distinction between the soul's happiness 
before the resurrection and that after; since, if there be so much 
pleasure in the separate state of the soul, how much more so will it 
be after, when soul and body will be joined, and the retrospect view 
of life will be so much more clear, and consequently, there will bo 
so much more pleasure in sounding out the praise of him who loved 
us and washed us with his own blood. This is my idea of the state 
Jhe soul will be in after the resurrection : for the Scriptures you 
have mentioned I look upon myself as doubly indebted to you) and 
whenever you send ^e a knot of them, look upon them as a very 
valuable part in your letter. 

J. K. 



1 


10 


7 





1 


9 





4 


4 





3 








1 


10 





2 


2 



A year's expenses. 39 

In order to prove to his father that he was not extravagant 
in his personal habits^ he sent him the following exact account 
of one year^ which^ as it is curious and interesting^ we subjoin. 

Inclosed is a general Account of Expenses, which will, I hope, 
give B&iiBfaciion, 

Newcastle, April 10th, 1782. 

General Account of my Expenditure, from March 25th, 1781, to 

March 25th, 1782. 

£ t, d. 
By Mr. Patten, Cloth, &c., for Coat and 

Waistcoat .... 

By Joamey to Cotherstone 

By Two Neckcloths 

By One ditto, (black silk, every day) . 

By Carriage of my box, which came when 

I came 

By ditto, the one you sent 

By a hat, 5s. lOd., stockings, &c., 6s. ll^d. 

an apron. Is. 2d. . 13 11| 

In thii I ) By Pasor's Lexicon, &c., 28. 3d., 

"^tiiS*"! Erskyne's Gospel Sonnets, Is. 4d., 

*'*^'*" ^ / Latin Grammar or rather Accidence, 5d. 4 

NoTB. — My Greek Grammar, and those I got at 
the sale of Mr. L's Library, I bought with 
the money I brought with me. 

By J. Smilam, Tailor, for Sundries 

By Shoes soling, &c., &c. 

By Four pairs of new, at 58. lOd. each . 

£5 10 4i 
One pair of shoes came in pieces on the second soling, which 
occasioned my being obliged to get one pair more than otherwise I 
should have had occasion for. In the within account I believe there 
is Is. 6d. included, which belonged to what I brought with me. 
I believe this account is right (or nearly so) from my papers, &c., 
the rest is letters and small expenses, &c., and at the end of the 
year, there was a balance of £1 19s. 7d. due to me from Mr. Ward. 

J. K. 

Bishop Burton, April 22nd, 1782. 
Deab Son, 

I shall be glad to hear in your next, what you 

do in the fewjtory ? It will give me great satisfaction if you are as 



12 


4 


13 


1 


1 3 


4 



40 LIFB OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

particular in that, as you have been in your account of expenditure, 
with which we are very well satisfied. Mr. Ward, in a letter to 
Simon [Gregson,] said that you were very trusty and useful, and 
gave general content to tlie company. Mr. Fishwick gave the fol- 
lowing answers to questions I put when in conversation with him at 
Hull, viz. " What do you think of him now you have had a year's 
trial." Ana, " He is very useful both in the counting-house and 
in the factory, though his principal business is in the counting-house." 
" Does he behave well ? I hope he does not neglect your business 
through an inclination to study." Ans, " I hc&r no complaints, 
and hope he makes none ; indeed he will not complain for a little ; 
but his time for study will be less, for business increases." "Has he 
made any improvement in book-keeping ? Do you keep books by 
double entry?" Ans. "He has my books to read and study, viz. 
Mair's, and we intend to use double entry." This is the substance of 
what passed. 

I make no doubt that you will be glad to see us at Newcastie, but 
not more glad than we shaU be to see you at Burton, though we do 
not expect you will be here this summer, as Mr. Ward intends a 
journey hither. 

It gives me great pleasure to answer any query that you propose, 
which may be useful to you cither at present, or in future ; though 
writing is not my talent, yet I am willing to do my best for your 
satisfaction. Assure yourself that we have your welfare at heart, 
both as to temporal and spiritual things ; I hope we shall never be 
lukewarm in seeking your prosperity in both. 

D. K, 

Newcastle, May 11th, 1782. 
DkAB FaTHEB and 3fOTHEB, 

In order that you may form a judgment how matters 
stand here, I will take your queries as they lie ; and Jirst, then ; 
What I do in the factory ? WTien lead or paint is to pack, I have 
casks to get ready, tare, &e., to hold it ; when filled, to get weighed 
and to mark them as occasion and circumstances require. To see 
and inquire for vessels for such and such ports, to inquire when they 
will be ready, and when they will want the goods to be sent, and to 
see and have these goods ready for the carts and vessels at the time 
appointed ; this is most in orders for small parcels of goods which 
are often very tiresome, as everything is necessary to be observed in 
them as in things of ten times the importance. Hence the carts 



EMPLOYMENTS AT NEWCASTLE. 41 

come a good deal under my care as to what goes out ; sometimes, 
also, I do a little in the yinegar yard, when occasion requires, and 
very frequently little odd jobs come in the way which I have to do. 
Sometimes I go through the works to see what the men are doing, 
and sometimes, on a pressing exigency, I have been miller, or had 
part of a share therein for a time. Secondly, How I like my situa- 
tion ? Some things there are which are disagreeable in the business, 
chiefly that I am so much confined, for in the day I dare not use any 
spare time, if I could, and at night I am held fast with the writing 
part of the business; and I have many a dark and disagreeable 
journey at nine o'clock to the post house, through all kinds of 
weather, up to which time, from about half-past six in the morning, 
I am frequently confined. 

Mr. Whitfield, of Hamsterly, has been here and sends his respects 
to you; would be glad to see you this way. The association is 
there this year, the first week in June. Shall be very glad to see 
you here ; if you think of coming, would you specify it. I hope 
you will not be long in writing. 

J. K. 

In the summer of 1782, Mr. and Mrs. Kinghom visited 
their son at Newcastle; and Mr. Ward soon after paid a visit 
to Yorkshire. During his absence Joseph resided with Mr. 
Fishwick, which he in some respects found an agreeable alter- 
ation. He complained, however, of the great confinement to 
which he was subjected in the business, and even hinted at 
making inquiry about a watch and clock business to be taken 
without an apprenticeship. His father objected to this as not 
likely either to give him less confinement, or to enable him to 
live with any degree of comfort ; he says in a letter dated 
July 15th, 1782 :— 

" I should have no objection to your being a mechanic either in 
the clock and watch, or any other branch that had the probability 
of being for your future welfare. But as we are such short-sighted 
mortals, we often choose such things as are for our hurt, unless 
directed by divine wisdom. As you know that when Mr. F. pro- 
posed your going to Newcastle for two or three years, he proposed 
also to advance your wages in proportion to your merit, and after a 
few years to help you to a better place, t . e. a place of more honour 
and profit, which, at the time, we embraced with thankfrdness, a§ 



42 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

judging it probable that divine wisdom had designed something else 
for you than being a mechanic, (especially as two attempts had 
fsdled of that nature at Hull.) Therefore as your present lot seems 
to be a prelude to your future situation in the world, it may perhaps 
be the greatest wisdom to submit to the divine will, seeing it seems 
to be his will that you should act in another sphere. As we cannot 
by iaking thought add one cubit to our stature, neither can we change 
the divine counsels concerning our situation even as to our temporal 
estate in this world. For if he appoints the bounds of our habitation, 
he must order also the business we are to be employed in, wheore 
we dwell, &c. I desire you to read and consider a few remarks of 
Mr. Newton's, in his narration of himself, concerning Joseph's change 
of situation, and the application he makes of it to himself, on which 
he observes, if any one of these had failed, the grand design of Qod 
concerning the salvation of men had failed. I do not thus write as 
foreseeing, much less asserting, what is to be your future lot. I 
only think from the two former disappointments at Hull, it seems 
probable that you are not to get your living in the world by 
clockmaking.'' D. K. 

The above remarks were eagerly noticed by Joseph^ who 
apparently thought they had some reference to the ministry^ 
to which his thoughts seem even then to have been directed; 
and though meant by his father^ (as he afterwards explains^) 
only as alluding to an advanced station in business; they are 
remarkable. Joseph says, July 31st, 1782 : — 

There is one thing in your letter I cannot so fully comprehend as 
I could wish. It is this ; you say my present lot seems to be a 
prelude to my future situation in the world. If you think it prudent 
to let me know your opinion, I could like to know what you think 
my present lot is a prelude to, although I have, I think, a guess by 
what you say respecting Mr. N. 

BUhop Burton, August lOih, 1782. 
Deab Son, 

You desire to know what I think your present 

lot a prelude to ? I mean no more than that you may be introduced 
into business in a counting-house; and if God in his providence 
fiivours you, in time you may be a master, or partner, in some branch 
of business yourself. But in these things we ofttimes cannot see 
our way before us, nor can we know what shall befal us in this life, 
•Ten the next hour or minute. But for the present I recommend a 



PROSPECTS IN LIPE. 43 

patient sabmission to the will of God in bearing some difficulties 
that may be in the way, as there is no state without them. 

As to confining you to stay there, I have no desire that you 
dionld stay longer than may be for your good, but as you are now 
grown almost to maturity, you must expect to be employed in 
something in this world for bread one way or other, and in every 
change you make in this world, though you may meet with some 
adTantages, you will always meet with some disadvantages. I am 
fblly persuaded that your being confined in business hath its advan- 
tages, as it prevents you from having any part of your time to sit 
heavy on your hand, and consequently from spending it idly ; for I 
had much rather hear you complain on that head, than hear that 
your time was spent in loose company, which is too often the case 
with youth who have a deal of time on their hands : perhaps you 
may think me severe, or that I harbour a bad opinion of you. 
But, my dear son, a few years' experience will certainly teach you, 
that it is good to bear the yoke in one's youth, and that I speak with 
the feelings of a tender father, who would not willingly see you 
oppressed or injured on the one hand, nor exposed to the snares and 
temptations of Satan, and a bewitching world on the other. Perhaps 
yon wish only for a little more time to study. I acknowledge that 
a little time for that purpose may be very desirable, if wholly em- 
ployed in it. Nevertheless, I am in the mind at present, that it is 
an advantage to your health, that you are restrained from it, parti- 
cularly at this time when you are growing so fast — and, indeed, a 
knowledge of tongues, arts, &c., unless they are for public good, are 
useless things, however pleasing they may be, except a person have 
nothing else to do than to please himself. We ought to confine all 
our thoughts and projects to that which hath a probability of usefiil- 
ness either at present or for the friture. With this view I studied 
to instruct you, as far as I was able, in those things you are now 
acquainted with in science, &c. And I hope I shall ever study 
your real good, and never think any trouble or expense too much, 
that is within my power, which hath the appearance of being really 
beneficial to you. Therefore if you are inclined to be a mechanic, 
(as I know of no probable way for you to be gratified in it, besides 
that of your being an apprentice,) I shall do all in my power to 
support you in it, though I cannot do as I should wish to do for you. 
We join in love to you and all friends. 

I rest your loving fether, &c. 

Davib Einghorn. 



CHAPTER IV. 

1712—1784. .BT. 17—19. 

Joseph is baptized hy his father at Bishop Burton and returns k 
Newcastle — Vi^it of Robert Hall ofi his way to Aberdeen — A ctnaUq/ 
school, versus a clerh^s situation — Joseph is by his father^ % wmwA 
devoted to the ministry, and enters Bristol Academy, 

We now come to Mr. Kinghom's open profession of faith in 
Christy by submission to his ordinance. The first mention of 
it is in a letter dated September 15th^ 1782. 

I often think of a journey to Burton next spring, how it will be 
I know not. I have thought, if no minister is fixed here before the 
time I hope to see Burton, if it would be consistent with gospel 
order, I should wish to be baptized in Burton, should I be thought 
worthy of it. Your sentiments on this I shall be glad to know. It 
is a solemn transaction, and needs much consideration and prayer 
for the blessing of God and his guidance. 

His father replies : — 

Bishop Burton, Oct. 14tli, 1782. 

As to what you say concerning a journey to Burton in the spring, 
if the Lord permit it so to be, we shall be glad to see you. As to 
your being baptized, if you be seriously inclined to it, whether you 
como to Burton or not, it need not be delayed, seeing Mr. Whitfield 
is only thirty miles from you ; even suppose there should not be a 
pastor at Tuthill Stairs. I do not suppose there would be any 
objection made to it by the people here, though I have not men- 
tioned it to any, as the time is so distant. 

Every ordinance of divine appointment ought to be attended to 
with seriousness and caution, and, as you observe, with prayer for 
the divine presence and blessing. Two things are necessary ante- 
cedents to it ; first, a sense of our lost condition by the fall, and our 
inability to recommend ourselves to the favour of God by any duties 
or acts of obedience we are able to perform. Second, a hearty 



Joseph's wish to join the church. 45 

reception of, and dependence on Jesus Christ for salvation — ^without 
the first, the second cannot be ; nor can the first be of any advantage 
without the second — therefore both must go together, and obedience 
to the precepts of Christ will flow firom love, not from slavish fear, 
if he is viewed and depended on, as an able, all-sufflcient Saviour, 
and loved as such. If he is loved, sin will be hated for its intrinsic 
evil, as it stands opposed to the holy nature of God, and to the holi- 
ness of his law. It is possible to shun sin for fear of punishment^ 
though we may not hate it because of its impurity. Not to do the 
first, shews a sinner hardened in wickedness; not to hate sin as 
impure, shews the impurity of the heart. It is the pure in heart 
that shall see God, not the wise in head, unless they are purified. 

D. K. 

Newcastle, Dec. 18th, 1782. 
Deab Fatheb and Motheb, 

I think my intended journey to Burton may, 
perhaps, be only a visit, as I believe Tuthill Stairs people are in 
expectation of a minister, [in which case] it will be very likely I 
shall lay aside the plan of being baptized at Burton. Indeed, I 
do not know how things will be ; the state of my mind is rather 
low at present respecting these things, it being a very solemn 
transaction, and the heart knows its own bitterness although the 
stranger intermeddles not with its joy. 

I have begun, according to your advice, to commit a little of the 
Greek Testament to memory ; it is an operose work, and requires both 
time and patience, yet I have (in measure) found the use of it. I 
have begun with Romans v, although I am as yet only master of 
the first five or six verses. Being advised by my acquaintance not 
to use so much Pasor's Lexicon, and experiencing the truth of what 
he said, since I began to be particular, I got Dawson's for 5s., which 
I hope you will not disapprove, as I can now with pleasure surmount 
difficulties which before were very great hindrances. 

J. K. 

The year 1783 affords, as usual, a beautiful birthday medi- 
tation, as also a letter to his parents on the same occasion ; 
firom the latter we make a quotation. 

By the merciful goodness of God this day I reach seventeen years 
of age ; thus hx has the stream of mercy and goodness followed me 
in the land of the living. The mercies I have received have been 



46 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

very great, for which I hope I am thankM. Bless the Lord, O my 
Bouly and forget not all his henefits. I hope I truly desire this day 
to walk all the days the Lord shall allot me in his fear and to his 
glory. May the Lord keep my feet from falling, and preserve me 
hlameless until the coming of the day of Christ. 

J. K. 

Bishop Burton, Jan. 2ith, 1788. 

Deab Son, 

Yours of the 17th inst. we received, and were 
glad to hear of your health, as also that you remember your birth* 
day with solemn acknowledgments of the goodness of God to yoa 
during the past years of your life, joined with a desire to spend the 
remainder of your days in his fear and to his glory. I hope, my 
dear son, that it will not only be your resolution on that day, but 
your constant endeavour to live in obedience to his will as it is 
revealed in his word; denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, living 
righteously, soberly, and godly in the world ; daily praising him 
for the mercies you receive, and humbly begging his protection and 
direction, and a continual supply to your every need; always 
joining watchfulness with prayer ; watching the first temptations to 
evil, and flying from the deadly snare as from a dagger pointed at 
your breast, saying with your pious namesake. How shall I do this 
great wickedness and sin against God 

We think your masters have acted genteelly in giving you a 
guinea towards your coat that was stolen,* as they did also last 
summer in giving you mourning. 

I rest, your loving Father, 

D. K. 

In April of this year we find a note from Joseph, propofidng 
to be baptized at Bishop Burton at the same time with his 

♦ The following handbill, of which I have the origfinal copy, will explain this. 
TEN GUINEAS REWARD. 

Whereas the Accompting-hoase at the White Lead Works, near Newcastle, belong* 

ing to Messrs. Walker, Hshwick, and Co., was broken open in the night of the ISth, 

or early in the morning of the 17th, inst., and the snm of Six pounds, in half-peaoe, 

the property of the said Walker, Fishwick, and Co., taken out of two desks in the said 

Accompting-house, also one yellow drab-coloured surtout coat, the property of Joseph 

Kinghom, clerk to the said Walker, Fishwick, and Co., whoever will apprehend, or 

Cause to be apprehended, the offender or offenders, so that the same be brought to 

justice and convicted, shall receive the above reward of Ten Guixbab from us. 

Walkbr, Fishwick, and Co. 
Newcastie, Aug, 10th, 1782. 



TESTIMONIALS. 47 

friend Edward Antherson^ to which his father answered as 
follows : — 

Bishop Burton, April 4th, 1783. 
Deab Son, 

Your welcome letter we this morning received, 
and are glad to hear of your welfare, as also that you have a gleam 
of hope respecting a visit to Burton, particularly at a time when you 
may enjoy the ordinances of God in fellowship with those with 
whom you have heen conversant from childhood ; and who will, I 
think, he glad to receive you upon a profession of faith in the Lord 
Jesus Christ and love to him, as manifested hy a willing and cheerfril 
obedience to his commandments, not only of Baptism and the Lord's 
Supper, but an universal obedience to the whole of his revealed 
will. I hope, my dear son, that you are willing not only to learn, 
but also to observe and do those things which Christ commands, in 
obedience to his will, and a desire that his name may be glorified by 
you, in your body and spirit, which are his. His by right of 
creation and preservation, — his by your self-dedication to hira, and 
his engagement to be found of them that seek him early, (and such 
shall find life and obtain favour of the Lord,) — his by his setting 
manifestly his love upon them, and separating them to himself, — 
Pte. iv, 3 ; Prov. viii, 1 7, 32 to the end. So that if you heartily 
engage in his service he has bound himself by promise to love, own, 
and acknowledge you, to guide you by his counsel, and to be with 
yon at all times, for he will never leave you nor forsake you. 

D. K. 

The two following testimonials, — ^from Mr. Ward, and Mr. 
John Kinghom, who resided at Newcastle, — may not be un- 
interesting. 

Newcastle, April 12th, 1783. 

Sib, 

Your favour of the 4th inst. I duly received. As 
to your son's moral conduct we can truly say it is upright. We 
will try to spare him from this date to return by the 2nd of May. 
We hope the journey will be a very agreeable one to you all, and 
wish and hope a blessing will attend the institution of the Divino 
Eedeemer to them who immediately are engaged in so honourable a 
eanse. May they feel for themselves the promised blessing to such 
as do his commandments, and go on their way rejoicing. Joseph is 
very anxious to learn Greek and Hebrew, &c., &c., perhaps to a 
fault, as it strains his memory too much, as well as rather may 



48 LIPE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

interfere with bis other respective duties. Everything is beautiftil 
in its season, it will always give me pleasure to see Joseph acquit 
himself with propriety in every situation in his duty towards God 
and man. Please to present my best respects. 

Yours, &c., 

A. WiLED. 

P. 8. My wife is anxious for Joseph to stay three or four days 
longer than I mentioned, on Mrs. K.*s account, which I consent to 
if you think well of it. 

Newcastle, April, 1783. 
Deab Bbothek, 

You will expect me to say something concerning 
your son, but you must take it in the lump, for he is a very fine 
youth, and as far as I know unreprovable, and may he ever remain 
60. I know you will have no objection to have this character of 
him, especially as you may depend upon the truth of it, for I look 
upon him to be a pattern of sobriety and good sense, and an honour 
to our family. 

I am, dear Brother, yours affectionately, 

John Kinqhobit. 

Joseph Kinghom accordingly went to Bishop Burton, was 
baptized there, and joined the church under his father's care. 
He returned to Newcastle May 6th, and wrote the next day 
as follows. 

Newcastle, May 7th, 1783. 
Deab Fatheb and Motueb, 

Last night, through the blessing of Providence, I 

arrived hero, and had an exceeding agreeable day, although the 

riding in the chaise did not well agree with me. The passengers 

were, a gentleman as far as Thirsk, and a young lady to Durham. 

From Thirsk to Durham she and I were alone ; she was exceedingly 

agreeable company, but what made it still more so was a book she 

had, which was introduced by her with observing she had a volume 

in her pocket, and that perhaps its having a serious turn would be 

no objection to me, and I was welcome to divert myself with it. I 

replied, its having a serious turn woiJd be a great rccommendationi 

and could not help wondering how people could take pleasure in 

reading a deal of trivial trash, which, she replied, was reallj 

amazing. This gave me a pleasing idea of her, especially when I 

found the book she produced was a kind of poetic paraphrase on 



JOSEPH KINGHORN IS BAPTIZED. 49 

some of the most strikmg Scripture histories. She was also very 
£md of it; it was indeed an exceedingly fine piece, and many 
Talnahle ideas in it. What I liked least was its being dressed up 
something in the manner of the stage, although I do not think it 
need be an objection to the most scrupulous reader, as there are no 
persons or actions introduced but what are plainly expressed or 
evidently understood in the Sacred Writ. The subjects were Moses 
in the bulrushes, David and Goliah, Belshazzar's feast, and Daniel 
being cast into the den of lions, to which is added thoughts on 
Hezekiah's sickness. This is really a most excellent piece, and 
breathes very much of the spirit of Christianity, and concludes with 
a poem on Sensibility. I read nearly from end to end with great 
pleasare. 

Friends were seemingly glad to see me, and nobody more than 
ICr. Tendered. He let me see a print of the late Bey. Hugh Evans, 
who was tutor to the Bristol Academy, but he is now succeeded by 
his son, the present Mr. Caleb Evans, when, after a little trivial 
conversation, he said he wished I was under the tutorage of thia 
gentleman's son, (pointing to the print of Mr. Hugh Evans) to 
which I replied I had no objection to be so. This has given me a 
pleasing prospect of his willingness to inform you of the particulars 
yon desire respecting the academy. Mr. Whitfield* comes here on 
Saturday to baptize the people proposed on Lord's day; a sermon 
will be preached at the waterside, and the baptism will be at the 
foot of our bank. 

J. K. 

In the above letter the first hint is given of his wish to go 
to Bristol, and in the following series of letters it is interesting 
to observe his ovm earnestness to become a student there, yet 
his obedient acquiescence to the will in his heavenly and 
earthly parents, and at the same time to remark his father's 
characteristic prudence; but it is still more interesting to see 
the gradual unfolding of God's providence tending to the 

* Mr. Charles Whitfield was a natiye of Weardale, in the county of Durham, being 
bom in 1748, at a place called East Black Dean. At the age of thirteen he lost his 
fiither, and was soon after sent as an apprentice to Newcastle. At one of Mr. Wesley's 
fisits to that town he was brought under the influence of religion, and joined the 
Methodists; but in 1770 united with the Baptist church at Tuthill Stairs, and soon 
after commenced preaching. In May, 1774, he was ordained at Hamsterley, where he 
remained till his death in 1821. He was yery assiduous in his labours, and was a man 
of eoosiderable leaning, especially as a Hebraist.— Sf0 Douglaa's Hiatory, 

E 



50 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHOEN. 

establishment of Joseph Kinghom as an eminent and nsefol 
minister of the Oospel. It is always pleasing to review the 
thoughts and feelings with which events were contemplated, 
from which the veil of fatturity, impenetrable at the time, has 
long since been raised; but more so far when those events 
were brought to bear on usefulness to mankind, and have been 
made subservient to God's glory. Surely all such reviews 
should make us more attentively watch and more quietly 
submit to the movements in providence of that Being who 
alone knows the end from the beginning, and whose love and 
care for his people are as striking and glorious as his omni- 
science and wisdom. 

Mr. Pendered, the minister at Tuthill Stairs, wrote to 
Mr. David Kinghom, giving him full particulars as to the 
admission of students at Aberdeen and Bristol, and also as to 
the character of the two coU^es. Aberdeen he considered lax 
both in principles and practice ; but higher as to learning in 
some respects than Bristol. This letter was given to Joseph 
Kinghom to forward to his father; and it is very amusing to 
notice the extreme agitation which the sight of it occasioned 
him, ''exciting,'* he says, "all the powers of my mind which 
are capable of being moved, either by hope or fear. Me- 
thought," he adds, " it was like a letter coming through the 
hands of a prisoner to his gaoler, which contained either his 
condemnation or pardon ; and he suspicious yet ignorant of 
its true contents — judge ye then of the anxious moments.'^ 

He seems to prefer Aberdeen, though Bristol would have 
the advantage of being 150 miles nearer home. He sees, 
however, no obstruction in the way of his entering one or 
the other before the end of the year, and begs his fother will 
not fail to let him know the conclusion as soon as possible. 
But his excitement somewhat cabns towards the dose of the 
letter, for he goes on to say, — 

I am now tolerably easy in my mind ; my thunder stroke is maoh 
gone «off, and it is no very great matter if I never come there, 
considering all things, as God's providence will not be stopped by 
such trifling things, and though man's heart dcviseth his way, yet 



ABERDEEN AND BRISTOL COMPARED. 51 

tb» ordering of the matter is entirely of the Lord. I beg we may 
have his direction ; I feel much need of the power of divine grace, 
wisdom^ and strength ; in short, I feel my own frailty, yet I hope, 
thiongh the grace and strength of God, I am willing to be or do any 
thing for his name's sake. He is a good Master, his servants are 
fighting in a good cause, with good armour, good assurance of 
yictory and good reward. Who then would not serve him ? Only 
those who prefer the pleasures of sin for a season to the eternal 
:wei|^t of glory laid up for his people. 

J. K. 

The &ther seems, however, by no means so aoxioua as the 
mm for speedy admission either to Aberdeen or Bristol. He 
CQmdders him too yomig '' to be turned into the work of the 
ministry^' after a year or two at Bristol, and does not approve 
of '^ confining a person four or five years firom public speaking 
after they are judged by the church to have gifts already for 
that work.'^ He treats the subject in his usual kind and 
cautioiis way, and does not omit to notice his son's hastiness 
and ardour in part of his letter, though he also notices the 
ea[|ive8sion8 he approves. 

Bishop Burton, May 27th, 1783. 
But suffer me to ask, why were you thrown into such a perturba- 
tion of ndnd at the reception of Mr. Pondered* s letter ? Were you 
afraid of going to the academy? or afraid you should not be 
approved ? And after some observations on the two places, of which 
you seem to prefer the north, you conclude thus, "I am now 
toLeinibly easy in my mind,'' &c. No man ought to take the work 
of the ministry upon him without a call of providence make it 
manifest to be the will of God ; and then, he thai d$meth the office 
of a bishop desireth a good work. Now, if you think as you say, 
that it is no great matter if you never come there, and if you are 
/itrock with fear at the prospect of the solemn work, I think it wiU 
he advisable either not to engage in it at all, or not to fix upon it 
nntil the mind is settled and determined how to act. If he opens 
a door for you — 1 mean, calls you to speak for him — be not afraid ( 
he wiU strengthen you, yea, he will help you, yea, he will uphold 
you, with the right hand of his righteousness. But be not too 
forward in speaking before you are called properly to it; rather wait 
with patience to know what is the will of God concerning you, and 

E 2 



52 LIFE OP JOSEPH KINGHOEN. 

patiently eubmit to it when it appears. The study of divinity is 
the great object every minister ought to have in view, nntil he has 
got the whole scheme of doctrinal and practical truth fixed in and 
impressed on his mind, which will require much time and labour, 
with many prayers. This must be his work all his days, or he will 
soon grow barren, as I have found to my cost. Besides, the know- 
ledge of science puflfeth up, but love edifieth. Therefore, as Dr. 0. 
saith, it requires a humble mind where there is much knowledge in 
the head, otherwise it becomes exceeding dangerous and hnrtftil, 
though it may be very useful while kept in its proper place. 

D. K. 

How eminently this last observation was exemplified in 
Joseph Kinghom, in later years, those who knew him must 
well remember. His knowledge, (extensive and profoxmd as 
it became,) was accompanied with great hmnility and lowliness 
of mind; and therefore, instead of being '' dangerous and 
hurtful,'^ was " very useful, because kept in its proper place.** 
Sanctified knowledge is indeed amongst our greatest blessings, 
and humility of mind and devotedness to Gk)d's glory amongst 
the most important characteristics of a Christian minister. It 
is especially interesting to see the following sentiments ex- 
pressed in early life by one who was afterwards so useful and 
distinguished in God's service. On receipt of his fieiiher's 
letter he replies, — 

June 4th. 1788. 
Deab Father, 

Yours of the 25th I duly received, and concerning 
its contents have reflected a little as well as I could, and I earnestly 
wish my conduct may be directed in such a manner as may be most 
for Ood's glory. My mind is still the same as before ; the ministzy 
is still the object to which I look, and I hope I may truly say, be- 
cause I thereby wish to glorify God, and be useful in the world to 
fellow-creatures. If it will not be for his glory, it is my real desire 
it may not be ; and I trust that God, who has promised to direct the 
paths of such as acknowledge him, will guide me in the right way. 
I had rather be employed in that than any other thing, and I hope 
from a principle of love to God; — my desire is to be in his 
immediate service. 

J. K. 



ADDRESSES AT PRAYER MEETINGS. 53 

The opinion of Mr. Beatson^ minister at Hnll^ was asked by 
ike &ther. He advised further deliberation^ and the matter 
was then mentioned by Joseph to Mr. Fishwick^ who also fell 
in with the plan of delay; though Mr. Fendered still appeared 
anxions that no time should be lost. Joseph^ however^ con- 
sented to his Other's opinion^ that delay was prudent^ especially 
as the agreement with Messrs. Ward and Co.^ though only 
verbal^ could not be so well terminated before the next 
March (1784). 

In reply to the advice of David Kinghom^ that a prayer- 
meeting should be established at Newcastle^ his son gives him 
a lively accotmt of that already formed^ in which he had 
himself taken part. 

A meeting for prayer is carried on here every Wednesday evening 
at Mr. Ward's and Mr. Eishwick's alternately, and consiBts generally 
of from twelve to eighteen. He at whose house the meeting is, 
(or Mr. rendered,) nominates some one to exercise, which is by 
reading a chapter, giving out a hymn, and praying. A table, on 
which a Bible and hymn-book are lying, is brought and set before 
the person, which is the sign that they are to begin, if agreeable 
to them. Mr. Pondered brought the table to me twice, and Mr. 
Ward another time, and I was enabled to speak in prayer without 
so much fear as might be expected, except a little timidity at the 
onset. 

Speaking firom a passage of Scripture was afterwards intro- 
duced, and in those addresses Joseph appears to have given 
general satisfaction. His father, however, feared that he had 
so much enei^ both in this and other matters as to injure his 
health, and accordingly gave him the following quaint advice 
and caution. 

Biflhop Burton, Sept. 20th, 1783. 
DSAB SOK, 

We were sorry to hear you had been so ill, but 
glad that you are now better. Your mind and body are like a sharp 
sword in a thin sheath, which, if often drawn, will soon cut through. 
You seem so intent in pursuing various studies, more than your 
body can bear, that I do not wonder if the agitations of your mind 



54 LIFE OF JOSEPH KIXOHOEN. 

should hart your health. Hr. Ward remarks that your mind i 
contmnally on the rack in pursuit of something, and that when joa 
speak in your private meetings it is with keenness, and that yon had 
spoken a good while at one time before you had your illness, which, 
he thought, occasioned it, by throwing you into too great an agitation, 
and brought on a fever. 

I advise you, my son, rather to speak less or not at all, than 
continue to speak much, if your mind is agitated when you speak. 
Two or three short sentences, spoken with propriety, will be more 
acceptable and useful than a long confused discourse in such meet- 
ings. Besides, it prevents others, by engrossing too much of the 
time. Beware lest pride prompt you to display your abilities, 
especially as you have an eye to the work of the ministry, and are 
so desirous of being employed in it. Mr. Ward says your ideas 
want to be brought into less compass. It, indeed, requires time and 
a distinct knowledge of things to be able to speak correctly, and in 
few words, what we wish to say on any subject, but it is the greatest 
folly to attempt to speak more than we have a distinct knowledge of 
ourselves. We cannot expect to edify others by speaking in general 
terms what everybody knows, nor is it useful to speak in a round- 
about manner, without coming to the point, till the minds of heaien 
are tired, before the subject intended is mentioned, which is the 
fault of many. Should pride creep into our minds, and we be puffed 
up with the conceit of our abilities or performances, it will be no 
wonder if we should bo left to ourselves, that we may know onr 
own weakness, and learn the need we have of constant dependence 
on God. It is one of the most difficult tasks we have to learn, viz., 
to be as diligent as though all depended on ourselves, and as diffident 
of our own abilities as though nothing depended on us, but aU 
on God. Happy are they who set the Lord always before them, and 
act with an eye to his glory in all they do ; taking his word as their 
rule, and the example of Christ as a pattern to copy after in all 
actions. 

Your remark on Isa. vi, 8, 9, that "where God hath work he 
makes some willing to go, and only those who are willing are 
accepted of him for that end," I approve and admire. If the Lord 
hath given you both a will and a message to deliver, he will give 
needful furniture for the delivering of that message, or open a door 
for your attaining it. 

May the Lord grant us direction and submission to his will in 



ROBERT HALL AND JOSEPH KINQHORN. 55 

proTidence, and hearts to love his name and obey his word. 
Commit thy way unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be 
established; trust him, and he shall bring it to pass in his own 
time and way; he is able to do exceeding abundantly above what 
we can ask or think, and can disappoint our fears and exceed 
our hopes. 

D. K. 

During this period Joseph employed his leisure time in 
writing an Essay on "The Promise of Life/' founded on 
2 Tim. i^ which he sent to his father^ who in return gave his 
oomments and his opinion of it. Joseph complains that writing 
it out seems to cramp his thoughts^ and that he cannot write 
&8t enough to note down all his ideas^ for "if I do not make 
haste/' says he^ "and down with them when they are present^ 
they make themselves wings and fly away.'' 

In transmitting the last of these papers he enumerates 
amongst his engagements^ as accounting for the delay in their 
completion^ the reading of Edwards on the Will, and a visit 
of a week from young Mr. Hall of Amsby, on his road to 
Aberdeen. 

In his company we may suppose Joseph would be delighted, 
and they would have a pleasant topic of conversation and 
discussion in this celebrated work of President Edwards, a 
book which was one of Hall's great favourites when only nine 
years old, and which he had just been re-perusing. In writing 
to Dr. Ryland about this time he says of it, " the more I read 
it the more I admire it." 

Joseph Kinghom was then in his eighteenth year, Robert 
Hall not two years older. We can fancy them pacing together 
the broad esplanade running from Mr. Ward's house down to 
the banks of the Tyne. Two remarkable figures are before us> 
the one somewhat above the middle stature, of broad and 
muscular fr^me, his features plain, yet his expression in no 
small degree intellectual and striking; the other imusually 
tall and handsome, both as to features and expression. The 
manner of the former is energetic and vigorous, that of the 
latter, simple and urbane. Robert Hall had at this time been 



56 UFB OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

two years at Aberdeen in addition to three at Bristol^ and lie 
has been known deeply to lament the want of reli^on at the 
former place^ while the spiritual advantages at the latter were 
of the brightest order. These feelings he wonld probably 
communicate to Joseph Kinghom^ and thus increase his 
desire of going to Bristol; and we are informed that Mr. Hall 
spoke to Mr. Fendered on the subject^ and strongly recom- 
mended it. It is very pleasant and interesting to trace the 
early acquaintance of these two remarkable men who after- 
wards met in the relation of tutor and student^ and later still, 
in that of controversial opponents. After lives of great use- 
fulness and reputation in the service of the Lord^ they have 
both^ long since^ entered into their rest, and now join in one 
song of praise before the throne of God and of the Lamb. 
. Mr. Pendered gives an interesting account of J. K.'8 
preaching at this time. He says, — 

I camiot help mentioning, in the first place, a certain modesty 
which constantly marks his sentiments and conduct when called 
upon to speak firom a portion of Scripture. He is remaikaUy firee 
fhun that affi^^ted pomp of words which is the natural fidliog of a 
young speaker. He apparently aims at things rather than words, 
and he aims well. If ever he trespasses against the roles of this 
amiable modesty, it is when he is attempting to vindicate the 
IKvinity of Christ. He then seems sometimes to be scolding at us 
as if we were all a company of Arians. 

The question of his entering Bristol Academy was not 
settled till the beginning of 1784. He had some thought of 
taking a school, should the Bristol design be abandoned, ud 
he gives a curious Dr. and Cr. account of the oomparathre 
advantages of the two projecta^the school and the deikahq^ 
—in a letter to his father, dated F^b. 4th, 1784, which he 
wrote at the request of Mr. Fishwick, to obtain his sentiments 
respecting Bristol. 

I again n^ix'at what I befinre mentioned* that I could like a pkoe 
in the countxT in a school, and though 3rou opposed it, I do not think 
what \-\>u mid against it so strong as what I have to say ftr it, in 



A COUNTRY SCHOOL^ OE CLB&K^S SITUATION. 



57 



eompariBoii witli this place. These things came into my head to-day 
in this light, and airanged like Dr. and Gr. as follows : — 



nr A COITNTRY SCHOOL. 

Salary, perhaps what W. Daw- 
son had, £10 per annum, fewer 
efrpemaeB, fewer clothes wanted, 
and opportunity of getting them 
more reasonahly, &c., &c., and 
not heing perplexed or liahle to 
loss by accounts, &c. 

A good deal of time for im- 
provement. 

Perhaps to go for meat fix)m 
house to house. 

Perhaps a more countrified 
diet. 
Perhaps lodging not so good. 



BEXNO CLRBX. HSKB. 

Salary, £12 per annum, wash- 
ing to pay for. 



Very little time for improve- 
ment. 

Everything provided, but no 
more satisfaction than though it 
were the opposite. 

Perhaps not, and this equally 
as likely as the other. 

Here they are none so extra- 
ordinary, either for convenience 
or elegance. 

Difficult tempers to deal with. 



The privileges of the gospel 
constantly. 



Perhaps difficult tempers to 
deal with. 

Perhaps poor lean Arminian- 
ism, but then, firequent opportu- 
nities of coining to Burton, and 
hearing the word, seeing you, 
and enjoying church privileges. 

I do not recollect any more now that I have considered, but I 
think the sum total added up, the balance will preponderate to the 
sehool. Should the letter I soon hope to receive be against my 
going to Bristol, I submit the above to your perusal. But if, on the 
contrary, agreeable to my wish, you need then only consider the 
above as speculations. J. K. 

We may conceive that the following letter was received 
with great joy as settling the agitated and important question. 

Bishop Burton, Feb. 3rd/ 1784. 
Ht dsab Son, 

You will, perhaps, be ready by this time to take 

up the complaint of the church and say, the Lord hath forsaken 



68 LIFE OP JOSEPH KINOHOEN. 

me, and my Qod hatb forgotten me, that I am so crossed in my 
desires that my eyes fail with looking for my God. Or, if faith and 
patience still keep alive, you will be ready to say, have my father 
and mother both forsaken me ? well, when my father and mother 
forsake me the Lord will take me up ; blessed are they that trust 
in him, for he will never leave them nor forsake them. Since I 
received Mr. Fishwick's letter I have had great struggling in my 
mind, but though Satan hath shot many fiery darts prayer hath 
prevailed, and God hath girded me with strength by his power, so 
that I am come to a determination respecting your :^ture situation 
in life. You shall be lent to the Lord, to spread the honour of 
his name and to fight the battles of the Lord, and may the Spirit of 
the living God fill you with wisdom and fortitude, and enrich your 
soul with every grace and needful gift for that important work when 
called to it. May your shoes be iron and brass, and as your day so 
may your strength be. As the earth is the Lord's and the fulness 
thereof, the world and they that dwell therein, the silver and the 
gold are his, and at his disposal, and he will supply all your need: 
Cast all your care upon him, for he careth for you. Li everything, 
by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, make your request 
known unto him, and you shall find him at all times a God hearing 
and answering prayer. If the Lord is pleased to spare me to see 
you come forth as a labourer into his vineyard I think I shall 
rejoice, and own myself bound in gratitude to join Hannah in her 
song. I agree with you, learning is very useful if kept in its proper 
place and used at proper times, like a soldier's sword. But, observe, 
it is cowardly, unmanly, and tyrannical to draw a sword against a 
naked, defenceless person, and swagger over those who have no suck 
weapon to defend themselves with. If I understand not the 
meaning of the voice I shall be to him that speaketh a barbarian, 
and he that speaketh a barbarian unto me : 1 Cor. xiv. Bead that 
chapter with care and attention, and compare the two preceding 
ones with it. If I cannot convince the understanding of a plain 
English scholar out of our English Bible, I am sure, from experi- 
ence, I cannot out of the Greek and Hebrew ; such may be silenced, 
but not convinced. 

If the Lord will, I intend you to go to Bristol this summer, 
provided that you are approved. I shall be glad to know whether 
the trial you have had be sufficient, and whether you could have a 
recommendation from the church at Newcastle sufficient fbr that 
purpose. Also whether Mr. Tendered so far approves of you as to 



JOSEPH DEVOTED TO THE MINISTRY. 59 

eoncur in giying you a recoxnmendatioii to Mr. Evans, Mr. Eyland, 
or any other person he may think necessary. Mr. W[ard] proposes 
making yon a present of £5 after you have been one year, and Mr. 
F. £10 after you have been two years, and for you to stay three 
yean at the Academy. 

The Lord, who has the hearts of men at his disposal, can raise up 
other friends if he sees necessary for you to continue longer, and can 
supply all our need out of his abundant goodness and riches of mercy 
in Christ Jesus, and fdthM is he that has promised, who also will 
doit. 

I began two letters to you, and as many to Mr. Pondered, but 
such was the gloom of my mind I could not get them finished, nor 
would they have been favourable to you, nor, finally, of so much 
sattsfiictian to myself as the present, for I find more pleasure in the 
prospect of your being engaged in the Lord's cause than I could 
have done had I been assured that you would become a rich mer- 
chant. O my son, if the Lord opens the heart and fills it with 
some discoveries of his grace and love in Christ Jesus, out of the 
abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. "Bless the Lord, my 
soul, and forget not all his benefits.'' "Thou art my God and I will 
praise thee, my fiEither's God and I will exalt thy holy name for ever." 
It is Ood, my son, that giveth men a mouth, and wisdom to speak 
fbr the conviction of sinners, and the comfort of his church, without 
fltadied rhetoric when he hath any particular work to do : at other 
times we are but like sounding brass and tinkling cymbals. pray 
Ibr the teaching of his Spirit, and rest upon God alone to bless your 
studies, and make your labours useful. May the Lord guide and 
direct us as shall be best for his glory, and your and our good, and 
the good of his church and people. 

I rest, in love, your father, 

David Kikohobk. 

The following is part of Joseph Kinghom's reply. 

Newcastle, Febroary Sth, 1784. 
Bbae Fatheb, 

Yours I received, which was very agreeable 
indeed, and for which, I hope, I am truly thankful, as there appears 
in providence a door opened, whereby that which I desired may be 
accomplished. I am extremely happy in your satisfaction in the pre- 
sent case, and hope I can truly join with you in blessing the Lord 



60 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

for all his benefits. I hope the present intention wiU be for bis 

glory. As to myself, I desire to be in bis service, as a poor instm^ 

ment in bis almighty hand ; I trust in him that as the day is, so be 

will uphold me, for I have nothing else I can rely upon besides bis 

word and promise, and I am well persuaded he will not be slack in 

fulfilling his promise to those who believe his word. 

That the God of heaven and earth may bless us in this thing and 

lead us to what will most glorify him is the earnest prayer of yours 

in duty and affection, 

Joseph KoreHOSK. 

Bishop Burton, Febmary, 1784. 
DsAB Son, 

No mercies are so sweet to us as those we obtain firom 
God by prayer. Psalm Ixvi, 16, to the end. I wrote in my last 
entreating you to be earnest in prayer; next to it, be diligent in 
reading and firequent in meditation on the sacred Scriptures. In 
order to profit by it, beg of God to impress the word on your hearty 
and give you such a sense of the beauty, sweetness, and importance 
of every doctrine, precept, promise, exhortation, and reproof contained 
therein, that, having your mind solaced with their sweetness, and 
delighted with their beauty and harmony, thou mayest be able to 
reconmiend to others what is the real food and delight of thy own 
soul. If ever we expect a blessing to attend our labours in God's 
vineyard, it can only be when we feel the power of the word on oup 
own hearts, see the beauty and importance of it ourselves, have the 
glory of a triune Gbd and the good of immortal souls in view. "We 
cannot reasonably expect his blessing if we seek not his glory ; so 
neither if we use not his own weapons or act not by his direction. 
His weapons are not carnal and weak, but mighty, through bis 
energy, to the pulling down the strongholds of Satan. The sword 
of the Spirit is the only weapon to kill sin, wound the conscience^ 
and repel the adversary. But, remember, it must be pressed home 
ere it pierce to the heart, and laid on with force ere it divide 
asunder the joints and marrow ; and adapted to the cases, the sins, 
the circumstances, and the temptations of the hearers, ere it can be 
a discemer of the thoughts and intents of the heart. As everything 
is useless until applied to its proper use and end, so some have said^ 
an unapplied Christ is no Christ ; t. e,, of no saving effect. It is 
God's method to apply his word to the heart savingly, while the 
preacher applies it to the understanding and conscience &ithfiiUy : 



A FATHER^S COUNSEL. 61 

Acts ii, 37, &G. It was the constant practice of the prophets, the 
Baptist, Christ and his apostles, to apply the word closely to the 
consciences of their hearers as their circumstances required. As 
God's word is powerM, like a sword, to pierce and cleave asunder, 
a hammer to break the hard heart, and a fire to scorch the conscience 
and consume false notions, and bum up sinful works; so philo- 
sophical reasoning is impotent before a powerM and malicious 
enemy, — weak as the sons of Sceva, to whom the devils replied, 
^' Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are ye?" Proud 
reasoners, with nice metaphysical distinctions and philosophical 
harangues, amuse their hearers rather than profit them, set forth 
themselves rather than Christ, reform the head but not the heart. 
He that learns the divine art of winning souls is wise ; — infinitely 
wiser than the most subtle disputant or professed ling^t without 
this art. Be not wise in thine own eyes, fear the Lord, and depart 
from evil ; Gk)d resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the lowly, 
humble mind ; which things we speak not in the words which man's 
wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth, comparing 
spiritual things with spiritual. It was Paul's determination not to 
know anything among the Corinthians but Jesus Christ and him 
crucified. Therefore, whatever you desire to learn of tongues or 
arts, I entreat you to beg of God, that all your studies, and all your 
acquirements may be blessed and sanctified for that end, that you 
may be more enabled to recommend Jesus Christ, and his good and 
holy ways to fellow-mortals. The great thing you will have most 
to learn is, by a manifestation of the truth to commend yourself to 
every man's conscience in the sight of God ; — ^to the consciences of 
the careless sinner, the formal professor, the pharisaical hypocrite, 
the awakened sinner; the mourning, tempted, feeble saint; the 
backslider in heart and conduct ; and the steady, rejoicing, obedient 
Christian. He that is able to give to each of these his portion of meat 
in due season, is a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly 
dividing the word of truth ; a shepherd that feeds his flock in green 
pastures, and guides them in all the practical paths of religion. 

If the Lord caU you to his work, seek not the applause of men, 
but the praise and approbation of God and your own conscience, and 
the prayers and blessings of the godly. Soul flatterers gain the 
applause of men, but lose the approbation of God ! A gospel minister 
must be a shepherd to guide and lead the sheep to good pastures and 
Btill waters. That doctrine, and those truths which humble, melt, 
warm, and invigorate thine own heart, and make thee most lively 



62 Line OF JOSBPH KINGHORN. 

and active in the tilings of Qod, aie what I wish thee to stady most 
and preach constantly; and that manner which is most easy and 
familiar to thyself, most natural to set forth the motions of thy own 
mind when thou art iq>eakingy is the manner of speaking I recom- 
mend to thee. Kever aim at a studied, starched precision ; if it is 
not natural it is always awkward ; nor strive to make hearers think 
you to be in a good frame of mind when you are not, for the 
hypocrisy of it is odious in the sight of God and every discerning 
Christian. Seek earnestly the divine presence to be with thee as he 
was with Moses, and beg his blessing to accompany his own word, 
plead his promises, and trust in him for the performance ; then shall 
you speak acceptably, usefully, and comfortably to your own soul 
and the souls of others. In such seasons God will be glorified, his 
promise verified, your faith strengthened, and your love inflamed. 
Nothing fires the heart and looses the tongue so much as a sight, by 
&ith, of the essential, personal, and mediatorial glories of Christ;— 
pray for it and preach it. 

I recommend in your trials not to go into the pulpit, but to stand 
in a pew, as the practice of the churches in the west of Yorkshire is 
BO, and has been so among Baptists very long. Dr. Gill's first dis- 
course was in a pulpit through necessity, there not being room in 
the table pew, the meeting was so full. 

May the Spirit of Christ rest upon you and lead you into all troth ; 
take of the things of Christ, and shew them unto you in all their 
glorious excellency and beauty, feeding you with the fatness of his 
house, causing you to drink of the streams that make glad the city 
of God. 

I rest your loving father, 

D. K. 

what wisdom, power, love, goodness, mercy, grace, troth, 
Mthfiilness, sympathy, pity and compassion, care and watchfbl- 
ness, shine in the glories of Christ ! He is the mighty God, the ohief 
among ten thousand ; a father, husband, brother. Mend ; the altar, 
priest, and sacrifice ; a teacher, and subject taught ; a feeder, and the 
food ; a physician, and the medicine ; a leader, and the way. 

A dismission was now given from the church at Bishf^ 
Burton to that at Newcastle^ in order that Joseph might be 
recommended to Bristol by the latter church. He accordingly 
remained there some time longer, preaching both in private 



FIRST SERMON. 68 

and public; and of those early trials we haye interesting 
accounts from Mr. Pendered as well as from himself. 

KewcasUe, March 16th, 1784. 

Dear Father, 

Your letter I received with joy and gladness. 
The dismission was given in, and I was received a member among 
Tuthill Stairs people : since then I have spoken twice as a trial, on 
Wednesday evenings; the first time I took your passage, Exod. 
yrmii, 14; the next. Gal. i, 4. In the first time I was a little 
hampered, fear rather got hold of me ; but the next time, I was 
much disappointed — ^the passage appeared beautiful, and the more I 
thought of it the more so it seemed, and the nearer the time came, 
the more my ideas seemed to expand and open ; but lo ! when it 
came to the point, they all took flight, and it was with hard labour, 
and much of it, I got through in any fashion. I thought before, 
certainly here wiU be plenty for twice, but I was glad to scrape all 
in I could at once. I feel now, without help from God I can say 
nothing ; I but believed it before. I cannot say this discourages me, 
as I see the necessity of it, in order that I may know where my 
great strength lieth ; yet it was very strange to me. Mr. Pendered 
thought I had more liberty the second time than the first, and 
seemed to get better forward ; but all I can say is, my times are in 
the Lord's hand, and he alone can bind or loose. 

The office and work of a minister is great indeed, the charge 
weighty, the denunciations heavy against those who are unfaithful ; 
but the promises of help are large, the master faithM and true, and 
the cause good ; and what more can be wished ? that I may be 
enabled to serve God faithfully, and be useful to his people. 

Yours, &c. J. K. 

Mr. Pendered in writing to Mr. David Kinghom, April 6th, 
1784, says : — 

I should feel great pleasure sometimes if I knew you were within 
hearing of your son, because I know it would delight you. He gave 
US a discourse, at Mr. Ward's, from Psa. iv, 6. This discourse was 
truly excellent ; excellent in every sense of the word — it was inge- 
nionSi sound, and experimental. He has now preached three times 
to the congregation in Tuthill Stairs. The first from John vi, 35, a 
proJUdbU but not a perfect discourse. The next from Phil, iii, 8. 



64 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

In this I found some faults which I freely pointed out to him, and 
which he, with a candour that distinguishes him and does him 
honour, as freely acknowledged. This spirit will operate much to 
his advantage as a student at Bristol. For it may be said, " Woe 
imto them that are wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own 
sight.'' His last discourse I did not hear, being too unwell to go 
out; he preached from John i, 17, and I know it was a good dis- 
course though I did not hear it. 

I have written to Mr. Evans, and mentioned your son, at the 
request of the brethren here; with such recommendations as I 
thought just. I have since received an answer from Mr. Evans, 
and will here transcribe what relates to your son. 

" My dear friend, your recommendation of Mr. Kinghom is so 
pleasing, that you may depend upon his being accepted, upon his 
bringing a testimonial from the church of his being a member, and 
that they esteem him a young man of promising abilities for the 
ministry." 

This recommendation which Mr. E. calls '* pleasing," was a fdr 
and candid representation of him, not at all flattering. I asked 
Mr. E., as a friend, what steps we must take ; and you see he opens 
the door at once, and says, " Bring your ticket and come." Now, 
my dear sir, I think we cannot doubt but this is from the Lord. 
We have as good evidence as Eliezer had, when all things answered 
his prayers. I shall be glad at any time to hear further from yon, 
and remain with esteem and affection, yours in Christ, 

W. Peksebid. 

Newcastle, May 6th, 1784. 

Dear Eatheb, 

Mr. Pondered, who hath constantly appeared as 
my friend, now more and more evidently shews himself so ; he is 
constantly storing my mind with advice, and illustrating it with 
examples relative to my conduct at Bristol, — pointing out defects, 
and shewing the way to remedy them. He tells me I am most 
deficient in point of style of language, and says the only way to 
improve is by reading authors of a pure style and writing, to obtain 
a correctness. He sa3rs he hath lamented my case, as not having 
time to give that degree of attention to my discourses which the 
first especially ought to have. When I hear this I wish myself at 
home to give them more labour. 

April 25th I had to speak twice. Mr. Pondered was very ill, but 
is now recovered. The forenoon I took Acts xiii, 39, and with hard 



CALEB EVANS TO DAVID RINGHORN. 65 

labour got through ; for the afternoon I had a text to seek, and took 
Bom. Ty 1 ; here I had pleasure indeed, I thought if this was to be 
the way I could preach to eternity, but however I found myself 
wearied, (though not of the work,) when night came. Last Lord's 
day I took Gal. iii, 26. I was discouraged at the beginning, and 
partly all through, but though I am sometimes cast down, I never 
despair, and I have had my own mind much solaced ^dth that truth 
I delivered to others, which is a great blessing; and I have found by 
experience that the gospel is an infinite field of matter for a real 
Christian, and a gospel minister, to live and dwell upon. I was 
afraid at first of running through my stock soon, but I have hitherto 
seen, through divine grace, so much left, that my present inquiry 
more frequently is, which of all these good things must I take next. 
The greater displays I see of the divine glory of God in the gospel, 
the more I am lost in wonder and admiration at the state of the 
blessed above, whose happiness consists in the enjoyment of God; 
for what an infinite being must ho be whose glory is the light, and 
whose presence is the sole happiness of his people. Hence the 
necessity of holiness and a conformity to the Divine Image appears, 
as without that not only none shall see the Lord, but it is impossible 
in the nature of things they should enjoy happiness from him, and 
also hence the importance and necessity of living by faith upon him 
who alone is able to supply our every want, and lead us into the 
right way unto the city of habitation. 

J. K. 

But as many of these interesting letters have been given as 
space will admit and the patience of the reader can be expected 
to relish. The momentous question in all its bearings was at 
length settled, and Joseph returned home in Jime, 1784, 
stopping at Hamsterley and at Cotherstone^ to visit his 
relations. One letter more, however, seems necessary to 
complete the series — ^from Caleb Evans to David Kinghom, 
which we therefore insert. 

Bristol, June 15th, 1784. 
Deab Sib, 

Having received a very ftill and satisfactory letter 
from the church at Newcastle, recommending your son as a candidate 
for the Christian ministry; and being desired to inform you when 
it will bo proper for him to come here to enter upon a course of 
preparatory study, I take this method of acquainting you that our 



66 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

annual meeting will be, God willing, on Wednesday, August 25th, 
by which time, or rather a few days before, it will be necessary that 
your son be here. I shall receive him with the sincerest Christian 
affection; and sincerely wishing you increasing comfort in him, 
and that you may both be great and lasting blessings to the church 
of Christ, I subscribe myself, though unknown. 

Your affectionate friend and brother, 

C. Eyans. 

Mr. and Mrs. Kinghom had, it seems, the pleasure of their 
son's company for two montlis, during which Mr. Pcaidered, 
in his wedding tour, paid them a \isit. Joseph appears to 
have started on Tuesday, August 17th, for Bristol, and to 
have arrived there on the Friday following. He wrote as 
follows on Saturday. 

Bristol, August 2l8t, 1784. 
DsAB Fatheb and Motheb, 

After I left you I got very well to York, but when 
there could not get an outside passage ; however, there being no 
remedy, I took an inside place, and got well to Leeds, and was very 
civilly received by J. Hopper (who, with his wife and son, were 
very well). The coach that goes to Birmingham goes by way of 
Sheffield, and in the night. But I could only take a place to 
Sheffield, they told me some lies at the inn or else I should hardly 
have attempted what I thought of. 

I went by the coach from Leeds on Tuesday evening about seven 
o'clock, outside, and expected to reach Sheffield about the time the 
Birmingham coach set off, and so have gone straight forward, (being 
very fresh and not sleepy;) but it proved otherwise, for they had put 
in a horse at Bamsley who proved incapable of doing what they 
required, and about three miles off Sheffield, going down a hill, 
down he fell ; we all got off and out, and walked to town ; in niun- 
ber nine. By this means it was four o'clock in the morning when 
we got to the inn, and the Birmingham coach was gone. Hare I 
was fairly nonpluss'd; I staid till six o'clock, considering the matter, 
then a coach from London came in with a single gentleman; he being 
very hungry wanted his breakfast ; I being in the same case, we 
breakfasted together, I then entered my box to come by the Birming- 
ham coach the next day, and taking my pack and wide coat, away I 
walked, thinking that better than staying there, and walked to an 
inn where the coach changes horses on the road, eight miles 8oa& 



JOUBNEY TO BRISTOL. 67 

of Chesterfield, and fourteen miles from Derby ; about twenty miles 
firom Sheffield. Here I staid all night, got a very good sleep, to 
make up for sitting up the night before, and took the coach in the 
morning (outside) and got to Birmingham that night; this was 
Thursday, and on Friday arrived here. As soon as I got to the inn 
I called a porter to take my luggage and conduct me to Mr. Evans'. 
I delivered your letter to him, he received me very kindly. We had 
not changed many words before Mr. Evans turned the conversation 
upon Mr. Pendered's marriage ; he had heard of it from Mr. Lang- 

4on, and Mr. Hall asked me many questions concerning Mrs. P , 

as, who was she? was it Miss Patten? was she pretty? was she 
gay? had she fortune? was she younger than he? &c., &c. I 
answered in the best way I could. 

I desire to be thankful for the mercies received, which are very 
great ; I was favoured with fine weather, and preserved safe, and 
am here very well. I found but two students here, and I am the 
first this season ; and now I just offer a few remarks on the country. 
Derbyshire is a very pleasant county, excessively hilly ; where it is 
fertile, uncommonly pleasant, where not so, very barren and worth- 
less ; and the roads through it are a scandal to the nation. A part 
of the shire is a flat country. Derby is a very good town ; Litch- 
field is a very clean place, and so on, but lifeless.* Birmingham is 
a famous town ; from Worcester to Gloucester is exceeding pleasant, 
abounding in fimt. Apples and pears grow all over, in fields and 
hedges and everywhere. The com in general ripe, part cut, part 
standing, and part led away ; a tolerable crop in general. 

My Expenses, £ s. d. 

Fare outside, (except from York to Leeds inside,) 117 6 
Carriage of my box from Sheffield, 2d. per lb. 41 lb. 6 10 

Expenses 16 9 

£3 1 1 

And I have now £6 2s. Id. besides my aunt's crown-piece. I 

hope the above will give satisfaction. 

Wishing you every blessing for time and eternity, I rest your 

son in duty and affection, 

J. K. 

* Litchfield still maintains its character for cleanliness, as it is the custom for all 
persons to wash the pavement before their own honses every morning. The cathedral 
and close also, we noticed when passing through recently, are models of neatness and 
good taste. 

F 2 



68 LIFE OF JOSEPH RINOHORN. 

Thus at last^ after all the uncertainty which attended the 
decision^ we find Joseph Kinghom safely arrived at Bristol; 
there to participate in the fatherly counsels of that truly 
amiable man^ Caleb Evans^ and in the valuable instruction of 
his able coadjutors^ Robert Hall and James Newton ; there to 
obtain that learning which did the tutors and the student so 
much honour^ and there to reflect the brightness of the divine 
light which he had so freely received ; to become an honour 
to the Academy^ a bright example to his fellow-students^ and 
a blessing to the church of Christ. 



CHAPTER V. 

1784—1785. xt. 18—19. 

Bristol Academy — Its HUtary and Tuton — Mr. Kinghom^s IHends 
and Daily Oeeupations there. 

No part of the ancient city of Bristol is more interesting^ in 
our Tiew^ than that substantial^ old-fashioned, perhaps some- 
what gloomy building, (in the street called Stokers Croft,) 
which has been for so long a period devoted to the education 
of those who have desired to become ministers of Jesus 
Christ. 

Edward Terrill, a ruling elder of the Broadmead church, 
left a large sum for this purpose, and Robert Boddenham, a 
deacon, followed Mr. Terrill^s example. 

In about 1710 or 1711 Caleb Jope was appointed tutor, and 
was succeeded in 1719 — ^20, by Bernard Foskett, who fiUed 
the office for forty years, and raised it to a high degree of 
importance. Many of the students educated by him became 
eminent and useful servants of the Lord. Amongst them 
may be mentioned 

Benjamin Beddome, for fifty-five years pastor at Bourton- 
on-the- Water, and well known by his sermons, hynms, and 
catechisms; 

John Ryland, the pastor at Northampton, the quaint 
and acute schoolmaster in that town, and subsequently at 
Enfield, whose son. Dr. Ryland, afterwards became tutor at 
Bristol Academy; 

Benjamin Francis, of Shortwood, near Horsley, a man of 
eminent talents, as a preacher of good ability, a Christian 
poet, and author of the Salopian Zealot; 



70 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

Dr. Ash^ who assisted Dr. Caleb Evans in the compilation 
of the Bristol selection of hymns, and wrote an English 
dictionary, and other works on the language ; 

Dr. Llewellyn, whose library, valued at about £1500, was 
leffc to the Academy ; and 

Hugh Evans, member of an ancient, persecuted fiuaiily of 
Welsh Nonconformists, who in 1758 succeeded Bernard 
Foskett in the tutorship of the Academy. 

Hugh Evans was much beloved and respected by his numer- 
ous pupils, and was succeeded by his son, Caleb Evans, under 
whose care the Academy was when Mr. Kinghom entered it. 

One of the earliest friendships he formed at Bristol was with 
Mr. Jas. Hinton, since of Oxford, who entered the Academy at 
the same time with Mr. Kinghom; and soon after, an incident 
occurred, which, though of little moment, was characteristic of 
them both. It became a matter of course that they should 
e^joy communion with the church at Broadmead, under 
Mr. Evans' pastoral care, and on the first opportunity which 
presented itself, it was arranged that he should invite the two 
young men to descend from the gallery, and take their j^aoes 
among the communicants. They were watching of oourse^ 
and waiting the summons from Mr. Evans; but, after the 
marshalling had taken place as usual, they saw no signal from 
their reverend friend — ^no voice of invitation was heard; and 
it became too obvious that he had altogether forgotten ihemj 
and was on the point of commencing the service. Hinton gave 
himself up as lost, and was just getting up fortitude to bear 
the disappointment and sit quiet; but not so his oompanion^ 
he was satisfied it was a mere omission^ and saw no leaaoii 
why he should not rectify it. With imperturbable ccmiposoiej 
therefore, he rose up in the front of the gallery and aaid^ 
" Mr. Evans, ha^x you forgotten us ?*' Mr. Evans looked up 
surimstxl, and instantly confessed his omission, and called the 
two friends to ciwio down and take their places. Mr. Hintoaa 
was iH^rfivtly startled at his companion's boldness, and Mt, 
ho said, viu tt>latittg the aneixlote to me thirty yean i^,) 
" an if he mu8t ha\T sunk to the earth." 



BRISTOL ACADEMY. 71 

Bristol, September 3rd, 4th, 5th, 1784. 
DeAB FaTHEB AST) MOTHEB, 

Being now set down to fulfil my engagement of 
writing again, I will now give you some information respecting the 
regulations, students, and studies. 

EeguUdions, — ^By this I mean the economy of the house. We are 
called up by a bell at six o'clock in the morning ; by the same beU 
called together at eight o'clock, to family prayer in the library, 
where a kind of pulpit is placed for the purpose, and we sit all 
around the room, and when all together, with the other parts of the 
^Gunily, make the place like a country congregation. A part of 
Henry's Exposition is then read, a hymn sung, and prayer by 
Mr. Eyans, or Mr. Hall in his absence. After that, breakfast — 
either milk or herb tea: I take some of both generally. Then, 
about ten o'clock, Mr. Newton, classical tutor, comes, and we are 
called together again by a bell (such as are in the first class) to say 
our lessons. After that, we are called to dinner about two o'clock, 
by a bell, and then, that being over, no more is heard of us till eight 
at night ; then to the library again to prayer, the same as in the 
morning, only performed by the students in turn. Then to supper — 
milk, and bread and cheese, and after that to bed as soon as we please. 
I like the regulations and my fare exceeding well. 

Perhaps this is the right place to say something of the IkUors, and 
I must confess the more I have seen of them the better I like them. 
Mr. Evans made me a present of a hymn-book, (being a compilation 
from others,) and also one to another new student ; he told me he 
expected, firom what he had heard, I should be as a he goat before 
die flock ! I have only heard him preach once yet, some strange 
ministers and Mr. Hall preached the other times ; the congregation 
is a very elegant one, and the place about the size and nearly on the 
plan of Dagger Lane Chapel, Hull, before it was enlarged, and quite 
full. Mr. Evans having been ill, has not attended the Academy for 
some days. As to Mr. Newton, a student will soon be intimate with 
him who learns plenty of Latin and Greek. Mr. Hall has not acted 
yet as assistant tutor, only as assistant preacher, and there he shines 
admirably indeed. 

Bespecting the Students. — Being many men there are many 
tempers and dispositions; it docs not appear to me that there is 
much genius among them in general, and there are two or three, 
(though one of them is only here for education,) who by the levity 



72 LIFE or JORPH UXGHOBS. 

of tbftir ihtapen fpire grest oflence to ns all, end for that raHon we 
f;Hnf:Ttd\y fthan thi^m. " Birdji of like feather flock togetiier,^ and 
all hftve com]>anionA of their own. Here are many whom I love as 
g^Xfd mf;ny an/1 take plf^smre in as com[>anions ; one with whom I 
cr/nntrue I^tin haA been of great use to me, and has by his directiona 
mvfA me «i^>me expense in lxx»Ls, &c., and of course he and I are 
much Vigether, and he is on the whole a Tery agreeable companion. 
Having oYjfien'ed the levity of some, makes me keep very little of 
their c/impany, but I generally run away to my room, (having a very 
clever study,) and there am as retired as though there was no one 
nciir me. 

Stadiet. — Mr. Evans being poorly, we have not had the claaBical 
arrangements fixed ; but I read Greek in the New Testament with 
one clasH, and we parse a few words every day, read about two pages 
of wlect putci'M from the classics, and about forty-five lines of ViigiL 
f hope tvHm t^> be able to read it with ease, I could not have thought 
a few days c^iuld have made so much difference. I am full handed, 
but go Ui bed soon after supper, about nine o'clock ; get up and get 
a walk about Ave in the morning, which is very agreeable and 
Milutury. J am two hours every day with Mr. Newton, in Greek 
and Jiatin ; those in Greek with whom I join have been here two 
years or more. I am in three classes, and though I am almost 
absorlxrd with classical studies, y(;t seeing a little of their emptiness 
of real food for a hungry soul, I feel more the beauty and gloiy of 
the Scriptures, so that a single passage of the New Testament is I 
um surci worth a ship load of classics : the one is the wojrd of God, 
able to make a sinner wise unto salvation, the other fnmishes him 
with a i)illow, on which he may sleep away life and lift up his eyes 
in hoU. 

One thing very agreeable I must mention, though out of due 
course. A few of us meet in the library every Lord's day morning, 
at half-past six o'clock, (by our own appointment,) for prayer, and 
conversation, and conference, on some part of the Word, or some 
religious subject; this lasts about an hour: this is done to keep 
alive something of the life of religion, and suppress an irreligioiis 
spirit. Besides this, arc the lecture and conference generally every 
week. 

Dr. Gifford has left his books, manuscripts, paintings, and other 
curiosities to the museum, so that here is a very fine show of 
valuables. 

J.K. 



STUDENTS AND STUDIES. 73 

Bishop Burton, Sept. 17th, 1784. 

Bbab Soir, 

Your two letters we received, and were exceed- 
ingly well pleased with their contents. Blessed be God who hath 
preserved you in safety on your journey, and hath favoured you 
with such a kind reception, and an agreeable companion and Mend 
in your present situation. 

As the Lord hath prospered your way hitherto, I hope he will 
bless your studies for your real good, his own glory, and the benefit 
of his church on earth. As soon as you had left Burton my 
perplexity of mind fled, being fully pursuaded that though there 
are many devices in a man's heart, yet the counsel of the Lord, that 
shall stand, and he wiU do all his pleasure. I hope God hath blessed 
my former gloom of mind by drawing out my heart to be more 
fervent in prayer on your and my own account. He that gives a 
heart to pray will bend his car to hear. This is his gracious 
character which is so frequently spoken of in the Christian's diary, the 
book of Psalms. Nothing tends to calm our fears, enliven our faith, 
enflame our love, and confirm our hope, and sweeten our tempers, 
80 much as frequent and fervent secret prayer. You say you have 
a clever study, retired from noise ; turn it into a bethel by frequent 
prayer, that the angels of God may be witness of your fervent love 
to and adoration of your heavenly Father. He that sceth in secret 
will reward you openly. " Him that honoureth me I will honour, 
but he that despiseth me shall be lightly esteemed," are the words of 
the God of truth. If you desire to increase in wisdom and in the 
favour of God and man, be frequent and fervent in secret prayer. 
If you desire to prosper in your studies, to have peace in your own 
soul, to understand the Sacred Scriptures, to be useful in the church, 
to be protected from the snares of the world, and the temptations of 
Satan, pray fervently. God is near to them that fear him, (and 
who are they?) to them that call upon him in truth. Plead his 
own promises and declarations, take hold of his faithfulness, the 
girdle of his reins, and do not let him go until he bless you. He 
delights to hear such beggars at his door, that will not be said nay. 
He filleth the humble with good things, but the rich, the careless, 
indifferent, formal, proud, hypocritical person he sendeth empty 
away. Trust in him, rejoice in him, praise him. 

Your account of the regulations, tutors, students, and studies was 
very pleasing to us. Your early going to bed and early rising I 
approve. Your clock has got a second pidley, and goes sixty hours 
with the same string. D. K. 



74 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

Bristol, Oet 11th, 1784. 

Deab Fatheb and Motheb, 

For your useM remarks I give you my sincere 
thanks. The Lord's day after Mr. Evans thought I looked pale, and 
said he thought a ride would do me good ; he sent mc out to King- 
Stanley, in Gloucestershire, (I went on the Saturday and came home 
on the Monday) there I preached twice to a few rough country 
people; in the forenoon from Psa. cxix, 25, and in the afternoon 
Ecclcs. zii, 13. I was a good deal hampered, yet not fluttered, in 
the morning, and being determined to make no haste, spoke in a 
much more deliberate manner than I used to do. In the afternoon 
I enjoyed a good deal of serenity of mind and calmness, with such 
a view of my subject as enabled me to speak with pleasure. I was 
not by tlus visit impeded as I expected in my studies. Last Lord's 
day I was again sent out to a village about three miles off, called 
the Fishponds, where is a little chapel supplied from Bristol once 
a day, in the summer the evening, the winter the afternoon; by this 
means country people and others have the opportunity of Iiearing 
when they could not attend in Bristol. I do not think that in this 
lost place I taught them much, but I learned something by going 
among them: I did not preach with any kind of freedom; my 
text was 1 Cor. i, 24. Yet since it is not the work of man but the 
blessing of God that renders preaching useful, I desire to leave the 
event of everything of that kind in the hands of God. To bless 
me in preaching or not as it pleaseth him, if only he glorify his 
name by me, that is enough for me ; not, by the bye, excluding 
earnest requests both on the word spoken and myself, but referring 
it to his holy will ultimately. I also spoke once at the Conferenoe 
on a Tuesday evening, but Mr. 'Evans did not hear me. After I 
came home Mr. Htdl said I sliould have made a much better figure 
if my impudence bon> any proportion to my sense. I asked hhn 
what he meant. He said I seemed afraid, which made the people 
turn thoir eyes more on the speaker than what was spoken. Oom- 
paring what 1 had said with what another had said, he remarked, 
ho gave them wonls, you gave them ideas; and added, you seem 
to alH)und with them. I asked him how I must get bett^ of that 
timidity; ho ropliotl, he know no way but use, and by that I should 
iH)n(iuor it, and nddetl, that ho himself was at first as fearM as 
any person ; this simiowhat encouraged me. 

As to the Clrtssios, Uien^ an^ very curious things in them whioh 
nttraot the attontion, nay, nuuiy gix>d things may be selected from 



VILLAGE PREACHING. 75 

them ; they may be read with pleasure by an understanding person, 
yet they must not all be taken in, for there is a great deal of 
lumseiifle, hypocrisy, and many lies in them. Upon the whole^ 
perhaps, they are a very good picture of human nature, and shew 
the operations of the human mind in its depraved state very well ; 
and an awfiil picture it is when duly considered. Well might the 
Apostle say, I count all things but loss for the excellency of the 
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. But we ought to remember 
there is a wide difference between poets and those who write on 
history and other more useful subjects. 

The number of students at present is but fourteen, but more are 
expected. J. K. 

Bishop Barton, Oct. 22nd, 1784. 

DxAB Soir, 

Mr. Hall's observations, I think, are just, that 
time and practice will give you more fortitude. If we are fuILj 
persuaded that what we speak is of real importance to ourselves and 
our hearers, we shall soon lose sight of the approbation or disappnn 
bation of the curious and critical hearer, and consequently pay less 
regard to our own honour, and be less fearful of the reproaches and 
revilings of the careless and the proud. Whence arises our timidity? 
From pride, self-love, or a consciousness of our own weakness, 
joined to a desire of gaining the applause of men. What is it 
when gained? A bubble blown up by, and bursting in the air. 
Therefore, if you desire to be free from timidity, especially when 
speaking from God to men, labour to have your own mind impressed 
with a deep sense of the holiness, justice, goodness of Qod, and of 
the worth of immortal souls; and study such truths as tend to 
convince the careless, instruct the ignorant, encourage the drooping 
mind, rather than those that are more nice and critical, especially 
when you study for public use. 

A large stock of ideas and words is like a large shop filled with 
various articles of commerce, which, if frequentiy called for by 
customers, a person who was a stranger to them, by a littie practice, 
will acquire a readiness in turning to every littie drawer, shottie,* 
or box where the several articles are. Conversation, like customers, 
will give a person a readiness of bringing out his ideas as soon as 
a subject is proposed. 

* Shottie, — A small, deep drawer with one handle, such as are often seen in grocers' 



76 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

If you debate a point at any time with your fellow-students, 
labour to understand the subject of dispute afterwards, if you did 
not understand it before, and esteem it your glory to be overcome 
with the evidence of truth rather than to dispute for victory. If 
you careMly learn to distinguish and explain the terms yourself 
and others use, a few words will frequently put an end to the 
controversy. But if you do not understand one another^s meaning 
you may differ widely without differing at all. But Dr. Watts will 
teach you this better than I can, and with more ease. Your 
accoimt of Mr. Bobinson* gives me pleasure ; I hope you will be 
mutual helps to each other in your studies, so that you will both 
make greater progress. 

• ««•««• 

Why all our cares, sorrows, doubts, and fears, desires, hopes, and 
joys ? If God rules, what he does is best. Self-love, while sense 
prevails, would guide the reins, and pride them hold; ah! fatal 
seat, if but an hour it swayed : yet these to action drive the sleepy 
powers, and nature keep on wing in vain pursuits. Yain all when 
life reclines its weary head, to bid the world adieu ; no object then 
but one can please, or to the mind true solace yield. Why, then, 
pursue what soon we must relinquish with disdain as idle dreams or 
basest cheats ? One prize the page presents of noblest worth, and 
urges us to claim by humble faith what Gbd so freely gives, his 
image, nature, yea, himself, that in and with himself, through 
endless ages blest, we might rejoice, his boimty and his bliss adore 
in never-ceasing strains of holy gratitude and love. But ah ! earth's 
gilded toys the eyes attract, the heart enchant, and both deceive. 
The heart enflamed pants and thirsts and longs to drink the deadly 
draught of earth's mistaken good, while real passes by unseen, or 
seen is scorned. Sie est homo. You will smiling say. Why this 
half verse, half prose ? Myself and you to please, and fill my page. 
Blank paper postage pays as though f were full; sooner arrive not 
five than fifty lines. Labour in writing is all, 'tis pleasure spurs ; 
the task nor hard nor long where love invites. Blest bond of human 
happiness and social bliss. Paternal love and filial duty sweet 
reciprocally join to crown conjugal love, its hopes to brighten, all 
its griefs to soothe. May heavenly wisdom, as the shining beams^ 
pervade your mind, that while yoiu* outward eye glances the sacred 

* Anthony Robinson, one of Mr. Kinghom's fellow-students, with whom he had 
contracted a doee friendship. Mr. Robinson afterwards removed to London. — See Mr, 
KinghoitCi letter to hi* father, dated Feb. 23rrf, 1796, and tiote. 



PBOSB POETRY. 11 

pag©> yo'M' inward may the sense sublime perceive blazing in beams 
of love and majesty profound; perceiving, while you gaze on 
wisdom's plan, a triune God in concert sweet, joining to make you 
blest, transforming all your soul and earthly powers to his image 
bright, who bowed his head to death for guilty man. That while 
on earth the sacred fire of love to God and men may tune your heart 
to sing with the heavenly host of angels bright — " glory to God on 
high, on earth peace, good will to men ;" or with his herald say, 
''Behold the Lamb of God." That as your tongue from glowing 
breast proclaims the tidings sweet of our incarnate God, numbers 
may lay their hellish hate aside, catching the flame of holy love, and 
joining in the praise. 

David and E. Kinohobn. 

BriBtol, NoTember 2l8t to the 24th, 1784. 
Deab Fatheb and Motheb, 

I was very happy to find that our Bristol affairs 
were approved by you, and hope that approbation will continue. 
An academy is a most curious place indeed, there are some who, 
because of their youth, &c., do not preach but in the vestry, who 
are yet designed for ministers. Some of these, indeed, never exer- 
cised before they came to the Academy ; in this the Academy laws 
eeem to be broken through. Some are Welshmen, who are not for 
the first year capable of preaching in English ; these make up nearly 
half of the Academy. The others are called the preachers, who 
snpply places, &c. ; now Mr. Evans does not like to send any to 
preach, till they are called out to preach by their church. A little 
after I came here he asked me if I was called out to preach ? I 
replied I could not say precisely ; I thought so, but I would tell him 
how the affair had been proceeded in, and then he could judge 
whether it was what was so understood ; and then giving him a 
relation of the various circumstances at Newcastle, &c., he said he 
looked on me as called out to preach ; and said he did not suppose I 
should receive any other call, to which I replied, I thought it not 
Tery likely. Now, by being thus considered as called out, I am one 
of the preachers ; another who came this year from Buckinghamshire, 
in nearly similar circumstances, is also considered in the same man- 
ner, and we have both been out. In this set we are eight in number. 
I do not suppose we who came this year will be equally employed 
with the others, Mr. Evans having said, as it was the fiirst year, he 
sent us out for the benefit of our health, &c., although we were one 
day every soul employed ; some preaching at one place, and some at 



78 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORX. 

another; and siiice I last wrote to you it came roand to me to preach 
in the vestiy, (Mr. ETans was not present,) which I did from Psa. 
cxix, 80. I was intimidated a good deal, but, after I had done, a 
gentleman, a deacon of the church, and also one of the aldermen of 
the city, came and shook hands with me, and told me I spoke too 
quick, which he supposed was fear: I confessed it was. "Well," 
says he, " why cannot you preach as composedly here as in another 
place ; do you suppose we who hear have not candour to make proper 
allowances in these things ? '* I replied, I did not doubt that ; but 
preaching before the students, and when we expected to hare it t<nii 
to pieces, made it painful. He replied it might be so, but he thought 
we ought to be candid one to another and not afraid. One of the 
students who stopt to come home with me said I had preached too 
long, (liihr minutes.) This gentleman replied, " No, I do not think 
it was at all too long." He then made a kind of apology concerning 
speaking of these things ; but I gave him to understand there was 
no need, for I considered mysdf much obliged to him for telling me 
of what wanted rectifying ; he also showed several other marks of 
approbation and candour, from which a student who was with me 
said he seemed to like it much. This was a good deal of encourage- 
ment for me, especially as I was then circumstanced. 

After that Mr. Evans sent me on a Lord*s day to Thombury, in 
Gloucestershire, ten miles off. I went and preached once, (and came 
back the same day,) to perhaps about seventy people at a country pLaoe. 
The countenances of the people pleased me much ; they appeured as 
if sensible of the things of religion, and attended to it with eazneet- 
ness ; it had been my earnest desire before God that I might be 
usef\il, and that I might have the evidence of his approbation of me 
by that, and though I had not that freedom of mind I have had in 
preaching, yet an old woman, apparently in the lowest ranks of Hfe, 
camo to me after I had done, and said she hoped I would come again. 
Perhaps this may be caUed a day of small things ; yet I do not think 
it ought to be despised. Since then, on a Friday evening, when 
Mr. Evans was appointing supplies for the different places, one was 
wanted (in course) to go to Malmesbury, in Wiltshire, twenty-five 
miles distant, my name was mentioned as not having been there, bat 
Mr. £. seemed to object, he said the weather was very fickle and he 
did not wish me to get half-drowned with rain, but told me I might 
consult my own inclination, and if I was inclined to go, I mig^t; ao 
I aoooptt^ it and went, and had a very pleasant journey there. On 
tlu^ Lord's day, I preached three times, and enjoyed much liberty. 



ANECDOTE OF JAMES NEWTON. 79 

especially in the forenoon and afternoon. At night I was more 
confined, although I had my intended sermon at fall length, and 
had it with me. However, on the whole, it was a very good day to 
me. On the Monday I came home ; it was a very rainy day, and I 
was exposed to it for three hours, but my wide coat kept it from me. 

Yesterday, the 21st, I was sent to Keynsham, in Somersetshire, 
four miles off, whore they have preaching in the evening, and are 
s;Qpplied once a fortnight by us ; here it is necessary to observe, that 
there is a village about two miles from Keynsham, named Hanham, 
where they have preaching frt)m the other Baptist church, i. $, Mr. 
Tommas's* and Mr. Kewton^s. Mr. ^Newton had to go to preach 
there yesterday; and now I will tell you a comical adventure. There 
having been some persons robbed lately on that road, Mr. Evans 
thought it not safe for any to come home the same night, but ad- 
vised me to wait there and come home next morning, and as I knew 
not the way, he advised me to walk to Hanham with Mr. Newton and 
hear him there, and then, as some people are there from Keynsham, 
I coidd get company thither also. But one of the students said, take 
care or Mr. Newton will make you preach ; but I determined not to 
preach and thought there was no great danger, so I went. When we 
had got about half-way Mr. Newton says, " Now I have got you 
t&us far I expect you will preach for me at Hanham, and I depend 
on you too," at the same time telling me his form of proceeding. I 
ai^ed and begged him to excuse me, but he would not hear any- 
thing on that head. He told me I had been a preacher some time, 
and supplied the places, and they were only country people at Han- 
ham. I said that though they were country people yet that he was 
there ; but all my endeavours were useless ; I must preach, and so 
I did. 

Although I love Mr. Newton in my heart, and would do anything 
to oblige him, yet I do not like to preach before him, for he is him- 
self an exceedingly good preacher and a critical hearer. When I 



* Ber. John Tommas was the excellent minister at the Pithaj, a chnrch which, 
Uke that at Broadmead, originated in the 17th century, and stood firm through many 
fiery persecutions, and which had enjoyed the labours and shared in the sufferings of 
those devoted senrants of the Lord, Andrew and Emanuel Qifford, the grandfather and 
&ther of Dr. Gifford. Mr. Tommas vas a native of Bamoldswick, Yorkshire ; and 
when only seventeen or eighteen, was immersed by the Rev. Alvery Jackson, the Bap- 
tist minister of that place. In 1747, he became pastor of the church at Gildersome, 
and in 1763 of that at the Pithay. For several years he was assisted by the Eev. James 
Newton, at whose grave he delivered a funeral oration. Mr. Tommas lived to the age 
of seventy-aiz, and died August 27th, 1800. 



80 LIFE or JfMEPH Kl.\GHOBX. 

fuue to pn^Ai-K I wat^ all I'onfutdoD — rnA altogt'thor fit)m his being 
\hvn', but I had nu im«d.»ui of luiudL and I prt^ached with great 
lttln»ur. AftiT ihin I wtm U» Krrn-^am. and thiTC was obliged to 
takt' au {Ad U xl. and ]»r<'ai-hcd with a mind much more collected and 
ln«i ; KUiid then* that ui^ht and cami' b'>mf this morning. The 
nn.»n- 1 fxjH'rirnif, the more I sev prt'SkJiing is the work of God, 
and it i^ he alone that prosper* ^ou*-^ in it. 

I axu mmh pleased with yi»iir obAi-i-ations on pride and timiditjr, 
I Ulieve there i^^ a much nearer iimnexion than many are aware o£. 
Tin- hint you ptve concerning n ading ditftrt nt authors at the same 
timr- 1 eudeavuund to imj»rove, e^iKviolly indeed only hitimtOy 
it} divinity. I >M'gtin t<> n-ad *' Edw:inU on R^ li^ous Affections^** and 
oonKulted two or thrive of the old divines on etieh point, both LatZB 
and £u9cli«h, endi^avound to mark the prin^-iples each built on. and 
the ri'a.tonings they drew fn>m thera; and. in order to have a moR 
cvosprehensive view i}t' the whole. I made a blank book in whkk I 
«-at«^r the h/adin^ arguments and proofs of each, and especiallT tdbt 
notice of and mark d^/nttioms, 

Af to Tu<L -sdiy evening confen.^nci's, the method is— €U1t pcna 
^m* i:>Arty to pr>j»ose a jnxssage by ^liting it on a bit of pap«r. ad 
puTtnii: it :?Jt'> a jwrticular bible in the table pew. Mr. Erans ^MO 
It! i-u< b :•) tb4'v- and rwuU one out at the end of one coaferewe. v^ 
Ih iininiilin^i the next. Whi>n the next time comes, three staasav 
ii)ii-ul 1i^*iu It in tuni. tive or ten minutes, and Mr. £Tans^an»iZ 
i« lib ptwyr. 

Ml Kvani^ iufoniuxl me some time since, that I anihcre«Kib 
/Afmcivm Fund. The reason of this is^ Mr. Smith, of Bnnhfil Hff 
h««ii nuy my uaine nieutioued as your son. said he knev ^<i« m 
e«>uUi wL:Oi to ploi-e rue on that fund, which, at his m|aBK.«l 
mxvnliM^ly do«»'. That fund only supfwrts one student. 

L n*inaiu, yours in duty and affection* i K. 

\ y,M-r-iive by yur hidf- verse and half-prose that too. k? MM 
>';»-jj'»i^'* Syntrm ; indeed I think that to bo true. biEt. a^Wiil 
■,%•,- r •^iunli tin re are uuny things in the wa\-s of G«i * iMrtt 
■•- ,Mi< Un'iinu out. I have endeavoured to think on mcrMIJ 

...- - <(.• rii .irifi others, and have come to this concivaiK. C JlK 
:-j .'..II, V rutihiu'^. 

'.•" M.i-.' .iiii f*.jpe'-4 lines be applied here ? 

' ^4p^ mil •iinieiw^ one i^omiort still must lisr 
Tl» Mil* . thouirh man's a r'<xl yet God » ■■iit'" 



ORIGIN OF SVIL. 81 

« 

I shall be much obliged to you for your thoughts on natural and 
moral inability, or that which criminates a man in the sight of Gfod. 
Also how far you think we may justify the ways of God in the con- 
demnation of some and the glorification of others. 

The above question elicited, &» mght be expected, a good 
and careful answer, but as it extends over two closely written 
folio pages, we must forbear to insert it, especially as the dis- 
cussion is carried on through several letters embracing the 
question of the origin of evil and other kindred matters. 
Much power of argument and extent of reading are shown; 
Imt also a deep conviction of the impossibility of penetrating 
die secret counsels of God, or forming any conclusion as to 
bis manner of government ; and of the comparative unimport- 
ance of the investigation, for while on the one hand " Grod 
giveth not accoimt of any of his matters," yet on the other 
the way of salvation is happily so plain, that ^' the wayfaring 
man though a fool, shall not err therein."* 

BrlBtol, January 17th, 1785. 
DxAB Fathse and Mothee, 

I preached at the vestry last Monday night. Mr. 
Evans heard me and gave me a lecture for my sermon when I got 
home, on this account — I wanted animation. He said he wished I 
had dilated the subject more, (my text was Phil, iii, 8, first part,) 
indeed I was sensible of this, but in a sermon half an hour long, a 
subject any way copious cannot be very much pursued. But the 
chief [objection] was I wanted animation. I went on, he said, in a 
kind of monotony of voice : he expatiated largely on a popular delivery 
and speaking forcibly, as though the subject was believed, not like 
a fiction. I can't say I was happy in preaching, I was obliged some- 
times to wander a little and depend on my notes to get forward, but 
yet the justness of the generality of his remarks I could not deny. 
I intend when I go next into the country to endeavour to speak 
with more energy, for there I can be free ; it is not as in the vestry 
when one is surrounded by students and critics. 

As to the criticisms of the students, they are not so bad as might 

* In a fbtare page the reader will find a remarkable correspondence on these difficult 
aabjects, between Joseph Ejnghom, Br. Hjland, and Andrew Fuller, which took place 
fa the year 1807. 

O 



82 LIFE OF JOSEPH KIXGHOKX. 

be thought A good deal of candour is in the hooae ; I have had 
very little to bear from them. 

Perhaps you may think this letter long in coming ; 'tis true, but 
I delayed that I might send it this day, and return my grateful 
acknowledgments for your kindness for the nineteen years of my 
life which are accomplished, while, at the same time, I hope I am 
truly thankful to God, above all, for the mercies and blessings of hia 
providence ; and if my foture life, so long as he may spare me, be 
but for his glory and the good of his church, it is enough ; here I 
desire to rest and to seek that honour which comes from him alone. 
At present, days insensibly glide away, I think much faster here, 
where I have nothing to follow but my beloved studies from mom 
to night. 

I never was in such danger of fofgetting those with whom I was 
acquainted as now, however, I am not quite come to that pass, and 
therefore please to give my respects to all friends. 
I remain in duty and affection, 

Dear father and mother, yours, 

J. K. 

The above letter commenced by a livdy dissertation, too 
long for insertion, upon metaphysics, which was thua aimply, 
but beautifuUy, concluded : — 

'NVho by soart^hing can find out God? Could we comprehend the 
^•ayn of the Divine Being, he would not be infinite, and, thereforov 
not truly God. Here, then, I rest, fully persuaded from his woib 
luul woitl he is righteous in all his ways, holy in all his works. 

Tho father takes up the same strain and says in speaking of 
Uio topics before mentioned : — 

Tlu^Ho things have puzzled many, who were more desiroos of 
prying into tho secret counsels of God, than of attending to their 
own inimedittte dut}' ; secret things belong unto God who givetii not 
nmMUint of any of his matters. 

After giving his son advice as to the manner of his poreacho 
[wil tho danger of fear of man, &c., he concludes thua : — 

Muy ^^^® ^^ direct your heart into the love of God and into the 

imf ioni waiting for Christ. Then you will lose sight of critics and 

III ||i|H>ur to diffuse that heavenly disposition which fills your own 



ANNUAL REFLECTION. 83 

breast. Love divine nor fear, nor sorrow knows ; bright beaming 
from the throne of God, through Jesu's blood, the guilty sinner 
cheers ; hifl thoughts tumultuous sink into a calm, while praise and 
wonder fill his heart and tongue. May heavenly wisdom, as your 
days, increase ; and growing mercies crown your growing years. 

D. K. 

Prom J. K.^s birthday reflection, this year, we make some 

extracts: — 

Bristol, Jan. 17th, 1785. 

The last time I sat down to take my annual 

survey of the Lord's goodness I was at Newcastle upon Tyne, but now 

I am at Bristol, Strange ! that in so short a time such a number 

of events should turn up by which I was directed to this place ; but 

sorely on a view of them, I hope it may be said, herein is the hand 

of the Lord seen. 

Last year I find recorded a request to the Divine Being that 
if agreeable to his will I might be preserved, and made one of his 
ministers : he hath put me into the way in a wonderful manner. God 
is an answerer as well as a hearer of prayer, and having said, 
** commit thy way imto the Lord and he will direct thy paths" he 
sorely will accomplish it, so that in the end, with rejoicing Israel, 
I shall say " there hath not one good word failed of all the Lord 
hath spoken to me." 

After a great deal of debating, by letter, with my father about 
this subject, and many (I hope sincere) prayers to God, he gave his 
ecmsent, Feb. 3rd, as appears by the date of that letter. When I 
received it expecting it would be decisive, I opened it with a 
trembling hand and beating heart, and retired to a private walk 
within the walls of the town, between the West Qsie and the end of 
the Spittle, where I could more freely vent that passion of mind with 
which I might then be affected ; that letter proved quite satisfactory. 

H^re I am now by the providence of God, I can say goodness 
and mercy have followed me this last year especially. May I ever 
trost in the Lord and rely on him, who only can be my salvation. 

Great God ! I hope I have this year been called by thee to the im- 
portant work of the ministry. Oh ! that I may have clear evidence of 
that, and may I be fitted for it with gifts and grace that I may speak 
with power that which is the joy of my own heart, and do much 
good in thy vineyard; and to this end bless my being here, and may 
I find that ihou art supplying all my wants temporal and spiritual. 

Joseph KiNenoBN. 
o 2 



84 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

Fairford, March 7th, 1785. 

Deab Fathbb akd Mother, 

How now ! at Fairford ! where's that ? Why 
not at Bristol as usiial ? — ^I'll tell you. Fairford is a market town in 
Gloucestershire, forty-four miles from Bristol, at which there is a Bap- 
tist Church, who having lost their minister, are supplied from us, and 
on account of the distance they provide a horse, and the student 
stays two Sabbaths and then returns. I came here last Friday, 
preached twice yesterday, have to preach on Wednesday cveningy 
on Lord's day, and, God willing, return next Monday. The minister 
[Mr. Davis] had been with them forty years, and from what I Icam 
was a man of great sense. It is against young students to have 
to preach in old pulpits. His library is still here, there are many 
of Jonathan Edwards' Treatises, Sermons, &c., which I never saw 
before, but intend to read as much as may be. I have read his life 
and some sermons — such a life did I never read, he seemed to live 
a heaven on earth, and in abilities he was imrivalled^ although bis 
learning was not very extensive. But might I be any man I ever 
heard of or saw it should be Jonathan Edwards. 

I have thought sometimes of the propriety of beginning Hebrew 
next year; but this being ^ distant consideration, we can write 
about it afterwards, 

J. K. 

Since I last wrote to you Mr. Evans baptized tweniy-seTcn 
persons at Broadmead. 

Dear Son, 

Yours of the 7th, at Fairford, reached Bishop 
Burton on the 13th Martis, Neither the Pope nor the creditor can 
more superstitiously observe sot days and times than we do the post 
days at the end of six or seven weeks after the receipt of the last 
letter. But it fares with us as it does with ignorant people in 
religion, who observe time« with the greatest pimctuality, they meet 
with disappointment in the end, so we look four or five post days 
for a letter before it comes. At last the welcome messenger arriree 
and is read and read again, while pain and pleasure alternately fill* 
our ardent minds. To find you are well, our hearts rejoice, and that 
you rest at ease with regard to the sentiments of your fellow- 
students on the point you mention, namely being a dull preacher — 
for my part I often wonder how you can preach at all when you 
know that what you say will be severely criticised both as to matter 



FAIRFORD. 85 

and manner, either by the tutor or students. I am ready to think 

that pride and self-sufficiency are necessary qualifications for a 

student to embolden him to speak before critics, though humility 

and loYC to Christ and the souls of men are the chief dispositions of 

a minister of Christ when preaching r^ Xa^i; — ^which we hope you 

feel glowing in your breast when speaking to men about the con- 

oenis of eternity. 'Tis a heartfelt sense of the holiness of Gfod, the 

purity and spirituality of his law, and the riches of his grace to 

mankind sinners, the worth of the soul, the importance of the gospel 

declarations, the necessity of regeneration, and the holiness of heart 

and life to meeten men for eternal glory : — ^I say 'tis a heartfelt 

•enae of these truths that animates the mind with a holy boldness 

to speak what we know, and testify what we have seen and felt of 

the excellency, importance and bwectness of these amiable doctrines to 

feEow-men. I have oft admired the energy with which some of the 

Methodists spoke when I formerly heard them. As you mention 

Jonathan Edwards with such applause, I shall just remark that God 

usually honours those before men, who honour him most in secret 

and have the greatest esteem for his word and ways, see 1 Sum. ii, 

20; Ps. xd, 14, 15, while those that despise him are lightly 

esteemed, both of Ood and good men. It was an awful saying of 

our Lord to the Pharisees, "How can you believe, that receive 

hommr one of another and seek not the honour that comcth from 

God only ?" As you desire to enjoy the happiness, seek to possess 

Hie same holy disposition that filled the heart of Edwards ; God and 

his g;rBce are the same, Jesus Christ the same yesterday, to-day, and 

hr erer. He hath the same spirit to bestow, and the same love and 

to bestow it on them that diligently seek him. Pmyer, 

and contemplation of God and Ids grace bring more 

kearenly wisdom into the mind than all the books in the world can 

teadi; by these the soul ascends to God, and as firo with fire, air 

vidi aiTy water with water unites, so a holy God, and a holy, 

knnUe soul unite in mutual love and mutual interest. If the light 

iCfte knowledge of the glory of God shine into your heart in the 

fceeof JesuB Christ, and holiness shine in your heart and conver- 

, God will make you shine in usefulness to the church here on 

and as a star in his kingdom of glory for ever and ever. 

ThoB are many who shine in eloquence, who do not shine in use- 

ftihu s i — and contra. But oh I miserable ar(^ they who shine in 

pride! 

1). K 



86 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

Bristol, April 27th, 1785. 
D£i.B Fatheb and Motheb, 

Your remarks are very seasonable. In the first 

place, respecting preaching in the vestry. I am in a strait whether 

to think of reading or not reading my next sermon there. Beading 

has the advantage for precision and calmness, hut if one must seem 

lively there is a danger of false fire ; without reading, in that place, 

one's spirits are quite fiattened. In the country it is reviving to 

see the people beforehand in attention and expectation, but in that 

place [the vestry] there is little hope of being useftil, the people 

going there to form opinions of the student ; and on his part there 

is danger lest instead of preaching Chnst Jesus his Lord he preadies 

himself. I never yet read a sermon wholly, and I feel rather 

awkward to begin. I had a very agreeable week at Fairford. 

They are a plain, country, simple, Chnstian-like people, many of 

them very warm in the ways of God. I hope I have foimd it osefiil 

to myself. They provide a horse, on which one student retuma and 

another goes. 

Tlie Lord's day following I was at Bridgewater, in Somersetshire^ 
and had to preach three times, with which I was quite worn down ; 
when I am free and lively in my own mind preaching spends me 
much. But the more I experience, the more I see and am sure 
that there is a glorious reality in religion, and that when we set 
before the people the word of life we do not amuse them with 
cunningly devised fables, but, on the contrary, the mind of the 
Spirit. I have been indulged at times with fireedom and liberty 
before God's people, and I hope I have not preached an unfelt gospel, 
but have testified that which I have seen, and that it has been my 
desire to be fed with the crumbs of that bread of life with which 
I have endeavoured to feed others. I feel an exact connection 
between prayer and preaching. When I can pray fervently to that 
Qod who hears in secret, plead his promise, give myself up to him, 
and be willing to be nothing that he may be all in all, and when in 
the presence of his people I can address the Divine Being with 
freedom to supply our wants and hear our united petitions, then I 
get forward in preaching ; but neglect of the Divine Being and self- 
sufficiency confrise me in his presence, and in that of his people in 
his house. 

Mr. Evans and I have settled for me to come home at the vacation 
if you think good of it. He has no place to send me to, and so, if 
I stay it will be expensive, and that money I may as well spend in 



VISIT TO BISHOP BURTON. 87 

trarellixig to see you ; besides, if I come not now, it may be three 
or four years before I see you, which neither you nor I would relish, 
therefore the present time appears the best. 

I haye reoeived a pressing invitation from a foUow-student,* to 
accompany him to Buckingham, which I have accepted. It is very 
little about, and we intend principally to walk. From thence I 
think I shall go to Nottingham, and so to Hull, &c., &o. 

As to my clothes, my old black coat and waistcoat I still wear 
every day, my grey coat and waistcoat when I go into the country. 
I think they will serve till June, 1786; my best blue coat and 

waistcoat are very fresh. 

Yours, &c., 

J. K. 

* Bristol, May 13th, 1785. 

DxAB Father and Motheb, 

You will be surprised at opening this, but I 
assure you all is well. The particular reason of my writing this 
per return is, I expect to leave Bristol May 30th, we break up 
sooner than I expected. The next Lord's day, the first in June, I 
shall likely be at Buckingham, before the second Lord's day I hope 
to see you. 

My Buckingham friend voluntarily offered to accompany me to 
Nottingham, and I recollected before I received yours, Mr. Gill being 
at fiarbro'. 

J. K. 

Joseph accordingly visited his parents for the vacation, 
Mr. Ward kindly making him a present of £5 for his journey, 
probably in fulfilment of a promise made before he went to 
Bristol, to give £5 after the first year, Mr. Fishwick giving 
j£10 after the second. 

The following character of Mr. K., given to his father by 
Mr. Evans, is interesting and characteristic. 

BrUtol, May 28th, 1780. 
Deas Sm, 

I am happy to have it in my power to give you 
every satisfaction you can desire relative to your son since he has 
been under my care. He has been truly amiable and exemplary in 
his temper and behaviour, assiduous in his business, and successful 

* No doubt James Hinton. 



88 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

in bis studies. Mr. Newton, my worthy coUeagae in the Academy, 
is entirely satisfied and pleased with him as well as myself, and we 
both hope and belieye you will have much comfort in him. His 
mode of delivery is at present rather unpopular, nor has he a strong 
imagination, but I have no doubt of his making considerable 
improYemcnt as he advances in his studies, and that with the divine 
blessing upon him he will make in due time an intelligent, evan- 
gelical, acceptable, and useM minister. He has been well received 
where he has already exercised, nor have I heard any complaint of 
him from any quarter. We shall receive him again with great 
pleasure ; and wishing him and you every blessing, 
I remain, dear Sir, 
Your affectionate Mend and brother, 

(though personally unknown,) 

C. EVAKS. 



CHAPTER VI. 

1786. jET. 19. 

OoeupaUana at Bristol otmtmued-^Bohtrt HaH—MMey ofLwerpoO^ 
Parwm of Leeds— Exeurmn into Wales— Zeverian Museum— Dunn 
and Joseph Kmghom at Fairford— James HhOon and Joseph 
Einghom candidates for Oxfords- Visit to Bishop Burton — Pondered 
at Ifewcastie—Bemarhable Adventure. 

Bristol, August 22iid, 1785. 
DsAB Fathkb and Mothsb, 

Through the goodness of Gfod I am safe arrived 

here. The day I left you I got to Doncaster ; the next, walked to 

Sheffield; Thursday I took an outside place and reached Birmingham 

at night; on Friday I went by coach to Worcester, and then walked 

to Upton^ where Mr. Hinton's friends are, they received me kindly, 

and pressed me to stay the remainder of the day with them ; fix)m 

them I found Mr. Hinton was not at Chalford, but at Buckingham. 

They have lost their minister at Upton since I was there, he was a 

very worthy man, and much beloved. On the Saturday I left Upton, 

and walked to Gloucester, intending, if in time, to take the coach for 

Bristol, but being too late, I walked forward sixteen miles from 

Gloucester, and lodged the night. On Lord's day morning I "(talked 

about four miles to the house of one of the principal men in the 

meeting at Thombury, there breakfasted, and was immediately 

engaged to dine there, preach in the evening, and sleep there. I 

went with them to meeting, and heard an old gentleman, who 

preaches to them once in the day at eleven; and from the simplicity 

of his hearty without any human learning, declares to them the 

testimony of God. I preached at half-past five ; the day passed 

over very agreeably, and this morning I walked here; — found 

Mr. Evans pretty well — ^was well received by him. Scarcely were 

common compliments over, before he told me he had a job for me if 

I could do it, which was to preach to-night at the Tabernacle ; he 

was very glad I had come, none of the old students having returned 

but myself. J. E. 



90 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

Dear Sok, 

Your letter of Monday, the 22ad9 we received on 
Friday, the 25th. It seems you were not to pass on without em- 
ployment, either on the road or at the end of your journey — 
Mr. Evans found you a job. I suppose you would not have many 
of your house critics in the evening to hear. But this I know, that 
unless the Lord direct the heart in preaching, it will be difficult 
work; while under his direction the task is pleasant and easy. 
Nothing can produce that sweet peace and solid satisfaction which 
flows from a view of the love of God; the Spirit of God directs the 
heart unto a view of it by fiEiith, and to the consequent retums of 
love, gratitude, and thankfulness to him, who so loved the world as 
to give his Son to die for us. 

€k)d in the riches of his goodness designing to display the daggling 
perfections of his own glorious nature, created the universe, and 
made all things very good — perfect in their kind, and completely 
happy in their own sphere. Had men or angels been asked what 
could have been done more in my world to make its inhabitants 
happy, every mouth would be stopped and silence sit on eveiy lip ; 
80 will every mouth be stopped when the judge of the world 
demands a reason why his rational creatures obeyed not his law. 
Had he delivered over the whole human race to the just deserts of 
their own folly, without any hope of deliverance, his justice must 
have approved the sentence, and holy angels owned him ** holy and 
true ; just and righteous are thy ways." But what wonder must 
have flUed the minds of these created intelligences when they heaid 
the gracious words pronounced, '' I have laid help upon one that is 
mighty, I have exalted one chosen out of the people." " What 
natures must have fired their minds when they saw its accomplish- 
ment, and were sent with the joyful message to the shepherds of tibe 
birth of the Saviour Jesus, while they joined in concert and sang, 
** Glory be to God in the highest, on earth peace, and good will 
towards men." 

May the Lord grant you may grow in grace, and in Uie knowledge 
of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as you grow in years. 

D.K. 

Bristol, Lord's nay and Moiidtr, aUh ana S6& Stpt, 1786w 
Dkak Father aud Mothse, 

Mr. Hall has taken his department in the Aoademy, 
teaching Greek and the Mathematics, (Algebra,) in both which I 



HALLOS PREACHING. 91 

littend hiiii. In the Greek he is very exact, by which I hope to 
come to a more critical knowledge of it than I otherwise should have 
done. Mr. Newton and Mr. Eyans go on as before. I am reading 
Xenophon with Mr. Hall, instead of Yirgil. Horace is read with 
Mr. Newton. I have begun Hebrew also. 

Many of your remarks I heard exemplified to-night in a sermon 
by Mr. Hall, who, at the same time that he shewed the man of 
amairing abilities, came home in such a manner to the conscience, as 
pne would think would make every one say, where am I going ? I 
bope God will attend it with his blessing, that, by means of man's 
obligations to hiTn^ the purity and extent of his law being thundered 
ill their ears, they may be led to believe and hate idols, and serve 
him alone. J. K. 

Bishop Barton, Noyember 19th, 1785. 
Deab Son, 

♦ ##«««♦ 

As God requires the heart to be engaged in his 

«ervice, Satan uses every artifice to divide and draw away the 

affections fi?om God and the things of God. You need beware, lest, 

in the multiplicity of business, you lose sight of him who alone can 

jrield true pleasure and solid satisfaction to the mind in the various 

scenes through which you may pass while in this life. For my part 

I am like the earth in autumn, if it gets a little warmed by the sun 

in the day it soon cools at night ; so, unless I keep up a constant 

application to one subject, I soon forget it — such is himian frailty at 

life's decline. But who would wish to run the round of years and 

labours past, or strive to shun the goal. Let days decline, and 

nature fail, and strength decay, let baubles be forgot, if but in sight 

the peaceftil shore, and anchor firmly cast on Zion's rock, whence 

storms can never drive the shattered bark, nor dread excite, of 

future voyage on life's tempestuous sea. Then welcome every hour 

that nearer brings fruition sweet. On wings with rapid flight our 

days decline, with equal speed haste thou my soul imto the glorious 

day when death shall set the immortal spirit free. Behold the Lord 

in clouds appears. Hark ! the trumpet soimds, the lightning blazes 

with tremendous splendour ; thunders roar and nature quakes before 

his glorious face. What majesty appears in his bright beams of love. 

This is the looked for day ! See angels bursting through the blazing 

sky, while each melodious sings, *' ye saints lift up your heads, for 

your redemption 's come." Hear the voice of God, the sleeping dead 

awake : alert they sjuring with haste to join the gl<mous choir of 



92 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHOBN. 

angels wbo attend their Lord ! Shall I among them be in that great 
day, or shall I with the hateM band of foes the dreadful sentence 
hear — ^Depart ! While now life lasts, no more lift up the weapons 
of rebellious strife, but humbly prostrate fall and mercy seek, and 
thankfully adore the bounteous hand which freely gives ; and cheer- 
fully obey his sweet commands, and patient wait his will to call me 
hence. The tedious days of sorrow soon will end, and life, uncloyed 
with cares, unsoiled with sin, or guilt, or fear, begins. What life 
begins ? while mouldering in the dust our active frame ? — ^The life 
of angels and spirits of just and holy men quite perfect made. 
These spirits pure in peace they dwell, and in uprightness walk^ 
conversing by ideas, not by sounds ; in mutual friendship each to 
each imparts his thoughts serene, and join in sweetest concert to 
adore the great three-one. May you and I each day with these 
imitc. Why toils the brain to write unmeasured verse ? The accents 
please my mind, while in sweet contemplation flows the heart, and 
loTC inspires the song. 

The final conclusion, drawn by Solomon of all his past labours 
and pleasures is, " all is vanity." happy they, whose hopes and 
joys are placed beyond the grave ; who, while in life, perform the 
task assigned by Wisdom infinite; and, at life's dose, have non^t 
to do but die. D. K. 

Bristol, Beoember 22iid, 1786. 
Deab Fatheb and Motheb, 

We jog on in the Hebrew not very swiftly ; we 
are reading the fourth chapter of Genesis. As to our business with ' 
Mr. Hall since I wrote last to you, the plan is altered. For the 
present it is concluded, that on Mr. Hall's days wo should wholly 
attend to mathematics and, Deo volenU, attend wholly to the Gredk 
next year ; so that at present I only do Greek with Mr. Newton. 
. The week is a good deal diversified by different studies, and to go 
through all requires diligence; but Alexander pierced the Alps. 
The danger you speak of in placing the affections too much on theee 
things I feel by experience ; I wish I could plead greater ignorance 
of it. These things are not fitted for meetening us for the inherit* 
ance of the saints in light, yet we should not be in our duty to be 
idle hero. 

Last Monday evening I preached at the vestry ; but I wrote nrf 
sermon and read it. Mr. Evans made some animadversions on it ; 
but said on the whole it was a good sermon and he liked it, so that 



MEDLEY AND PARSONS. 93 

I have just encouragement to go forward, and I hope I shall not 
hare reason to say my academic studies and attempts were in vain ; 
above all folks in the world it does not become me to be lazy, for I 
shall have nothing to keep me up in any degree of reputation in any 
line but diligence ; though sometimes I indulge a hope, though but 
a feeble one, that as rough hard blocks of marble bear a good polish, 
so hy culture and the Divine blessing, my rough block of a mind may 
become so smooth as to be passable without the bold sallies of wit, 
and the fire of a vivid imagination. I must plod on in a steady 
direction that I may arrive at the end desired. 

Mr. Medley has been here some weeks supplying the Tabernacle ; 
he is astonishingly popular, yet his sermons are not, in my opinion, 
remarkable for the judgment displayed therein. I have even heard 
him when he drove on, Jehu-like, yet his whole sermon (compara- 
tively speaking) was a jingle and play on words ; yet he frequently 
is very striking, and I believe very useful. What frequently disgusts 
is a certain levity he shows in his sermons, so that one might imagine 
he was playing at football with his text, instead of standing up to 
deliver a sermon on a subject on which the immortal all of a sinner 
depends. Mr. Parsons, of Leeds, is now here, but I think that he, 
though he wants the faults, possesses not the excellencies of Medley. 
The more I see and hear, the more I like old Bishop Burton for 
many things; good solid matter may be heard there, by which 
people may grow, which in many places is a scarce commodity. 

J. K. 

Bristol, February 2nd, 1786. 

DsAB Father akd Mother, 

I suppose you little think that since I last wrote 
to you I have been in a strange land; however, I have been in 
Wales. 

One of our Welshmen went over a few days before we ended our 
bosiness at Christmas, and as he would be there in the holidays asked 
me if I would go and see their country and assured me of a good 
reception among his friends. I went according to agreement to him 
on the 27th of December, and he so arranged his matters that we 
had to take a tour as far into the interior part of the coimtry as our 
time would allow, this we had settled before he left ; by this means 
I saw the manners of the inhabitants and something of the state of 
tbe country and was very much delighted with my journey. We 
only penetrated about twenty miles up the country, but that part of 
Wales is the most mountainous of any in the southern part ; this 



94 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

made uis trouble, but it was part of what I went to see. By reason 
of the numerous piles of mountains there is great quantity of barren 
land, but the valleys are very fine and the prospects inimitable : no 
conception can be formed of the beauty of an extensive view by those 
who have never been used to high lands and mountains ; it is well 
watered, several rills flowing down the mountain sides, and in every 
valley a fine brook meandering along as far as the eye can see, often-* 
times ornamented with all the beauties of rustic nature. We had 
one horse between us, but were as often obliged to walk as we could 
ride, on accoimt of the ascents ; and even some of the ways down 
though made much aslant, are yet so steep as to be scarcely passable 
by a horse without a rider. Our English horses would never do 
there at any rate. There are no wheel carriages to be seen, they 
drag their hay and com home on ugly sledges, drawn by one horsed 
But these things are only to be imdcrstood of that wild mountainous 
part where I was, where the roads are very cross and awkward, 
frequently bad, and scarcely ever travelled but by the inhabitants 
themselves : on this account I had many clumsy well-meant oompli- 
ments paid me by the Welsh people, for doing what they never knew 
an Englishman perform before ; viz., travel through their country. 
But there are places (some I saw) where the country is plain, and 
good turnpikes, &c., like England, but I can see all these at home. 
The inhabitants are a very plain, honest people, and exceedingly 
hospitable ; I never beheld anything like it before. They are veiy 
cleanly, all the wood fiimiture in their houses shines like japanned 
ware, some I really thought were japanned, so good an aj^^earance 
did their diligence and cleanliness give. Their houses are cold, but 
you are warmed by Newcastle fires, coal being very plentiful. Many, 
almost all of them where I was, understood English, but had rather 
converse in Welsh, so I heard much and learnt a little of their lan- 
guage ; thus I was oftentimes as much in a foreign land as though 
I had been in Prance ; sometimes it vexed me because I could not 
talk like them. There are nimibers of Baptists in Wales, and, I 
believe, much real religion. My Mend had to preach every nigiht 
in private houses in various places, their meetings being often at a 
distance, and indeed the people are so used to have preaching in 
their own houses that almost every house has a great oak elbow 
chair with a high back, on the top of which is a little desk fastened ; 
this is set in a corner of the house and a stool behind it ; a man sits 
in the chair, which keeps all steady, and the parson gets upon the 
stool behind it and thus has a very convenient pulpit. 



WELSH EXCURSION. 95 

They always made me curate, I began with prayer, then they 
Bang a Welsh hymn, and tiien (my friend and I agreeing beforehand) 
I gare out the text and discussed one or two heads, and he got up 
and finished the sermon in Welsh and concluded. I did not like 
this method at first fearing the people would not understand me, 
but the Welsh people gave me to understand they were the lords of 
the manor in their own country, and therefore I must submit to 
them, and my anxiety was generally relieved by hearing the people 
groaning in all parts of the house, both in prayer and preaching, a 
custom many of them are deeply tainted with. However dis- 
agreeable it may be of itself it was useful to me, because I 
then knew they understood mc, and this encouraged me to go 
on. The Lord's-day I spent at Caerleon,* (a place of great note 
in ancient history,) with one who had been a student here, and 
from whom I had received invitations to go ; he preaches in Welsh 
in the morning and English afternoon. I preached for him and to 
a people about two miles off, who had before in my going up en- 
gaged me, he pressed me very much to go over again and so did 
many of his friends, the distance frt>m us being not thirty miles. 
Thongh it was an imfavourable season for traveUing, yet the weather 
was the best we could expect, very little snow on the ground and a 
settled frost all the time I was among the mountains; while at 
Caerleon much snow fell and thick weather came on, then high 
wind, the two last inconmioded us much in coming home ; but we 
aarrived here safely, January 4th, from a journey that yielded me 
more pleasure than I ever expected, and the reflection of which, 
among other pleasing emotions, brings the goodness and fidelity of 

^ Oterleon is a town on the Usk, in Monmouthahire, and in the days of the Bomans 
WM themetropolis of Wales,— Antonine's Uca LegionU Secunda Auatuia, *' Listen," 
Mjs Mr. Cliffe, in his Book of South Wales, ** to the glowing account which Qiraldus 
OuabreBsis gires more than seTen centuries after the Bomans had left this island : — 

^ICmyronains of its former magnificence are still visible; splendid palaces, which 
once emulated with their gilded roofs the grandeur of Borne, for it was originally built 
by the Boman princes, and adorned with stately edifices ; a gigantic tower, numerous 
baths, rains of temples, and a theatre, the walls of which are partly standing. Here 
we still see, within and without the walls, subterraneous buildings, aqueducts, and 
Taalted caTcoms, and what appeared to me most remarkable, stoves so excellently con- 
trifed, as to diffuse their heat through secret and imperceptible pores/ Nearly seven 
more centuries have elapsed since this was written," continues Mr. Cliffe, but " how are 
the mii^ty fallen ! — Can this mean town, scarcely rising above the rank of a village, be 
the plaee of which Qiraldus speaks ? still there is much to repay curiosity. The am- 
phitheatre may still be traced in the Bound Table field, associated by many with the 
fiunous Arthur. Its form is oval, 222 feet by 192 feet. In the last century stone seats 
were diseoTered on opening the sides of the concavity, but they are now covered with 
turf." 



96 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHOBN. 

my Welsh Mend and fellow-traveller to my remembrance; the 
expense I was at was a mere nothing comparatively^ or else I should 
have been effectually hindered fi?om going. I have been longer on 
this than I intended, but anything is worth writing that will con- 
duce to your entertainment, which I hope this narrative will. 

Bespecting your remarks on my appearing discouraged, I think 
still the same as when I last wrote to you. I consider myself as a 
mere nothing when I look abroad into the world among men of real 
abilities, and therefore am sensible I must move in a humble sphere ; 
however I pray and hope that God will so guide and direct me that 
I may glorify his name, and then a sanctified use of what little 
learning I may have or may obtain, will yield more satisfiBustion than 
if the name of Joseph Kinghom were to be mentioned with honour 
in succeeding generations. 

Yet I said not these things because I was under greater discou- 
ragements than before. In our Academy business goes on as regular 
as the sun, and in other things I have had some encouraging circum- 
stances. I have been endeavouring to put a little more animation 
and strength into my delivery, and by reading only the el^ant 
authors in the English language, am endeavouring to improve my 
style a little. As to the latter time only can discover what progress 
I may make : concerning the former, I have heard it taken notice of 
in a sermon I preached in the vestry lately, when a kind of necessity 
was laid upon me. I went i^dth very little warning and deUvered 
a sermon I had preached before in the country without looking at 
the notes at all, and had much liberty. I have found more of it in 
the country, so that I could perceive the people were pleased, besidea 
Mr. Robinson, who has lately been at Fairford, teUs me the people 
there said, they had not perceived so much improvement in any of 
the students between the first and second time of their going as in 
me. These things encourage me to go on, not knowing what the 
Divine Being has for me to do, nor indeed caring, so long as he 
governs all the states of men, and fixes the bounds of our habitati<m, 
he will manage it best, and therefore I desire to leave it to him. A 
fellow-student told me I was like a thick misty morning, when the 
sun first rose it shone dimly, but after a while it dispelled the mist 
and a fine day followed. It 1^411 be well if it be so. J. K. 

Biflhop Buioii, Feb. IStfa, 178S. 
Dear Son, 

The narrative of your journey among the monn* 
tains of AVales affords ourselves and Mends entertainment. 



THE LEVERIAN MUSEUM. 97 

It yields your mother and me great satiflfaction that you meet with 
some encouragement in your procedure to relieve your mind, but 
most of all that you esteem it the happiest frame of mind for a 
Christian to be humble before God, and content to be nothing that 
God may be all in all. I approve of your endeavouring to improve 
your style, provided you do not lose perspicuity for pedantry, nor 
change plainness and theology for the flowers of phraseology; a 
good style, where elegance and ease, plainness and perspicuity imite, 
and gently glide in soft persuasion, while reason's listening ear 
catches the flowing accents, and willing yields its full assent to the 
evidence of truth, is highly conmiendable to be studied for its 
▼ahiaUe use. D. K. 

Bristol, May 3rd and 4th, 1786. 
Deae Father and Motheb, 

I apprehend you are eagerly looking to see 
whether I come home or not. To this I reply, God willing, I shall. 
Tins week I had a long conversation with Mr. E. on this subject, 
and he said many things much to my encouragement — such as, he 
with pleasure could say my conduct has been quite agreeable to him, 
and he was pleased to see I had made considerable improvement in 
•peaking, as well as other things, and seemed to give me room to 
tiiink he hoped the ultimatum was not yet arrived at, and as I was 
before many in learning he was desirous it might be perfected, and 
not only in the Latin, in which I was coming to some proflciency, 
bat also in the Greek and Hebrew I might have more than the rudi- 
ments, and attain some perfection, so that I might leave the academy 
in 8<nne respects a scholar, and hereby, should there be occasion, I 
might instruct others ; aU this and far more came out, which I did 
not expect nor seek, but I was not at all displeased with it. 

J. K. 

In another letter^ about this time^ Joseph Kinghom re- 
marks, '^our Bristol newspapers say Sir Ashton Lever'a 
Mnaeiun, which was lately made a lottery of, hath £allen to a 
Mr. Parkinson, a stationer.^' 

Sir Ashton, having impaired his fortune, by his large Col- 
lections in Natural History, was authorized, in 1785, to dispose 
of his Museum by lottery. Mr. Parkinson, on obtaining it, 
generously gave Sir Ashton the advantage of one year's exhi- 
bition of his lost property. From Leicester House it was 
transferred to the Rotunda, in Blackfriars' Boad ; but in 1806 

h 



98 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHOBN. 

was Bold in separate lots. A number of the most valuable 
articles were purchased for the Emperor Napoleon. 

About the middle of May Joseph left Bristol for Pairford, 
to supply there three sabbaths; and then visited Bishop 
Burton. 

His firiend and fellow-student^ James Hinton^ wrote to him 
while there as follows : — ^we also subjoin Mr. Evanses letter to 
David Kinghom, respecting his son, which shews the very 
high opinion this eminent man entertained of his pupil. 

BriBtol,26tli May, 1786. 

Dear Xinqhoen, 

Your kind letter of the 22nd I received, and 
most heartily wish you a safe and pleasant journey ; should you go 
through Buckingham you will deliver the enclosed note. 

I have just hinted that you would like to see Stowe Gkurdens, and 
should you be there in August, my father's business wiU not be bo 
urgent as now. 

On Whit-Thursday I suppose I shall set out for Devonshire, of 
which I have given notice to my various correspondents. 

Messrs. Madgwick and Bishop left us on Monday last, are to be 
in London on Whit-Sunday. Mr. Lewis Evans left us last Tuesday : 
I believe he intended spending another season here. Mr. Bobinaon 
I suppose will come to Fairford next Thursday ; the rest of us will 
stay till Thursday se'nnight. Messrs. Freeman, Dimn, and J. Hughes 
are bound for London ; Mr. J. Evans to Wales, with Preceptor, but 
to return soon and spend the rest of his vacation here ; the others 
you will easily recollect. I find by letters from Upton, Mr. Thomas 
leaves them at or about Midsummer. Preceptor told me he thought 
of Prescot Street for him, and of D. WiUiams* (who is unengaged) 
for Upton. I am doubtful whether his genius and that of the Upton 
people will long agree. 

I shall be glad of a line from you whenever convenient. You 
will direct to me at Mr. Luscombe's, Bovey Tracey, Devon. Fare- 
well, Brother Einghom, I commit you to God and his bleflsiDg. 

Yours sincerely. 

Jab. Hnrroir. 

I find this evening Mr. Dimn is to supply Fairford while Mr. 
Bobinson is in Cumberland. 

^ Mr. Williams became the Ptetor of the Fairford Church, after Mr. Kinfl^iom left 
that place. 



CALEB EVANS TO DAVID KINOHORN. 99 

Bristol, July 25th, 1786. 
DsAB Sib, 

Yonrs of the ISth ult. fotmd me ^m home, as I have 

lately made a little tour through Momnouthshire, Brecon, Radnor, 

Hereford, "Worcester, and Gloucester, and since my return have been 

BO much engaged as not to have leisure to answer your inquiries 

relative to your son till now. I hope you will excuse the delay. 

Indeed, Sir, I scarcely know how to express myself upon the 
subject now, for were I to say aU I think with respect to your very 
amiable son, I fear it would look rather like flattering an affectionate 
father than giving a faithful impartial character of his son. I must, 
however, say that, were- I to have no pupils but such as your son, 
the office of tutor would be one of the most pleasing I could pos- 
sibly be engaged in. 

My young Mend is everything as a pupil I could wish him to be, 
attentive, diligent, respectful, modest, ardent. You will, I am 
persuaded, upon conversing with him, find him considerably im- 
proved since the last year, and it is my wish, as I am sure it will 
be yours, that as he has so good a capacity, and such a thirst for 
improvement, he should have every advantage we can give him, and 
not be in haste to leave the academy. I think him much improved both 
in his style and delivery, but hope he will be much more so before 
our connexion is dissolved. He has not that ardour in his con- 
ceptions, nor consequently that strength in his language, or warmth 
in his imagery which some possess, and which are highly desirable ; 
but he improves in this respect, and I have no doubt, if life be 
spared, will be an acceptable able preacher, as well as a sound 
scholar, and a truly humble, pious, good man. I am sure, Sir, you 
have the jireatest reason, I was going to say, to be proud of him, I 
wotild rather say to be thankful for such a son. May he live to be 
a growing comfort to you and his mother, and at the great day when 
you stand at the bar of your Divine Master, may you be able to say 
with inexpressible joy. Lord here are we and the child thou hast 
given us. 

You* may be assured of my entire friendship for him, as well as 
of that of my honoured colleagues, his other tutors, and that we 
shall all be ready to do everything we can to promote his improve- 
ment and happiness. 

Eemember me affectionately to him, thank him for his letter to me, 
and assure him that we shall all give him the most hearty welcome 
at his return. We expect six new students at our commencement, 

u 2 



100 LIR OF JOSEPH KIN6HORN. 

one of them the son of a dergyman who, not long fflnce, fell down 
dead as he was reading the borial sernce. 

Wishing you and your family the presence and hlessing of God, 
and that you may have much success in the ministry, 

I remain, dear Sir, your affectionate Mend and hrother, 

C. Eyaks. 

On again arriving at Bristol^ Mr. Kinghom sent the fol- 
lowing letter home : — 

Bristol, AQgast 24th. 1786. 

Deab Father Aim Mothes, 

Last Monday evening I arrived here safely. I 
was favoured with fine weather and agreeable company to Sheffield, 
where I arrived on Saturday evening, after I left you. There I 
found the little few express their pleasure in my coming. I also 
found Mr. Taylor,* of Birmingham, was appointed to be there on 
the 20th, and that I was to go and supply his place that day, this 
was not at all disagreeable to me, as it brought me so much nearer 
my journey's end. 

The Sheffield people have not a large congregation, to wit, about 
one hundred and fifty in an afternoon, but they are pretty steady ; 
they are all of the lower class of people, which made me think on 
Chrisf B words, " The poor have the gospel preached to them." The 
number of members was nine, but six were proposed for baptiam, 
which, when approved by the church, were to be baptized and added 
last Lord's day. They are very careM who they take in, and seem 
to be men rather superior to many. They offered me half a guinea 
for my labour, but I thought it would be wrong to take it, aa cir- 
cumstances were, so I told them they were very welcome. 

That day week, after I left you, I went to Birmingham, and Mr. 
Taylor came to Sheffield, for him I preached Lord's day to a very 
respectable congregation, and on the Monday I came here. The kind 
hand of God preserved me from misfortune and guarded me home. 

Mr. Evans and aU friends expressed their satisfaction in seeing 
me again, and in a few days I hope we shall be set in motion. 

Yesterday the Society Meeting was held. Mr. Hall preached. 
" He that winneth souls is wise," was his text. 



* Henrj Taylor, predecessor of Samuel Pearce, at Cannon Street, Birmiiigliam. He 
was ordained ^pril, 1782, and in May, 1788, he again joined the Wetleyan body, to 
which he had previously helonged. 



LOCKE. 101 

This forenoon I have been at the opening of a new Independent 
meeting here in Bristol. Dr. Dayis, tator at Homerton Academy, 
preached Zech. yi, 13, ''Even he shall build the temple of the 
Lord, and he shall bear the glory." It belongs to an ancient church, 
but their old house was ruinous. 

J. K. 

Bristol, Sept. 19tli, 1786. 
Deab Fatheb and Motheb, 

Our Academy is only increased yet by three, all 
Wekhmcn, but they can speak English ; one more is expected from 
Wales. The clergyman's son is not yet come; I heard Mr. 
Bomaine had been at him and turned his intention. Our number is 
only fourteen. 

Last week I gave an oration which met with as good a reception 
as I could have expected, by which I was encouraged to go on. I 
have been reading Locke on the Human Understanding ; I am just 
beginning the second volimie. I find considerable pleasure in it^ 
and hope it will be useful not only on account of his ideas, but by 
begetting a habit of thought and close investigation, for he seems 
on many accounts rather like a man who trenches and manures the 
ground in winter than he who sets his young plants in spring. 

Concerning the controversy you mention between the Arminians 
and Calvinists, the fifth chapter of Bomans has afforded much work 
for both sides. I have oft been strangely puzzled about it ; a few 
evenings ago in reading it I thought I saw what I never observed 
before. What had perplexed me was, the Apostle appeared to class 
ihe effects of sin and grace together with respect to number. " If 
through the offence of one mant/ be dead, much more the grace of 
God and the gift of grace hath abounded unto manyy But it now 
appears to me that number either on the side of grace or sin was 
not what the Apostle had at all in his eye, but that he intended only 
to show that the grace of God was so much superior to sin in its 
power that though one sin laid a person imdcr the wrath of God, 
the grace of God was not confined to one transgression, but covered 
aU iniquities. And I thought this bcautiftdly opened aU that 
chapter, and, indeed, showed that though sin abounded, yet grace 
did much more abound. I do not mention this to you as a new 
idea, though I confess it was so to i»# ; however, I shall be glad of 

your sentiment on it. 

J. K. 



102 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

In the continuation of the above ai^oments on Bomans \, 
the father expresses himself pleased to see his son's remaric 
and question. ''Though not new/* he says, ''it conyinced me 
that you took notice of the chief thing the Apostie has in 
view^ though not the only thing, and that you appear to 
endeavour to form your judgment from the sacred oracles 
rather than from himian authorities/' He then continues the 
discussion, to which his son replies, 

As to the fifth of Bomans, I thank you for your remarks, but 
must still acknowledge they have not entirely brought me from my 
former opinion. Perhaps there is no material difference between us, 
in a little time it is very possible we should write ourselves agreed ; 
but if it has had no other effect, it has, I think, had this, that I 
now understand the chapter better than I did. 

The following letter from Mr. John Einghom to his brother 
David will be amusing at least to our northern friends. 

Newcastle, Sept 29th, 1786. 

Deab Bbotheb, 

I would gladly hear from you, especially as 
Joseph has been at Burton. You wiU surely "be surprised when I 
tell you blind Dolly went off from this town on the first of Kay, 
with some of those deluded people called Buchanites. It is truly 
amazing to sec to what length a spirit of delusion will lead. We 
hear they had undertaken to hold a fast, believing, as they say, that 
Christ would come and receive them ; we are told that they fiisted 
80 long that many of them are almost skeletons. Some are 
convinced of their folly and have left them, how Dolly will weather 
the storm I know not, but I fear poor Dolly will not get so easily 
back again. 

Perhaps you have not heard of the new bank that we have here, 
or nitlior a burlesque upon the bank. Samuel Dimcan, an old 
cobbler at the Cross, has opened a bank and issued twopenny notes; 
ho is assisted by some of our capital tradesmen who are not friendly 
to the other banks, and therefore opened this. I have sent you 
oni» of them, they perhaps wiU be a curiosity. 

Wo are all well, and join in love to your spouse and Joseph. 

Your affectionate brother, 

JOHK KiKGHOBN. 



^ 



^ 



^ 



NORTHERN NEWS. 103 

iVb. -P528. 

I pramuB to ptty Mr. Benjamin JBidk or 
Bearer on demand the sum of TWOPENCE, value reeetved. 
Scale de CroM Bank, Newcastle, 24 Jan., 1784. 
For Sir J. Duncan, Side, Strap, Last, Awl, and Self, 

JACOB END. 

TWOPENCE. 

Entered Jos. Back, No. F52S. 

N.B.—Our Estaies liable j and Copper taken. 



It has before been mentioned that Mr. Fisbwick of New- 
castle offered to give Mr. Kinghom £10 at the end of his 
second year at Bristol. He^ however, did more than he 
promised, as we shall see in the following letter. 

Bristol* Oct 23rd, 1786. 
Dear Pather and Mother, 

On the thirteenth inst. I wrote to Mr. Fishwick ; 

yesterday I received a very friendly letter from him, and a note 

enclosed, value Twenty Poimds. I was determined, therefore, by 

first post to make you partakers of my joy, that we may both admire 

and bless the goodness of God together. By this post I send a 

letter acknowledging the receipt with thanks, &c. Soon I will send, 

yon a frdl account of this business. 

I am tolerably weU, but in a great hurry to save post, only I 

could not with a clear conscience keep you a single post from 

knowing a circumstance that will yield you so much pleasure. 

With respects to friends, and wishing you every blessing. 

Yours in duty and affection, 

J. K. 

to kichaed fishwick, esq. 

Dear Sib, 

Your favour of the 17th came safe to hand, with 
a draft inclosed, which excited in mo warm sincere emotions of 
gratitude to my kind benefactor. My astonishment was raised very 
high indeed when I looked on the draft, and saw it was for double 
the promised sum ; what shall I render, or how shall I express my 
gratitude ! Accept, Sir, the unfeigned thanks of a heart not insen- 
sible, and which I hope will never be forgetful of such a favour. 
Ever since I came here, I have thought of you with thankfulness, 
as being the main instrument of giving me these favourable oppor^ 




T.iu ^'TP a«r anott- Tilt Jammt Jt^isx. "hxTKH -jimlujfiiL 
'Zm jMMuff^ - IV ifl.r: :' z uul j^*a T.-ijKi-r ±dii x a Tnuid ouve 
•'^'u ndb;«»nr jbr ;. nr '-r7 .'jct^u^j >ai7'Seniizac» sit: Qa wsis 
^r:(. ,t*nm\x^>- u bw>^ u* ^^ivrrjuf "iut jmtBH *fputcLe j^ia intend 
♦TufiiuR ^ ui:ul > jpirtit tw near of jonr pn)iq)»iritT in every 
f*<^rp:'r. uu^ '^tw^i^)/ »i^ 7<vo ^firjfhiufi^ that can render tout 
>ff»twt iin.iitf^^ »fvi imttv/rUd iinififK.*ttii conducive to your happi- 

BUtkup Bvtoik KoTmto 11th, 1786. 

Your lettcrM wc nnviw^d iu due time; the first as 
It («jm? wiiiju'i' ihiui ytm i'X]>iH;tfd, w«u» a wvkvme mt^^enger of good 
114' H«, Wi' Ht'k'«> K>U) lutUatiKhcd ut Lt» cv&tefttis vor could I help 
t^tfu'lu4»)«g l^Hl ^«H«H) aUu>i' |ioi>4uu Iiud uiMbted Wward doubling the 
Muu |^^>|M^ ^> ^F' Kii4)wiuk. But an Xxutmhx. iVI. Slat, he 
indU-d W|Mi tt^ 'U tiu^ hm^ to Yodli; I muutaoitL'd tbie Tv<eeption [of 
ytux WM*^ >^*iil ^H) ti^u&i^HM^iit M lU^^Nt^^tim-'^ itt cvpiy he said, 
liKi u«fc»i*<^>« H**s ' *^ ^^^^ >iK^tt fHwi* nv iwiA at* tdW ifxpenso of 

^^»n, .«j«J ^.w «■ ^-•^^ "' x^^^*' ^. 'i»»4r*tu, iiwnvmiw. ci^iiMight it 
ikvU ^s^*m*>^ ' Vi'^ *^ t^^ '^J* '^irniU*^. Uiitt «^ii&be fiar his 

N K ^- W. f.M H>rti ^f.^^Tt^Nl:FxM^r lMt»*V. Wthift i3wbo» hare 

I.r mm <hH^ fv^ n^i vmi ni mi ttt»dftt»^Ute n: ^M^l inp^ance as 
til.' pnHHmt. Tndcc^i ymi fir»- ]«Ttl «Trdfi nWia^twiiiv^ tM 6od 
wjd mnn. to impnw y/mr pww!t (ypY»<»rh<««hfv. t»nc ik« jMitiw 
irv] hn^ fdvon yt>u. 'irith n ne?idy tiw. t»> «^t itiuiw-c it J^9» 
Ci^if^ and the good of hf? peopU. 

Miv the Lord Hdd hh Ww^^iB*: i^> ^W T^\r ^ttidifs. th*c ^woiltt yra. 
--* in the knowlodfjo of tx^n^ft^ «Thi niti^. ttmi mor i^ ^rnw in 
: :i. tTvlodgo and love of 0<«i. ^ii K 

Youw of yov. 11th I rpceiTwi witii plawiw. «i> 
ui.uvxi I ,4:w«SH ck^ lU^fiUV I retvirod Wr. F.'* letwr 1 hal^pta 
Muk ..>xU> Hhich vv»« wi^w ndviflo me to get. Th» »iaumiLiu}r 



PABBJBR^S PLAN OF MISSIONS. 105 

foimcr stock so low. You ask about Mend Eobinson ; there is a 
small church or number of people who have a meeting in Worship 
Street, Moorfields, to whom he preaches once a day, in conjunction 
witii some other, they are the remains of two or tiiree churches 
thrown together ; one of them was the people Dr. Gale used to 
preach to, another was the late Dr. Jeffcries'* congregation, and who 
besides I know not. Mr. Clark is very likely to continue at Fair- 
ford, they have given him an invitation for a year. I should wish 
to know which volume of Dr. Gtele's Sermons you have read. I 
read two sermons in one of the volumes, which contained the most 
ingenious, and every way the best defence of Arminian justification 
I ever saw, which impressed me strongly with the idea of his 
abilities. Indeed, when he was at Leyden, at the age of nine- 
teen, he was made M. A. and Dr. of Philosophy, by the college there. 

You intimate I am not aware of the consequences of Locke's 
philosophy, I should be glad if you would point out to me those 
consequences you think proceed from that great man's system. Dr. 
Held, of Glasgow, Professor of Moral Philosophy in the college, 
has lately opposed Locke's philosophy, but I have not read his book, 
besides, I apprehend your objections and his may be different. His 
chief objection, so far as I imderstand, is, he thinks Locke gives the 
sceptics too much groimd, and that Mr. Hume has only refined upon 
it. Though from whomsoever Hume got his system, it is impossible 
it should be right, because his scheme contradicts itself. 

I am glad to have the concurrence of such a man as Mr. Beatson, 
concerning the Apostle's design in Eomans v, though I never re- 
member hearing him say anything about it. But whoever had that 
idea before, I claim it as mtM. J. K. 

The following passage occurs in a letter from D. E.^ and is 
answered by his son, Jan. 17th, 1787. We have in vain 
endeavoured to meet with the work spoken of. La an earlier 
letter it is mentioned as ^^ Counsellor Parker's Address on 
Missions.'^ 

Mr. Parker is preparing for the press his thoughts on the scheme 
of sending the Scriptures into those countries where they have not 
yet been sent. I have eleven sheets by me, which I have been 
perusing last week. He writes with fire on the subject, though 

• Dr. Joseph Jeflferiw, of Artillery Lane. Ob.-1788. Ivimey^ Vol. iii, pp. S14, 
408. 



106 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

some of bis sentences are rather too long, and a little perplexed 
with parentheses, and disjointed members ; he has aimed at a strong, 
nervous mode of expression, rather than a flowing elegance, or well- 
turned periods. In short bis performance has the style of an earnest 
pleader in the cause of the Scriptures, their innate excellency and 
utility, as the means appointed of God for the reformation and 
salyation of men ; and he labours to shew that the advantages of 
believing them are such as cannot be estimated. 

Bristol, Janiiax7 17th, 17S7. 
Deab Fatttbr and Motheb, 

I once more have the pleasure of taking my pen 
on the 17th of January, to ^Tite to you, and express my grateftil 
remembrance of all your care and kindness. When I look back on 
the time I have spent, and consider my relation to you, I see 
twenty-one years filled with instances of your kindness and regard. 
When I consider myself in relation to the Great Supreme, I see 
twenty-one years filled with instances of goodness to one who has 
been very ungrateful, and of mercy to a great sinner ; and when I 
ask myself what I have been doing these twenty-one years, I know 
not what reply to make, I seem scarcely to have left the puerilities 
of childhood, and have but just taken a peep into existence. The 
probability is, that there are many chances against my living 
twenty-one years more, and yet life appears only in the morning, 
the day is only just broke, the shadows are not yet fled away, and 
the view I have yet had of the world in which I am, has been very 
indistinct. All my life yet has rather been preparing for action 
than a scene of action, and though a vast prospect lies before me, 
yet I am utterly ignorant which part of it will be the place of my 
residence, and how long any place wiU be my abode. However, 
these things are in the hands of God, and I desire him to direct my 
course in life. I feel an inclination to live a few years more, and I 
hope I can say sincerely, I wish my life to be useful to my fellow- 
creatures, and in some little measure, to be the means of answering 
that prayer — ^thy kingdom come. 

I see by your letter what are your sentiments respecting my stay 
here another year, and I begin to be more of your opinion than 
ever. I feel myself superior in general to the business I have to 
do, and though sensible of my own ignorance, yet the storms that 
hedged up the way to learning are cleared away. As to the 
Hebrew and Chaldee I can do as well without a preceptor as with ; 
Mr. Hall himself has told me I have conquered the difficulties of 



PBpORESS OF STUDIES. 107 

liie Greek, and as to the Latin, in the last Christmas yacation, I 
took up a Latin book (and no very easy one) and read thirty octavo 
pages in a day. In these things, then, the foundation is laid, and I 
do not find an indolent spirit gain much ground, my edge for 
improvement in these things is as keen as ever, which you know is 
eat essential article. 

I have been in Wales again since I last wrote to you, in the 
Christmas holidays. I was there eight days, my journey was 
pleasant and agreeable, and the Welsh people gave me many proo£i 
that I was not an unwelcome visitant. Mr. Parker's intention does 
him great credit as a man and a Christian, and with aU my heart I 
wish him success. When his papers are published, pray tell for 
whom they are printed in London, and I will send for one, by 
which it will be sooner communicated to Mr. Evans. 

Yesterday we finished reading Quintilian. In point of Latin, I 
have done in a great measure with the Academy, yet I shall in aU 
probability read as much as ever, for I have a Latin book now on 
my hands, an octavo volimie, 100 pages of which I read at Christ- 
mas, and intend to finish the rest soon as convenient. It is Bishop 
Lowth's " Prelectiones de Sacra Poesi Hebreeorum ;" already I have 
received from it much pleasure, and I hope for still more. With 
Ifr. Newton we are reading Chaldee in Daniel, which ii^ only a 
dialect of Hebrew, and go on with Greek tragedy (from Euripides) 
with Mr. Hall, and I dare venture to say, much to his satisjGaction, 
from what he himself has said. In some private conversation with 
me he frankly said, he did not think it would be much advantage to 
me to come here any more, for private application would do as well. 

I oft realize in my imagination the village where you live, &c., 
&c., and compared with the bustle of a large city, it appears quite a 
hermitage — a scene of retirement, and I had almost said happiness. 

Yours, &c., J. K. 

Dbab Sok, 

It gives me pleasure that you say discriminating 
grace and ^e necessity of the operations of the Spirit of God must 
be pillars in your system. If these two are held consistently they 
will draw aU the others with them, without destroying or altering 
the natural liberty of the wiU, or rendering means useless. I see 
no more necessity for having every objection answered and difficulty 
removed in order to settle the mind in the firm belief of any truth 
revealed in the sacred Scriptures, than there is for the mariner to 
know tbe cause of the variation of the compass in certain places, ia 



108 LIFB OT JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

order to steer his ship. It is enough to know where and how much 
it Yaries from the north in those places for all his purposes ; it is 
equally enough for us to know what Ood hath been pleased to reveal 
as the ground of our feith and rule of our duty, though we cannot 
Bolvo every difficulty. 

D.K. 

In the spring of 1787 Joseph Einghom and his Mend and 
fellow-student, James Hinton^ became candidates for the 
pastorate of the chm*ch at Oxford. The following interesting 
account of it is given in a letter to his parents^ and it must 
be remembered that it was only to them. He was ftr too 
cautious and humble to have expressed himself so to others. 

Bzifltol, April 2Dd, 1787. 

DeAB FaTHEB AlfD MOTHEB, 

Some of ike people have, somewhere or other, 
heard both Mr. Hinton and me, and Mr. Hinton had the preference 
as being the more pleasing popular preacher, which is indeed very 
true. 

I find I have been recommended in very strong terms, and this 
circumstance has shown me I stood higher in the estimation of my 
tutors than I imagined. Mr. Evans said he recommended me with 
heart and good- will, and several things showed it, and that he was 
not BO eager for me to go there to get quit of me or to fix me in a 
situation, as for their good ; and that they might think my going 
there quite an acquisition to them; that by my leaniing, &c., I 
should do them honour if ever I came to have any connection or 
conversation with the gentlemen of the Colleges. And by what 
Mr. Turner of Abingdon says in his letter, I find he had represented 
me as a thinking, reasoning kind of youngster. In short, I doubt 
(if the people believed him) they would expect too much, more 
than they would find in a plain Joseph Banghom, and all this he 
said to my very face. And also that he had determined my going 
there witii as much certainty as ever he did anything in his life, 
but now he can do nothing but wait till the people have themselves 
decided the matter, which I tKink will not be for me ; but I do not 
know, stranger things than that happen every day. Mr. Hall and 
Mr. Newton said they thought none of the students fit for Oxford 
but me, &c., &c. 

The above I wrote last week, but now, April second, I can toll 
you something more. 'Tis finished, but decided against me. Last 



HINTON AND OXFORD. 109 

Saturday night Mr. Evans sent for me, and read me the letter of 
the Oxford people, who said they had concluded to inyite Mr. 
Hinton. He also read me their invitation to Mr. Hinton. Some 
of their people, I find, had heen here at Bristol working, and in 
that time had heard us hoth. They thought that though I might 
be the better scholar yet they understood Mr. Hinton better ; ho 
was plainer than I was, I was too deep, they said, for them. They 
also thought Mr. Hinton ^e better speaker, and some who had 
been in his company were attracted by his affable temper, &c. 
These opinions they circulated at Oxford, and they were so received 
by the people in general that when my name was mentioned at 
Church-meeting, the majority were against me. So that you see 
the parliament carry it against the king sometimes, for I could 
plainly see Mr. Evans wished it otherwise, nay, he went so far as to 
say had I an unprejudiced hearing he did not doubt I should have 
been accepted. However, how far his partiality may lead him I 
know not, only I was always certain Mr. Hinton would be the more 
popular preacher. 

As the Oxford matter is finished you need not now keep it a 
secret, though now I have said many things to you which would 
show a very proud heart to say to every one. It is a little remark- 
able your letter threw me into a train of reflections on Providence. 
I wrote a sermon on that subject from Prov. iii, 6, but was never 
sent out after I had written my sermon till last Lord's day, the very 
day after I had heard of the determination of the above matter, so 
that I was in some respects called upon immediately to exercise 
those dispositions I had been preparing to recommend to others. 
That day I rode twenty-five miles, and preached three times, but 
was nothing like so much tired as I was by preaching three times in 
Toskahire. 

Bristol, Miy 4th, 1787. 
I see clearly your opinion about Oxford. To tell 
you the truth, I expected what your opinion would be before, for 
I knew your dislike of Ecclesiastical power, and Oxford is much 
deeper in Tory principles than Cambridge ; as it is, I hoiKJ it is for 
the best. Your reflections on the events which have taken place 
concerning me please and encourage me every time I look at them, 
they are placed on the right foundation, " They that know thy 
name will put their trust in thee, for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken 
them that seek thee." could we always live impressed with this 
idea *'Th$ Lord reignethT' how would every blessing be sweetened 



110 LIFB OF JOSEPH KINGHORX. 

the consideratioii that all we receive is the gift of God would add a 
relish to every enjoyment, which the stranger intermeddleth not 
with. For what Gk)d is reserving me I know not, still I wish to 
say, " Send thou thy angel before my face, and choose for me an 
inheritance." 

J. K. 

KB. EVANS TO HB. DAYII) KINGHOBN. 

Bristol, May 26th, 1787. 

Deab Sib, 

I acknowledge with respect and gratitude your 
repeated favours, one when your son last returned from you, and 
another lately, and am happy to be able to confirm evciy pleasing 
account I have heretofore transmitted to you concerning your son. 
You will find him, I think, not impaired in health, and I am sure 
you will find him increased in knowledge, and, I trust, in piety as 
well as in popular talents. I have the utmost affection for him, and 
the most pleasing persuasion of his future usefulness and acceptance. 

As at present no eligible situation has offered, I think it will be 
as much for his advantage as for our pleasure and happiness to 
return and spend another year with us, which he has accordingly 
agreed to do, with your approbation. I cannot ask you, like 
Abraham, to offer up your only son, but if you could, and he. would 
consent, I could recommend him in America to a post of eminence 
and importance. Excuse brevity, my situation obliges me to 
have recourse to it. Messrs. !Newton and Hall join in Christian 
salutations. 

Yours in Gospel affection, 

C. Evans. 

Mr. Kinghom^ during his stay in the norths paid a visit to 
Mr. Pendered^ at Newcastle^ and spent two sabbaths there^ 
preaching several times to crowded auditories. The following 
notice of it shows the manner in which he was received^ and 
gives an interesting account of his preaching at that early 
period of his labours. 

FBOK MB. PEKDEBBD TO MB. J). KINGHOBK. 

Newcastle, Aug. 24, 1787. 
Sib, 

I wish I could communicate to you all the 
satisfaction I feel with respect to your son. I think I can venture 



PREACHING IN THE NORTH. Ill 

to say with confidence that our most sanguine expectations are 
folfilled thus far. We never expected him to excel in the graces of 
a polished eloquence, but we expected, and we find a sensible, 
zealous, and instructive preacher of the gospel. 

Old Eobert Thomson, whom I think you know, said to me 
(without being asked), "He is a precious man." Now as the better 
part of all our congregations are composed of such plain men as he, 
I consider our acceptance with such a man as the best criterion of 
our real worth. 

I am, sincerely yours, 

Mr. Kinghom left Bishop Burton at the commencement of 
September^ 1787, arriving at Leeds on the 11th, where he 
stayed with Mr. Langdon, the minister there. He also 
visited Mr. Ashworth, of Gildersome^ and has given an 
amusing account of being obliged^ notwithstanding his most 
earnest opposition, to preach there, choosing Isa. xxvi, 4, for 
his text. This sermon was much approved by his hearers.^ 
and he obtained from Mr. Crabtree, who proposed it, a 
thousand thanks, ''which,*' he says, ''were 999 more than I 
had any idea oV* The next morning Mr. Crabtree inquired 
whether he were engaged with any people, and on his 
answering "No,** proposed his going to Sheffield on probation. 

He agreed to preach there in his way to Bristol, but said 
he could not fix any future plan without Mr. Evans's know- 
ledge and sanction. 

Just at this time he received an invitation from the church 
at Fairford, to visit them either in his way back to Bristol or 
at Christmas. He, however, preferred to return to Bristol for 
a week or two, and then went to Fairford to supply for a few 
sabbaths. "This journey,'' he says, "completes upwards of 
1100 miles this summer, and here I am, safe." 

In October he began his first work, the Catalogue of the 
Bristol Library. This employed him for some time, and was 
a laborious and arduous task. 

Several churches were at this time suggested for Mr. 
Einghom's future field of labour ; he thus speaks of them in 
writing home. 



112 UFE OF JOSEPH KINGHOBN. 

Mr. Evans has mentioned my name to a churcli in Devonsliire, at 
Hunnington ; also to a ohnrch in the city of Chester. I hope the 
first will not succeed for your sake, nor do I think it will. Three 
hundred miles from home ! ! As for the other it was in the vacation 
he wrote to them, and we have not yet heard any thing ahout it. But 
Mr. Evans wishes to keep me easy and happy, for see the generosity 
of the man, he freely told me, if a likely situation did not offer he- 
fore ike vacation, I should be welcome to stay in his house (and not 
be considered as a student) till one did offer ! 

A church, at Dereham, in Norfolk, was also offered to Mr. 
Kinghom at this time, but he considered the Fairford people 
had the greatest claim to his regard, and visited them again 
at Christmaa. 



rev. w. fendeeed to kb. kivgnosn. 

My deab Fbiend, 

I should have written to you sooner, but that 
I was at a loss how to direct to you. You have been such a rambler 
since you loft me, that one could never be certain where to find you. 
I was first led to expect that you were about to settle at Sheffield. 
Afterwards I imderstood you were at Fairford, and was told that 
you were likely to settle there. I then determined upon writing to 
you, but was doubtful whether a letter directed to the Rev. Josej^ 
Banghom, at Fairford, would find you, as you were a stranger there. 
I was thinking of distinguishing you more particularly as ''The 
tall dissenting minister, lately arrived from BristoL" But I am 
happy to understand that you are again at Bristol. 

The last time I wrote, I particularly intreated to have some of 
Mr. Hall's circular letters sent me. I wish you would imdertake 
to send me forty or fifty of them. If you would send a parcel to 
Langdon, of Leeds, he would easily forward it to me. If these 
letters are all disposed of, do beg of Mr. Hall or Mr. Evans to print 
another edition. We want nothing but the bare letter, which might 
be printed at a very small expense. It is of no importance to us at 
Newcastle to be informed that " Brother Dawson prayed, &c., &c.'' 
If you can only get me a single copy, with a commission to print a 
few from it, I would do this rather than not have them. 

My respects to Mr. Hall, and tell him I have taken the liberty to 
print 500 copies of his B^veric. It cost me only about thirty 



REMARKABLE ADYENTtJRE. 113 

ektlfingty niiicK I have no doubt he will be generous enough to 
remit, espeoially when I assure him that for this thirty shillings I 
baye proenred him as much northern fame, as is worth, upon a fair 
aod moderate estimate, thirty guineas. To convince him that mj 
estimate is fkir and impartial, if he can hit upon any contrivance to 
transfer this fame to me 1 will actually agree to pay him thirty 
guineas for it. 

Yours sincerely, 

W. Pendeked. 

Before closing the present chapter we must mention a 
special incident^ occurring in this year^ of the highest possible 
interest to Mr. Kinghom^ and attended by circumstances of 
a yery remarkable and almost romantic character. In the 
course of his joumeyings and visitings in the north he was 
introduced to a family in which were three yoimg ladies^ 
orphans; by one of these he. was so much captivated as to 
make her an offer of marriage. The attraction appeared to 
be mutual^ they corresponded for some time^ and he made 
ezcundons with the family. But a previous offer had been 
made to the lady by a clergyman whom she highly regarded, 
but whose suit she had not accepted. She had, however, 
given him some intimation that his connection with the 
dinrch waa the great hindrance to her accepting his offer. 
Shortly before Mr. Kinghom's introduction to the family the 
widowed mother had departed in sorrow, and it appears that 
her disapprobation of the proposed connection was so strong 
as to prey upon her spirits and hasten her end. The proposal 
of Mr. Kinghom was, therefore, hailed by the two other 
sisters as the hoped-for event which might put an end to a 
connection so repugnant to the feelings of their late mother. 
Thus placed between two rival suitors, the lady was nearly 
distracted, as her letters to Mr. Kinghom sufficiently show. 
So deeply did she feel the perplexities of her situation as to 
pray that she ''might be permitted to find refuge in the grave 
from so poignant distress.^' 

At length, however, the clerical suitor determined to relin- 
quish the church and take a school, in order to satisfy the 
dissenting scruples of his lady. She then felt herself, she 



114 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

said^ ''obliged by justice and honour to attend to bis conces- 
sions^'' and therefore wrote to Mr. Kinghom a most graphic 
letter, bidding him farewell. Mr. Kinghom replied to her 
definitive refusal in terms which, in her acknowledgment of 
it, she characterized as ''the letter of a Christian and a fiiend,'' 
adding that she did not expect to be treated with such 
tenderness, and thanking him for his letter. The only remark 
that could be considered severe was that the clergyman had 
certainly given "a sufficient evidence of his inclination, by 
giving up a part of his religion.'' 

The father adds a still more pimgent reflection on this veiy 
remarkable affair, and expresses a strong hope that it may 
not hurt his son's mind. The assurance was thus given in 
reply. "That matter has not, and now cannot hurt me; 'tis 
over quite, and, take all together, I ought to be thankful it is 
so." In his subsequent annu^ reflection^ Jan. 17th, 1788, 
he briefly notices it in similar terms : 

I will bless his name for all his dispensations of providence 
respecting me, some of which are of a particular nature. My 

connection with affords me much room for meditation, and 

snrely for thankAilness too. 

It seems, moreover, that the experiment was never repeated. 
Not only did Mr. Kinghom remain unmarried throughout his 
life, but I have a strong conviction that he never made an 
offer again. 



CHAPTER VII. 

1788.. iET. 22. 

Lwitation to Fairford — Bmble Lecture at Bourton-on'the- Water — 
HintofCe Orddnation at Oxford^ hy Mr* Eoane and Dr. Stennett — 

• Letter Jrom Pearee of Birmingham — Invitation to ITanlet/, Stafford- 
shire — Iktmer of Ahingdon — Arlington — Centenary of K, William* s 
landing — Disquiet among the People at Fairford. 

The opening of the year 1788 was marked by Mr. KLinghom's 
receiying an invitation from the church at Fairford, to spend 
six months with them on probation, at the conclusion of his 
studies in the following May, which, after much consideration, 
be accepted. The following letters will illustrate this period : 

Bristol, Jannary 17th, 1788. 

• Deab Father and Motheb, 

I sit down this day to add to the former list an 
acknowledgment of one year's kindness more, and hope I yet shall 
make many such acknowledgments before we are separated from each 
other — what reasons have we to bless God for following us with so 
many mercies. May we so be enabled to improve them that we 
may glorify him. 

As to Fairford, I have an invitation from the church, signed by 
all present but two. I am much more convinced of the attachment 
of my friends than before, and I was much afraid if I did not go 
they would leave the church, indeed, I am almost certain the 
principal men would ; this made me take the opportunity to beg of 
them to consider the welfare and peace of the church as a part of 
the church of Christ, in which little parties and passions shoidd be 
entirely laid aside, and that, if I should come, they would still 
endeavour to promote the interest of the whole ; and after I had 
talked in this way to one I went to another, and told him wliat I 
had said, that I might read him the same lesson in an indirect 
manner. It had the desired cftect, so far that they assented to it» 

I 2 



116 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

and said they wished me to speak my mind quite openly, and they 
thought it was very good in me to consider them thus. They are 
again to have a supply from hence about the middle of February ; I 
think, I will then go and take my papers belonging to the catalogue 
with me, which still lies on my hands, and will for some time ; — ^a 
very dry, disagreeable business. 

I am more convinced than ever how weak I am ; I felt a peculiar 
difficulty in preparing for the pulpit, and sometimes there I dragged 
on very heavily, at other times bettdr. The more I know the more 
I sink in my own eyes and see my own unworthiness of any place 
in Christ's church; discouragements in mind sometimes do one good, 
always when they drive us to God. Happy event, whatever it is, 
that leads us to the throne of grace. J. E. 

Bishop Burton, January 26th, 1788. 
Deab Son, 

Yours of the 1 7th we received. May the Lord 

grant that every year he adds to your life he may add an increase of 
the knowledge of himself in all his glorious attributes, and fill you 
more and more with love to himself, as the God of all grace, and to 
fellow-men for his sake. I hope you will have no cause in the end 
to mourn on accoimt of a sense of your own weakness ; if it has the 
effect of causing you to frequent the throne of grace, it will tend to 
your own spiritual consolation and to the real benefit of the people, 
and will redound to the honour of Grod's free grace. Those conso- 
lations and assistances which follow earnest prayer have double 
sweetness in them, first, in the enjoyment, next, in the ccmfirmation 
of our faith in the promises of God ; and the assurance that he has 
heard our prayer is new encouragement to address his throne. 

It gives me pleasure that you took such a step to calm the minds 
of the people who are your friends ; a similar conduct' towards the 
other two will gain their affections, or at least prevent them from 
having occasion to become your enemies. Mild treatment will melt 
those affections which cannot be gained or bent by severity. We 
have no immediate objection to yoiu: complying with the call of the 
people at Eairford, though the distance casts a gloom on our minds, 
but the will of the Lord be done. 

As to your not coming to Burton this simmier, we think it is too 
foreseeing to determine at such a distance of time. But your mother 
keeps the old wheel going, and is spinning you some shirts, which 
she expects you will come to receive, for she cannot think of sending 
them so far by themselves, therefore you must come for them. She 



RESIDENCE AT FAIRFORD. 117 

is not willing to bid you farewell as yet, but hopes to see you, if 
eyen your stay be shorter than usual. 

On the 17th we entertained our Mends S. and J. Gregson, senior 
and junior, with our usual treat, they drank your health and sent 
their kind respects, and heartily wished you good success wherever 
you go. 

As I doubt not that our hearts and prayers meet daily before his 
throne, so I hope wc shall at last meet where sorrow and sighing, 
distance and parting, shall be no more. When faith and prayer 
unite the heart to a promising God, then the spirit of adoption is 
manifested, and there is liberty of access unto the Father by Jesus 
Christ. D. K. 

March 25th, 1788. 
Dear Father a^d Mother, 

I am still at Fairford and shall stay this week 
out, but intend being in Bristol next, (D. V.) I received yours on 
the Lord*s-day morning about an hour before I went to preach, and 
was quite revived with it. Providentially Mr. Evans came into this 
country and spent the 16th here, preached and administered the 
Lord's Supper. He, like a true Mend, interested himself deeply in 
my situation, and through him I am come to the knowledge of some 
things of which I before was ignorant. I find the opposition against 
my coming is stronger than I thought it was, though 1 apprehend 
from what I can find I have the majority. Mr. Evans declared 
himself in a dilemma, and said he did not know what to advise. 
The mischief arises here; the congregation is a good deal mixed 
respecting sentiments ; some are for very high rigid Calvinism, such 
as they will never get from me ; so that unless a person is continu- 
ally insisting on the very highest points in that system his orthodoxy 
is suspected ; others, who are more mild can hear my talk, without 
being afraid of my being an Arminian. In short they are so swallowed 
up with system that they seem to forget they are rational creatures,, 
and, as such, objects of address. This was the very thing that made 
the separation between them and Mr. Clark. Now, on these grounds,, 
you need not wonder I was suspected, and, to tell the truth, I am 
quite popular in the coxmtry round for heterodoxy. Suspicious 
whispers, and I know not what besides, have made those with whom 
I never was acquainted, think me a dangerous being. This Mr^ 
Evans told me, and said he had taken much pains to defend me, and 
told many, I was as orthodox as he was, and as they were too. 
But this gives me no concern, the name of a heretic cannot do much, 



118 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

a little time will wear it away, and if I could but establish people 
in truth and purity, I should think it a very small matter to bo 
branded with that title all my days. However you need not be 
under any apprehensions, that any change in my sentiments has 
made this charge just. 

Mr. Evans is much concerned about them, but he is not less so 
about me, and I hope I shall never forget the friendly manner in 
which he interested himself in my situation. 

I am now, and have been since my first coming, in the house of 
the greatest opponent I have ! You will think this strange ; 'tia, 
however, true. Mr. Hooke is a very good worthy man, and I re- 
spect the man much, but I am **not to be his parson" with his 
consent. 

I have great reason to be thankful, I feel myself, at times, carried 
above all these perplexities, and can speak the word of God with 
authority, and I have reason to believe my Mends are by the oppo- 
sition more attached to me than ever. About once a fortnight, on a 
Lord's-day evening, I go to preach to a people in a country place 
about five miles off; this attaches one family of considerable import- 
ance to me, and I hope will be the means of doing good ; there arc a 
hundred and fifty, frequently two hundred people, who are literally 
starving for want of the bread of life, and 'tis a shame not to go and 
feed them. 

Earnestly wishing you every blessing, 

1 remain, &c., 

J. K. 

fiishop Burton, April 3rd, 1788. 
Beak Son, 

If I had known sooner the real cause of the 
opposition against Mr. Clark, 1 should have advised you not to 
engage to sotUe among them for any length of time, under a per- 
suasion that your character would greatiy suffer, and perhaps your 
usefiilncss go with it at least to some individuals, though you might 
be more useful to many others who heard you without prejudice. 
But, seeing the rumour is spread, the best way 1 can at present 
think of is, to preach it down. I do not mean by a continual labour- 
ing on those topics, but by so treating every subject, that there may 
be Bom(!thing in it to convince the gainsayers, that it is not true. 
In order to this, be cautious of using loose words, which will be 
readily caught at, such as offers of grace, overtures of grace, which 
some people who hate the terms own the thing meant by them. 



CALVINISM. 119 

ObeeiYe the eanie, concerning the word condition ; every body owns 
the necessity of repentance and faith, and new obedience as the froit 
of Mth, or a fruit of the Spirit connected with, and consequent on, 
believing in Christ ; yet if you say that one or other, or all of these, 
are conditions of salvation, even though it be with a sine qua non 
following, it wiU be enough to fix the charge of Arminianism upon 
yon. We onght to be careful that we do not handle the word of 
Qod deceitMly ; at the same time we shoiild seek out acceptable 
words to express our sense of it. I am now reading, and I wish you 
to read, " Chamock on Regeneration" in his second volume, in which 
you wiU see all the arguments of Calvinists collected together, ob- 
jections answered, and after all, exhortations to the duty as much 
pressed home, as though he were an entire Arminian. Perhaps it 
may be of use to you to have a clear view of these subjects at this 
time ; but more concisely in ** Gill's Body of Divinity." He is the 
clearest writer I ever met with ; I wish you to read Gill's writings. 

No person ought to speak in public what he does not understand, 
though he may think it true upon the authority of others. But I 
am fully persuaded of this, that if you fairly examine the Calvinist 
system by the Scriptures, you'll find you must either take the whole 
or reject the whole, or be continually in a confusion of mind. What- 
ever difficulties may attend the whole or any part of the system, 
greater difficulties will perhaps be found to attend the contrary. If 
by the highest points you mean eternal adoption, eternal justification, 
and eternal union, there are very few Calvinists that meddle with 
them; and fewer that understand them; while many Calvinists 
oppose them as inconsistent with Scripture, but I think they do it 
absurdly and with ill grace ; an Arminian does it consistently. 

If these topics were what Mr, Clark delighted to dwell upon, I 
must say that I should not wish you to meddle with them, neither 
pro nor eon, till your judgment is more mature than at present. 
Yet if it be necessary to treat on them, a young man should bo 
careful to do it with modesty, whether in public or private. " Ex- 
hort young men to be sober-minded" is exceedingly needful. 

From your affectionate father, 

D. K. 

Bristol, April 15th, 1783- 
Deab FATirea and Motheb, 

I am much obliged to you for your prudent advice. 

Concerning Fairford, I know very littie more than I told you in my 

last. Mr. Evans has given me some excellent hints concerning my 



120 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

preaching to them, and advises me strongly to make myself well 
acquainted with some of the best practical writers. He thinks it 
not entirely to sentiment that the people object — they say, what 
certainly is of far more consequence, I do not lay man low enough, 
nor exalt Christ high enough, and do not think I feed them with 
pure gospel. For my part I cannot in conscience think this chai^ 
true. I hope in my heart I can say, " God forbid I should glory, 
save in the ero89, ^e.,** and I think when I press duty and obligation 
on sinners, they chaise me with legality and Arminianism, and from 
what I can gather, seem to think they ought not to be treated as 
those who are objects of persuasion and rational address from the 
motives of the gospel ; in which point of view I think I shall always 
consider them. I am sure I have no such ideas of man as to think 
much of htm, but yet knowing (I hope) the terrors of the law, I 
would endeavour to persuade men, if pcradvcnture by any means 

God should give them repentance. At F I preached those 

things that most affected my own mind, and I do not think my views 
of the gospel, as a system of entire mercy, are at all diminished. 
When I preached in your pulpit, I enjoyed much pleasure myself, 
and you and your people were pleased to express satisfaction in my 
attempts to set forth the unsearcliablc riches of Christ to sinners, in 
saving them frt)m sin and hell, and making even the poor of this 
world heirs of an immortal kingdom, in ruling over his enemies and 
guiding his people through the intricate mazes of human life to his 

heavenly mansions ; and 1 am not sensible that at F I preached 

any other Gospel. I have laboured to convince them that Christ 
died for sin and rose again for our justification, and if this is not 
gospel, I must confess myself ignorant of it. I have pressed on 
them as much as 1 was able, the great gmlt of men in not receiving 
the gospel on this very consideration, that in rejecting the gospel of 
Jesus they rejected the only way of salvation, which was through 
him ; and surely this is the doctrine which will exalt Jesus and 
debase man. 

Write again as soon as convenient. May the grace of our Lord 
Jesus Christ be richly shed abroad in your hearts, so prays, 

Yours, &c., 

J. K. 

P.S. Mr. Charles Wesley died here about a fortnight ago. Last 
week Mr. Smith, of Eunhill Eow, London was here. I saw Dr. 
Priestley here last week; he called on Mr. Evans and saw our 
librar}'. 



LAW AND OOIPEL. 121 

Bishop BortoQ, April 29th, 1788. 

DxAB Son, 

Touts of the 1 5th of April we received ; I heartily approve 
of HJr. Evans' advice to make yourself well acquainted with some of 
the best practical writers. I shall be glad to know what authors he 

recommends, his observation on the people of F is a heavy 

charge though you think it unjust. Perhaps you have not attended 
to the proper distinction betwixt Law and Gospel. Like tntntu and 
plui in algebra, the Law requires all, but gives nothing ; the Oospel 
gives all, but requires nothing, ^ow as an unskilful treating of 
them mars the beauty of each, so it destroys their harmony. The 
Law demands perfect obedience of men, Christ gives it ; it demands 
the penalty of the transgressor, Christ suffers and pays it ; it con- 
demns, he acquits, by bearing the condemnation, and discharging 
us from it ; it says pay me what thou owest, he pays it, and gives 
us the receipt. It, like the avenger of blood, pursues us till we fly 
for refoge to Christ, then its fury is queUcd, and cannot enter into 
this city of refuge to slay one soul, but smiles to see us there. He 
that despises this city of re^e despises the appointed means of his 
own preservation, which no man who is sensible of his own condition, 
can think it his interest or duty to do. 

If you could treat on practical subjects doctrinally and on doc- 
trinal subjects practically, it might have a tendency to calm the 
minds of the jealous. I mean so to treat on repentance, faith, hope, 
love, obedience, &c., as laying the foimdation of them on the grace 
and favour of God, and the eficacy of it in the heart, as applied by 
the Holy Spirit to produce these effects ; rather than to treat on 
them under the idea of man's obligation to perform them. For, 
though this be true, men are morally unable to do it, without the 
efficacious operations of the Spirit of Gk)d on the soul, enlightening 
the understanding and renewing the will. As I have found the 
baneful effect of reasoning against some truths in the Calvinist 
system, I advise you to say with Dr. Watts, 

" Bnt oh ! my soul, if trath so bright, 
Should dazzle and confound thy sight, 
Tet still his written will obey. 
And wait the great decisiTe day." 

D. K. 

Dkab Fatheb akd Hotheb, 

The double lecture was yesterday, at Bourton-on- 
the-Water about fifteen or sixteen miles from us. Suspicion of my 
sentiments I knew had reached that place, and I almost considered 



122 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

myself as called to the bar to answer the charges alleged against 
me, but I thought there would be no occasion for me to satisfy their 
curiosity, and on that accoimt I would take a plain text, and preach 
as well as I could that gospel which I thought the text contained, 
and so let them like or dislike it. My text was, '' I am determined 
to know nothing among you save Jesus Christ and him crucified." 

As to sentiments, especially those you mention, I know not that 
I am different from you on the whole, though you write as though 
you thought the difference wide. 

When I "press on men their obligation to keep the law, it is not 
that they may gain life by it, but that they may be sensible of their 
want of conformity to so holy and just a law, and thereby be led to 
embrace the gospel as a system of free mercy, and unless they art 
sensible of this, they never can receive the gospel. 

Respecting redemption by Christ, which is the very marrow of 
the gospel, all I can say is most admirably expressed by Dr. Watts : — 

*' Jesus, my great High Priest, 
Offer'd his hlood and died : 
My guilty conscience seeks 

No sacrifice beside. 
This powerful blood did once atone, 
And now it pleads before the throne." 

J. K. 

Fairford, June 26th, 1788. 
Deas Fatheb Ain) Motkeb, 

Mr. Evans has-been a journey this way, and called 
on us both going and coming. I accompanied him to Oxford, 
where he was to assist at Mr. Hinton's ordination, Dr. Stennett was 
there, to whom Mr. Evans introduced me, and who inquired par- 
ticularly after you. Mr. Evans gave the charge. Dr. Stennett 
preached to the people. The week after I had to attend one of our 
double lectures, when Mr. Evans and Dr. Stennett preached again, 
this was last week, and thus after enduring much fatigue, and being 
frequently almost overset, I hope I shall now rest awhile. Bustle^ 
hurry, and travelling, do not suit me ; I never enjoy such calm 
satisfaction as at home. 

As to systems, 1 have not such an esteem for them as many have, 
but I think Calvin superior to any system-writer I have met with ; 
his Institutions (in Latin) I keep constantly by me, and very fre- 
quently read them, and set a very high value on them. I endea- 
vour to study Christianity as a regular system, and I think unless 
wo see the connection between one part of it and another, we can 



hinton's ordination. 123 

have no idea of its beauty. As a system, I endeayour to preach it, 
and shew men the connection of its parts, without which, though 
we may be dogmatical, yet I think we cannot be judicious. I en- 
deavour to be plain and scriptural, for when all reasoning is at an 
end, it must be firom the plain simple declarations in God's word, 
that we can derive any comfort, these are all our salvation and all 
our joy. J. K. 

Though the following letter £rom the excellent Samuel 
Pearce is on a subject of comparatively small interest, we 
think the name of the writer a sufficient apology for its inser- 
tion; it was occasioned by some inquiries made by Mr. 
Kinghom, on behalf of his unde Isaac Jopling, a marble 
mason, at Gateshead. 

Plymouth, July 17th, 1788. 
By this time I fear my friend Kinghom has enter- 
tained some unkind thoughts concerning mc, and truly I must 
confess not without reason, but I flatter myself, that when he hears 
my defence, he will conceive it a sufficient apology for my conduct. 

Picture to yourself, my dear Kinghom, yoiur friend Pearc6 
arriving home on Saturday night, scarce having time to look about 
him, before fatigue called him to the arms of Morpheus, rising 
early the following day, preparing for three public exercises, and 
frtnn that time to the present, in the midst of a numerous acquaint- 
ance, engaging constantly four, Ave, or six times every week, in the 
old trade of preaching and attendance on prayer and society meet- 
ingSy to which both duty and delight solicited his presence — and 
say, is it surprising if amidst so much animation, inanimate marble 
should escape his notice ? 

It is well I made a memorandum in my pocket book, but, (as 
many do by their bibles, so did I by my pocket-book,) content at 
possession, I neglected to emimine, till a day or two since, when 
the words "marble, Kinghom,'* &c., catching my attention, raised 
the blush of conscious unkindness in my countenance, I recollected 
my engagement, and was punished for my inattention in the recol- 
lection ; I resolved to delay no longer, but immediately hasten to 
obtain the necessary information. After many inquiries I dis- 
covered (I believe) the most capital dealer in marble in this country, 
I called on him, and proposed the questions you desired me, but 
alas ! through my ignorance of their trade terms, and what sort of 



124 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

marble your Mend wanted, and in what state, I found it difBLcult to 
obtain that intelligence which I thought would give satis&ctiony 
but you shall judge for yourself. He says this country marble can- 
not be at all depended upon as it eomeifrom the quarry y many large 
blocks which he has now by him, having a very sound appearance 
until opened, when they fall in pieces and prove entirely useless ; 
the price in its rough state is from 4s. to 4s. 6d. the cube foot. I 
inquired the price of it when opened, (by which term they mean 
sawn asunder in the middle,) he told me in general about 7s. per 
cube foot. The colours of the marble are various, some of a black 
ground, with white and otiier light coloured veins, other blocks of 
red, grey, and very light grounds, differently veined; two blocks 
very seldom discovering a uniformity of colour. 

If I can be of any further service to you in this business you may 
depend it will be my pleasure to effect it to the utmost of my 
power, and by my activity and speed in future convince you how 
much I am ashamed of my past inattention. 

If this be the case I request you to write soon, as I shall leave 
this place next Tuesday week. 

Perhaps you do not know I am going to spend the last month of 
the vacation at Birmingham. Many who are acquainted both with 
me and the Baptist friends there, take upon them to prophecy that 
I shall settle there, but if their predictions prove true, my mind 
must experience a change. 

Indeed, I told Mr. King when he called on me at Bristol, that I 
should not visit them as a candidate, having almost determined in 
my mind to accept of a call from my Plymouth friends; but this, 
like all other events, are in the womb of providence, and I trust it 
is my only desire to settle where I shall be made most useful in my 
master's vineyard. I am now equally indifferent whether I fix in 
a church as smaU as our very little interest at Coleford, or in one as 
large as that in Birmingham. Were I to foUow my natural inclina- 
tion I think I should prefer the former, as I imagine the troubles to 
be less and the pleasures greater in a small (if flourishing) than a 
more ample sphere ; may I be enabled to discern and to walk in the 
way where the Lord leads. 

I hope you enjoy many blessings with your flock at Fairford ; 
doubtless your plcasantest draughts have a mixture of bitter too, 
but I need not remind a senior brother that his God has engaged to 
supply all his need whilst here, and at last to orown every terrestrial 
good with an eternal weight of glory. 



SAMUEL PEARCE. 125 

liay our Ghracioiis Father ever be a wall of fire round about us, 
and cause his dedaratiye glory to be increased by means of us whilst 
in the church militant, and when you join the '' Rapturous song of 
angels round the throne," may he be a partaker of your joy, who 
now esteems it his pleasure to style himself your affectionate Mend 
and brother, 

S. PSABGB. 

Joseph Kinghom and Samuel Fearce who were students 
together at Bristol^ were nearly of the same age^ and much 
of the same character of mind. Fearce was eminently dis- 
tinguiahed by the suavity of temper^ the gentleness of manner, 
and the sweetness of aspect^ which were characteristics of 
Joseph Kinghom ; and if inferior to him in depth of thought 
and closeness of argument^ possessed fiir more imagination 
and poetry — so that his preaching was more attractive and 
therefore more popular. Fuller observes that it " was like a 
shower of dew, quietly insinuating itself into the heart, insen- 
sibly dissipating its gloom, and gradually drawing forth 
the graces of faith, hope, love, and joy, and while the coimte- 
nance was brightened almost into a smile, tears of pleasure 
would rise, and glisten, and fjEdl from the admiring eye. 

But to return to the correspondence. 

Fairford, July 22nd, 1788. 
Ds^B Fatheb akd Motheb, 

As to our double lecture, there are now only four 

churches in it, Fairford and the three following ; — ^Bourton-on-the- 

Water, fifteen miles north, Mr. B. Beddome and Mr. Wilkins; 

Coate, twelve miles north-cast, Mr. T. Dimcombe; Abingdon, 

twenty-five miles east, Mr. D. Turner and Mr. J. Evans. Our 

other near neighbours are Cirencester, eight miles west, Mr. Dora; 

Wantage, twenty miles east, Mr. Smith; Horsley, twenty miles 

west, Mr. B. Francis ; Tetbury, eighteen miles west, Mr. Burchell. 

I might add others, but they are rather out of our reach ; however, 

you may add Oxford to the list, about twenty-eight miles from us. 

Arlington is now supplied every Sabbath evening, once a fortnight 

by me, the other Sabbath by a young man, an Independent, who is 

at Ghedworth, a place north of us about ten miles, about five from 

Arlington. 

It would do you good to see the people at Arlington, most of 



126 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

them poor, bnt with that plainness and earnestness in their looks 
which has a very pleasing influence on the mind. I have great 
hopes, through the blessing of God, some good will be done by us. 
Something rather promising has already appeared. A few weeks 
ago a man who had never gone to any place of worship was asked 
by a party of people coming to meeting, if he would go, ho 
consented, and thought I was aiming at him all the while ; how- 
ever, he has come and attended, apparently with seriousness, ever 
since. 

. Another such a man, who has of late attended, has said, in a 
sermon I preached a month ago, I just described his past life. Now 
I well know, all this may be, when there is no religion ; but where 
there are no buds, there can be no fruit. I tell my Arlington 
friends they must put to a helping hand by praying heartily, or else 
it will not do, but that if we are but thoroughly engaged in looking 
to Gt)d for success, we may perhaps find we are laying the founda- 
tion stones of a church. Our meeting [at Fairford] when I am in 
the pulpit looks like a company of old veterans commanded by a 
boy, for I do not know one in the congregation, (children and ser- 
vants excepted,) who is not older than myself, and I am almost 
surrounded with grey heads. 

I have lately read " Baxter's Saint's Rest," abridged by Fawcett, 
of Kidderminster, which has not a single dry page in it. I think it 
one of the best practical books I ever read, and none of his pecu- 
liarities of sentiment appear in it, nor any of that severity and 
harshness that appears to have been so conspicuous in his controver- 
sial writings. But I must have done. Yours, &c., 

J. K 

The infant cause at Arlington, mentioned in the foregoing 
letter, and so zealously cared for by Mr. Kinghom, has since 
taken its place among the churches of the denomination. 

Faiiford, Sept. 24th, 1788. 
Deab Fatheb Am) Mother, 

I have been at Bristol, and since then another 

journey to Oxford and Abingdon. I talked to Mr. Evans about my 

situation, who seemed much puzzled in his mind, and said there 

were more reasons to be alleged why I should not go awai/, than why 

I should stat/, there being a peculiar intricacy in the case. 

Our congregation is no worse, but I think better ; at Arlington 

appearances are very pleasing. I have been informed that many 



ABLINOTON. 127 

$re moralized, and some more seem to have deep impressions of 
leligion on their minds. 

I am sometimes vexed ^t being, against my will, exposed to com- 
pany which, though good in itself, yet is dull and unimproving, and 
a variety of things has made me sometimes indulge a reverie, and 
^hink how much on some accounts I could enjoy it, if I was possessor 
of a cot in a lonely place out of the world, and away from the 
storms of human passions, if I only could procure books ; where in 
retirement I could read life away, and enjoy with a favourite author 
a satis&ction unknown to the avaricious and turbulent, and then 
oome out on the Sabbath to preach to the people. 

J. K. 

His fiither's advice^ with respect to his healthy which was 
at this time somewhat shaken^ and also with respect to his 
preaching, naust not be omitted. 

DxAB Son, 

I do not blame you for exerting yourself while 
there is a prospect of doing good to the souls of men ; if only one or 
two are plucked as brands out of the burning, it is a sufficient 
recompense for your additional labour and &itigue, and will be for a 
crown of joy and rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus. But I 
admonish you to be careful of catching cold when your work is 
done. Your usefulness in the church of Christ calls upon you to 
take care of your health. While God owns your labour he calls 
upon you in his providence to take care of the instrument with 
which he works : see 1 Cor. vi, 19. Your body is the temple of 
the Holy Ghost which you have of God, and you are not your own. 
Therefore, while it is our duty to glorify God in or with our bodies, 
it must be our duty to take all prudent care of them for that end. 

Again, respecting his hearers who objected to his preaching, 
his father says : — 

If you do anything to purpose you must apply the Scriptures to 
their own feelings, and address them according to their own notions 
of things. Do they say, man hath neither will nor power to change 
his heart, reply. For this reason you ought to be diligent at the 
throne of grace, begging that God may work in you both to will and 
to do. Do they say. We have no heart to pray unless it is given, — 



UFE or JOflEPH KINGHORN. 

128 

,^^^ MMBMcd to give Ids Spirit to them that aak and 

wftr- * ^^^^^ ^11 eaj, but these promises are only to the 

^'^^ "Vj * Be it M» is ^® promise to praying people an eyidence 

'^'IJ'^ *^J^ elM'tcd, or the contrary ? This brings it home. Do 

*■ '^^^ ^M jg a frre agent, he eon choose if he wiU, i. e., he can 

^\^ ^ ^ill. or choose if he chooses, it is in vain to point out, 

V ^j l)i0 nonsense of such a sentence, but reply, your sin is 

ijL jfiflrttT if yott ^^ ^^^ choose what God hath set forth in his 

^. " ^^ f^f Vour present and eternal welfare. Because ye say, 

-tf^ «^. which is the same, we have a will and power,) therefore 

* «ia wmaineth. By thus bringing the Scriptures to the con- 

* .i^-^ of men, though they cannot follow a train of reasoning, they 

dtyt iho foroe of a short remark on their own notions of things. 

X<«* tist^t that " faithM is he that hath promised, who also will 

jL||," Perhaps he is providing a place for you, where your labours 

will bo thankfully received and blessed for usefulness to many more 

l^tti Tou are likely to be useful to at Fairford. 

D.K. 

In August, 1788, Mr. Kinghom received an invitation £rom 
Jlr. Joseph Straphan, (a nephew of Dr. Samuel Stennett,) to 
supply a newly-built chapel at Hanlcy, in the populous manu- 
fiwrturing country near Newcastle, Staffordshire ; but it was 
declined. 

On Wednesday, Sept. 17th, Mr. Kinghom preached at the 
monthly meeting of ministers, or double lecture, which was 
held at the Rev. D. Turner's meeting, at Abingdon. He 
chose 1 John i, 3, for his text, and his sermon seems to have 
been highly approved. Mr. Turner makes the following inter- 
esting mention of it in a note to him. 



Abingdon, September 29th, 178S. 
Mr Dear Sra, 

I herewith send you a few pamphlets which I 
have picked up. How far they may answer to your idea of the 
useful among your poor people I cannot tell ; some of them, I doubt 
not, will, particularly my friend Jenkins' — A Week W$U Spent. 
Those upon Baptism you will use as you see particular occasion for, 
and probability of doing good, and none of doing harm. Those by 
Dr. Stonhouse, a worthy clergyman of the Established Church, 



DANIEL TTJKNER TO JOSEPH KINOHORN. 129 

you will also use as your judgment will direct : of them I could 
send you a few more if necessary. 

Let me now thank you for your truly serious, evangelical, good 
sermon at our lecture, with which all our most judicious friends 
were weU pleased, and I hope profited. It would have been more 
generally acceptable had your delivery been less rapid. This is a 
fault that I was once as guilty of as you, or anybody, when I first 
began to preach. But I found it was attended, not only with more 
(and needless) pains to myself, but*lo8t much of the effect I wished 
for upon the hearers. The common people cannot keep pace with 
a too rapid speaker. The ideas, in this case, succeed so fast, that 
even the most attentive and strongest mind can but just perceive 
them, they can't sink into it, or impress it with any degree of force 
sufficient to answer the end. They skim over its surface and are gone . 

This 0rror in speaking I have, therefore, long ago corrected, in 
some good measure, I wish I could say the same of all others ; and 
this error in your delivery, I doubt not, you could correct were you 
to set about it in earnest. I plainly perceive you have great minis- 
terial abilities, and appear to have felt the power of the gospel ^pon 
your own heart, and wish to do good, promote the interest of the 
£edeemer*s kingdom, and the salvation of mankind. Hay the God 
of all grace fill you still more with his Spirit, and may you always 
address your hearers with such sentiment and in such a manner as 
may have the happiest effects, by not only informing their under- 
standings but warming their hearts. To this end you seem to want 
nothing but a more deliberate delivery, with proper pauses at the 
dose of any interesting and striking sentence. You would by that 
means feel more yourself, and expressing yourself from those feel- 
ings, would be the more sensibly felt by your hearers. I cannot 
help being anxious that such men as you, with abilities so adapted 
to usefulness, should be redly popular preachers ; and not only please 
the discerning fewy but captivate the undisceminy many to Christ and 
his blessed religion. 

There are very few, even amongst the vulgar, but would be struck 
with the plain simple doctrine of the gospel delivered in the style 
and language of good sense, and in such a deliberate, yet lively and 
affectionate manner, as such feelings as yours would dictate, and 
the infinite dignity and importance of the subject demand. I was 
running on, and going to say many things in this way, but I consider 
I am writing to an almost stranger, one to whom I have no right to 
talk with this freedom — ^forgive me the impertinence, my dear sir; 



130 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

I should not hare gone into it had I not been led by the little I 
have seen and heard of you, into a very strong partiality in favour 
of your good sense and good temper. I will, therefore, only add 
that you have my most fervent wishes for your usefulness, that it 
may please God to incline the hearts of the people at Fairford to 
press you to settle with them, and incline yours to answer to their 
desires ; and I am, dear Sir, 

Your sincere and affectionate friend and brother in Christ, 

D. TUKNEK. 

CALEB EVANS TO JOSEPH KiyOHOBN. 

Down-End, October 13th, 1788. 

Dear Sir, 

I have been bo very much engaged of late that I 
could not possibly reply to your late favour. I baptized eighteen 
(seven from Thomburj-) on Tuesday, and that evening my dear sister 
sailed. My mind has been uncommonly agitated, but I hope I can 
lean on heaven. 

The catalogue remains as you left it, and who will do anjrthing 
respecting it if I do not ? And how I shall find time for it I know 
not. Your ten guineas shall, however, be paid. 

As to Fairford, I can say no more than I have said, but hope you 
will be directed for the best. Poor Dunn quits Norwich at Lady- 
day, and I think is right in doing it, as I do not think he would 
have been happy. 

Be assured that I am your very affectionate Mend and brother, 

C. Evans. 

I have been much persuaded to print three or four sermons I 
have just preached on the atonement — " We preach Christ cruci- 
fied," &c., and possibly I may. Mr. Hall persuades me to it, and 
says he is honest. If I thought any good might arise from it, I 
would willingly cast in this mite into the gospel treasury. I miss 
you greatly, and wish you were nearer to me, but it is God that 
fixes the bounds of our habitations. 

The above was in reply to a note from Mr. Kinghom for 
advice respecting Fairford. The dissensions there unhappily 
continued, but on the invitation arriving tram Hanley, Mr. 
Kinghom's friends made a stir, and sent him a letter signed 
by eight out of the thirteen present at the church-meeting. 
He gives the following account of his proceedings and decision 
in a letter to his parents. 



DIFFICULTIES AT FAIBFORD. 131 

Fairford, October 28th, 1788. 
Dear Patheb and Mother, 

I was very glad of yours of the 7th instant, and 
particularly pleased that you were ignorant of the confusion and 
anxiety I have been in for the last month. The very day after I 
sent off my last to you I received an invitation to a church at Hanley, 
Staffordshire; they wrote to me on the recommendation of Mr. 
Hopper, of Nottingham, who informed them I was at liberty. This 
put me and my Mends here into a flutter. I directly wrote to Mr. 
Evans, we were then nothing but consultations, &c. On the 12th a 
meeting was called, at which only thirteen were present, eight signed, 
two were neuter, and three against. For my part I was in a dread- 
ful dilemma — wrote again to Mr. Evans — took a horse and went to 
Mr. Dunscombe, and then to Bourton-on-the- Water. ^Ir. D. taking 
in all circumstances, thought my further stay desirable for some time 
at least. At Bourton, Mr. Wilkins said he thought the best way 
would be to reject every partial invitation, but make them an offer 
of my services till they could meet with one in whom they could 
more cordially unite. Mr. Beddome highly approved the advice. 
My friends agreed to the measure, as by this means my stay had a 
peaceable appearance. 1 did so on the 19th instant; the opposition 
were struck, and the proposal was applauded by all, (two or three 
excepted,) it was considered as a generous Christian-like proposal : 
by this means those who before seemed neuter, are more attached to 
me. On this ground I now am. The only thing that could induce 
me to take this step was a desire to keep them together. I trust 
it was the direction of providence. Our congregation keeps up, 
Arlington is pleasing, and I have additional hopes that I have been 
useful. 

Yours in duty and affection, J. K. 

Bishop Barton, Koy. 8, 1788. 
Dear Son, 

Your letter we received, and are glad to hear of 
your health, and that you have got your puzzle and bustle so settled, 
at least for a season. We are perfectly satisfied with the dis- 
interestedness of your procedure, it gives us more pleasure than it 
could possibly have done to have heard that you took an advantage 
of the majority in your favour, when some were against your 
continuance. Mr. Wilkins' advice I think very prudent, and his 
and Mr. Dunscombe' s proposals very kind; they show a great respect 
lor you in wishing you to continue as neighbour. Mr. Tumor's 
letter, so far as you have related, shows the warm effusions of real 

K 2 



133 LIFE or JOSEPH KINGHORK. 

friendship; I hope he does not mean to flatter you into a high 
opinion of yourself, which if he did, I should think him your 
worst enemy. But I hope that will not be the fatal consequence of 
the good man's kindness. Maclean has made a stir at Hull, but he 
is returned to Scotland, we hear. 

I wiU now give you some account of what was doing at HuU on 
the 5th inst., it being one hundred years since the landing of King 
William and Queen Mary. Mrs. Gregson who was present, informs 
me that a crown was placed on the head of King WiQiam which 
cost £20, presented by the Jews to the corporation for the occasion. 
He was decorated with a sash, and orange and blue ribbon, a canopy, 
and another crown placed over it, and hung round with lamps for 
illumination at night. The mayor, in an orange-coloured coat and 
cockades, and many gents, most of them in satin waistcoats and 
breeches the same colour, attended by the clergy all with cockades 
marked K. W. and Q. M., made a procession round King William, 
stood with their hats off and sang a hymn of thanks to God for King 
William. The Trinity company, Dock company. Freemasons, and 
aU the companies in the town, the Charity Boys and Girls in differ- 
ent companies, made similar processions, each company walked 
several times round King William and sang. Soldiers were, drawn 
up in two ranks, that there might be no interruption ; the whole 
procession continued from ten to four or thereabout. The evening 
concluded with fireworks and great illuminations. Same at Bever- 
ley in the evening ; though it was fair day there was such a scarcity 
of orange ribbon at last, that half a guinea was offered for half a 
yard. Nobody durst go to Hull without. T should like to know if 
anything similar was observed in your country ; all shops shut at 
Hull, the day was festivity, except the time of public worship at 
church. 

D. K. 

Fairford, I>eeem1>er Ist, 1788. 
Deas Fatheb and Motheb, 

I am glad to find you approve so well of my 
procedure here. I have a congregation not to be despised, either in 
numbers or attention. Arlington still continues to encourage me to 
go there. I go now in the afternoon. It is customary here in the 
winter to preach only once in the day, and a lecture once a fortnight 
in the evening. The Presbyterians preach a lecture on the other sab- 
bath evening, so I preach here in the morning, go to Arlington directly 
after and finish by the time the people go to church, because some 



ANNIVERSARY OF KINO \?ILLIAM's LANDING. 133 

of our people there are not quite weaned from it, and then dine at 
four, when my day's work is done. Last night was our lecture. In 
the afternoon I went to church, in the evening I saw several from 
the church came to hear me, they heard with great attention. I 
preached from " The carnal mind is enmity against God." I am 
more convinced that in the general, that is the useful preaching 
which brings things home to the heart. Whatever represents 
religion as an easy, trifling matter ruins it. 

Of late I have been employed among the classics. Cicero de 
Natura Beorum I am now reading and have almost finished it. 
'Tis lamentable to think how great abilities have been thrown away, 
and how perplexing it is for a man unacquainted with revelation to 
attempt to write about religion. I see more beauty than ever in 
the apostle's description of the heathen world, that they feel after 
€h>d if haply they might find him. 

Your account of the doings at Hull, on Nov. 5th, pleased me and 
diverted my friends ; we had nothing particular here, but bonfires 
and crackers according to custom, but in Oxford and most places of 
note they took a great deal of notice of it, only many did it on the 4th. 
Here our neighbours, the Presbyterians, had a sermon in the 
morning, and I preached, at night, a sermon frill of loyalty and 
liberty, both civil and religious. I particularly noticed the liberty 
granted to dissenters by King William, and the extension of that 
liberty by his present Majesty, in the act for qualifying dissenting 
ministers. I pressed on my hearers thankfulness for such mercies, 
exhorted them by all proper means to preserve their liberties, 
remembering it is through their hands posterity will receive them, 
urged them to loyalty to their king, and fidelity to their country as 
their duty both as men and Christians, and urged them to do all 
under the influence of the temper of Christ, and with a view to his 
glory ; and I observed that he must be a despicable being indeed, 
who would suffer any one to enslave his mind while God and his 
country bid him be free. 

Had I been at Hull I should have been as hearty in putting on 
orange cockades and singing as the best of them. My best wishes 
always attend you. I hope soon to hear from you, and pray that 
you may enjoy every temporal blessing, and above all, the peace 
that passeth all understanding. 

I remain, in duty and affection most sincerely yours, 

J. K. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

1789. ^T. 23. 

Invitation to Normeh — Correspondence thereon between Mr. JSvam, 
Mr. JKinffhom, and the Norwich Friends — Arrival at Norwich — 
EU reception — Visit to Bishop Burton^ and return to Norwich. 

We liave now arrived at the most important passage of 
Mr, Kinghom's life, his removal to Norwicli, for upwards of 
forty years the scene of his labours. 

Our narrative will be principally drawn firom the correspond- 
ence of the period, especially his letters to his father and 
mother, and those which passed between Mr. Evans and the 
Norwich friends. 

Fairford, Jan. 17th, 1789. (Erening.) 
Deab Fathek and Mothbb, 

This day reminds me of the many obligations 
I am under to Gt)d and you, both of which I hope I feel, and shall 
be disposed to acknowledge. The longer I live the more am I sen- 
sible how much I am indebted to you for your affection, attention, 
instruction, and prayers, and I pray Gbd you may never have reason 
to regret that you bestowed labour in vain. 

This day I spent in a good deal of agitation. I will teU you the 
cause. In the course of the last week I found some of my people 
hurt in their minds at the conduct of the others who have left the 
meeting, and their conversation plainly insinuated that it would be 
better if I left Fairford. Some trifling matters besides made me very 
uneasy, and brought me to the very point of determining to go away. 
On this account I was thinking of writing to Mr. WiDrins, telling 
him how the matter was, and also that I had dropt the design of 
calling in ministers for their advice. These things I was working 
over in my mind last night, when I was called down to receive a 
letter which I saw came from Mr. Evans. I opened it with great 
agitation, wondering what budget I had got, when I found the out- 



INVITATION TO NORWICH. 185 

aide was a letter from Mr, Evans, and two letters were in the inside ; 
and how great was my astonishment when I saw one of them was 
the writing of Mr. Fishwick, and the date and post mark, Norwich, 
I read it, it was a long letter addressed to Mr. Evans. The leading 
circumstances were to this purpose, that he, spending a sabbath 
there, was in company with some of the principal people of one of 
the Baptist churches; they, unsolicited, told him their situation, 
that they and their minister (a fellow-student of mine, Mr. Dunn, 
who went there last summer,) were about to part, and asked him if 
he could direct them to another ; he mentioned me, but said he could 
not tell whether I was inclined to settle or no ; he would not have 
them write to me, but to Mr. Evans. This they took up at a church- 
meeting, found Mr. Fish wick's account corroborated by what some of 
them had heard of me before, and by the testimony of Mr. Dunn (who 
is there now) ; and in consequence it was the design of the church to 
apply to Mr. Evans on my behalf. He then said the meeting-house 
was lately enlarged, held 700 or 800 people, the members about 120. 
This letter bears date Jan. 21st. The other letter was from Mr. 
Dunn to Mr. Evans, informing him of his leaving Norwich at Lady- 
day, and also that a gentleman from Newcastle, travelling on busi- 
ness, dropped in on Saturday, and hearing the state of the church, 
highly recommended me; that the church applied to him for an 
account of me, that he confirmed the gentleman's testimony, and 
was happy in having an opportunity of speaking very handsomely 
of me, and that the church have particularly desired one of the 
members to write to Mr. Evans for me. 

You will readily suppose from these circumstances, (which are 
the chief,) that my mind would be all thrown into confusion. How 
to act is the difficulty. I have been some time past praying for 
direction, and considered myself as waiting to see what the Lord's 
will would be, and now these things present themselves. At the 
very time I was called down to take my letter, I was preparing a 
sermon on trust in Grod, a subject which, from my distress of mind, 
seemed to myself peculiarly necessary, and though 1 can scarcely 
tell yet what my friends will say of this business, or how I shall 
act, yet I trust the sincere language of my very heart is, " show 
me thy ways, Lord, teach me thy paths." I hope I can say I 
have conunitted myself to him, and that I only wish to know 
his will. Two days after came a letter from a Norwich gentleman to 
whom Mr. Fishwick wrote, and by which I found my letter was at 
Norwich, and was to be laid before the church. 



136 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

In due time I receiyed a letter from Mr. Bimn, who gave me some 
aocotmt of the matter, with an openness and friendship that does 
him great credit. I also wrote to Norwich to the gentleman ahove 
mentioned, (whose name is Wilkin,) told him I had written to Mr. 
]>ann, and received a letter from him. I commended his spirit, and 
told ^im I should be very sorry to say and do anything that might 
be the occasion of any mischief, and that in the inquiries I had made 
my motive was good, to know the prospect before mo, and in case 
I should go to Norwich to be able to keep free from party, and the 
better to endeavour to promote the good of the whole ; he had said 
something about my visiting Norwich, that he hoped to sec me, &c., 
to this I replied I thought at the present time it was rather pre- 
matore to say much concerning it. I hoped we should have the 
direction of providence, and be able to act accordingly. 

I was surprised at receiving your letter, for if you had known all 
our afSedrs you could hardly, in many points, have spoken more to 
the purpose ; all these confirmed me much, and made me think Gfod 
was calling me away, for though Norwich has some temptations 
attending it, yet these very things embarrassed my mind for some 
days, lest I should be secretly swayed by them, and prefer 
splendour and interest to duty; but I hope I am not: I know 
'tis neither their gold, nor fine folks that can of themselves make me 
happy, and if I can say anything with certainty, it is that if the 
people here had been but agreeable, neither Norwich nor a greater 
temptation would have drawn me away ; a country life I much love, 
and the souls of clowns arc as valuable as any others, and both my 
congregation and my salary would, according to my present feelings, 
have contented me, had the people only been unanimous. 

I last sabbath told the people belonging to the church here, and 
the subscribers, who are also consulted in all public business, I had 
come to a determination to stay no longer, but would continue six 
or seven weeks as a temporary supply, till they might meet with 
another ; or a less time if they thought proper : I left them to talk it 
over, and four sabbaths more were concluded on, as the time of my 
stay with them ; however, I think it is very likely, indeed, I have 
partly engaged to stay two longer, though I shall preach only four 
for the Baptists. The Presbyterian minister here wishes to go to 
London, and presses me to supply his place a couple of sabbaths, 
which I am much inclined to do, as we have lived in great friend- 
ship, though our sentiments in many things are not the same ; yet, 
tliough he knows I am more orthodox than he, he takes every 



CALEB EVANS' RECOMMENDATION. 137 

Opportunity of hearing me, and comes with many of his people to 
our evening lectures. 

Through mercy I am tolerable, though I have been tossed about of 
late like a wave of the sea. This long tale, which is only a brief 
recital of much that has passed, I know will surprise and interest 
you. Do write to me soon and tell me what you think about it. 

Yours in duty and affection, 

J. K. 

CALEB EVANS TO THOMAS HAWKINS.* 

Birmingham, January 17th, 1789. 

Deae Sib, 

On Thursday last, I received your favour relative 
to Mr. Kinghom's paying a visit to the church at Norwich, upon 
Mr. Dunn's leaving it at Lady-day next; I am happy to find 
Mr. Dunn has obtained your esteem. Sir, and I hope your friendship, 
though he has not been so fortunate as to meet with the approbation 
of the church at large. I know him to be a young man of sterling 
worth and piety; and I have no doubt but he will be found to 
increase, wherever he goes, in graces, and gifts, and real useMness. 

He knows but little of the world, and he may not, perhaps, in 
every punctilio, have paid that attention to prudence and propriety 
he might have done. With the wisdom of the serpent he is much 
less acquainted than he is with the undisguised simplicity and 
innocence of the dove, but I am sensible no two parties can walk 
together except they be agreed ; and it is proper, therefore, to part. 

Mr. Einghom is a young man who merits everytldng that has 
been said of him. He is a sound scholar, an able, though not 
what may be called a brilliant preacher, and of the most amiable 
disposition in the world. As Mr. Dunn's senior, I should have 
mentioned him in the first instance, but that he was not at that time 
disengaged. I am not certaru that he is now. If he is, I hope he 
will pay you a visit, as I am sure you will not easily meet with a 
young man of equal piety, learning, temper, and general excellence. 
I have written to him upon the subject, and will let you know hia 
answer as soon as I have it. 

Mr. Fishwick is one of the best of men, and Mr. Kinghom lived 
with him some years before he came to the Academy. As I seek with 
you, Sir, nothing but the advancement of Christ's interests, I lay 

* Deacon of the Baptist church, St Mary's, Norwich. 



138 LIPK OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

«ide eTHtr pononal oonsideration, and am ever ready to do all in 
ny |vwiNr to |»n>mote the peace and prosperity of all the churches 
vlNk mvil and desire any assistance I may bo able to giyc them. 

1 Mu. dear Sir, with great respect, and esteem, and salutations 
«f Christian friendship to the church, 

Your obedient Mend and humble servant, 

Caleb Etaks. 
thoacas hawkins 10 joseph kinghobk. 

Norwich, February 16th, 1789. 

l^Kxa Sir, 

I embrace the first opportunity of acquainting 
you that ycstenlay Mr. Evans's letter was read to the church at 
N\^rR-ioh, expri'ssing your design to vi.sit us at Lady next ; by the 
dt'cdri' of the cliurch I communicate to you their Christian respects, 
ko|ung it \\nll be for mutual comfort and the advancement of the 
iNius«> of Christ, that they have been directed in pro\ddence to in\ite 
you among tliom, and that you may be the happy instrument under 
tho great head of tlie church, to settle them again in the enjoyment 
of the privili»ges of the house of God, and feed them with knowledge 
Mid under8tanding,and that your intention of making trial of them may 
bo followed with a lasting peace and liarmony to you and them. I 
haw now to assure you I shall be glad of a letter fix)m you when 
j-ou have leisure. You will please to inform me, before you set off 
for Norwich, tlie day you intend to reach this city, and if you can 
let mc» know the coach you come by, I will do myself the pleasure 
of nui*ting you at tlie inn, if not, you will easily get directed to my 
house. In haste to save the post to-day. 

With groat respect, and esteem, and salutations of Christian love 
fix)iu tlio church, believe me to be, dear Sir, your friend and servant, 

Thomas Hawkdis. 

ANSWER. 

Fairford, Fehraary Idth, 1789. 
Your favour of the 16th I duly received. I 
would just beg leave to mention that I did not beforo understand 
iliat the letter Mr. Evans received from Norwich was to be oon- 
Hidereil as a f\ill invitation, or that when he wrote to you, he would 
ongagt^ for my going at Lady-day, however, as your church seem 
Mitislled wiUi the matter as it now stands, it is all very well. I only 
wishiHl to prevent any misunderstanding from taking place among 
us : but I think it right to mention the plan I think of following. 
This ensuing summer 1 intendi God willing, taking a journey into 



AGREES TO VISIT NORWICH. 139 

Yorkflhire; I will come by Norwich, and stay with you eight Sundays, 
and then proceed on my journey ; in the mean time you will be able 
to form some opinion^ whether my making a further stay afterwards 
will be likely to be for the good of the church and the glory of 
Christ, or the contrary. As we are at present quite strangers to 
each other, this will make us a little acquainted before we proceed 
any further, and will, I dare say, appear to you, as it does to me, the 
most cautious, prudent method on both sides. 

You will please to communicate the above to your Mends, with 
my best Christian respects and thanks for the good opinion they have 
entertained of me, in wishing me to visit them, and assure them I 
earnestly desire that in all things they may seek and enjoy the 
direction and blessing of God. 

I remain, dear Sir, yours in the bonds of the gospel, 

Joseph Kinohoen. 

thomas hawkins to joseph kinghorn. 

Norwich, Feb. 24th, 1789. 
Dear Sir, 

Your kind favour of the 19th inst. I received in 
course, and the part that concerned the church I read to them on 
Sunday. The people unanimously signified their approbation of 
your plan, some of the members said it was a very liberal proposal, 
and a method likely to prevent any disagreeable occurrences — for 
should you find the people such as to render your situation uncom- 
fortable, or they dissatisfied, you have chosen a way for a speedy 
termination ; although we trust and pray the contrary will be the 
result of your intended visit, and that we shall by a knowledge of 
each other find the end is love : this is the general virtue, and pro- 
tector of all the rest, and on it must, I think, depend the felicity of a 
Christian church. I doubt not but this principle will be inculcated 
on each side, and I hope lay the foundation of a union for the glory 
of Christ, and the happiness of his people. We suppose you will 
with us think it unnecessary for me to enter at this time into any 
particulars respecting secular matters, as we can take them into 
consideration, as soon as you please after your arrival at Norwich. 
In answer to the other part of your letter : the best coach you can 
take for Norwich is the JExpeditumy it sets out from the Bull, 
Bishopsgate Street, every evening except Sunday, I think at six 
o'clock, but as this is the best coach it is mostly full, you had there- 
fore better take it as soon as you get to town ; the next is a diligence 



140 



LITE or JOSEPH KINGHORN. 



fttmi the Ked Hart, Petter Lane, at three o'clock every afternoon ; 

ihoTC are others, tiie Mail, and heavy coaches, but the first is 

pi«f(»«ble. Should you send anything by waggons, the best is 
fy^ the Bull, Bishopsgate Street, and sets out every Wednesday 
and Saturday evening. As this is in answer to your inquiries, I 
have only, Sir, to add, if anything further is thought of by you as 
necessary, you will be kind enough to make me acquainted with it, 
and be assured I will cbeerfully render you my best services, having 
the pleasing expectation that this correspondence will be followed 
«ith mutual offices of kindness, and the endearing ties of friend- 
ship when we have the pleasure of seeing and knowing each other. 
jfgy God enaUe us through all the variations of life to act our parts 
properly, is the prayer of, 
'^ Dear Sir, yours sincerely, 

Tuo>[AS Hawkins. 

p.S. Shall be happy to hear from you. 

Fairford, March 11th, 1789. 
J)eab Fatheb and Motheb, 

Inclosed I send you a Bank of England note for 

(en pounds, which I beg you will accept as a small testimony (I 

^h it had been larger) of gratitude and love. 1 have long wished 

to send you some money, but I could not before raise this sum, that 

J might send you a Bank of England note, as our five guinea 

country bank notes would not be negotiable so far north. What 

you now receive I hope you will freely nsv, and let no gratification 

ten pounds will purchase be denied. I wish you the same pleasure 

in laying it out, that I have in being able to st»nd it, and then it 

will be great indeed. You need not be uneasy about the cash I 

have left, lest I should have straitened myself. I shall leave Fuii^ 

ford with about nine pounds, which will be plenty. Besides I can 

draw at any time for the whole or part of the ten guineas in Mr. 

Evans's hands if I should want. The Korwich business seems very 

■well settled. I received an answer to the letter I mentioned in my 

last, by whicli I find all were satisfied with and some much approved 

of my plan. It was in everything a very respectful letter. I 

could not help laugliing at your puzzling yourselves about my 

clothes and books, it is plain, then, 200 miles will not prevent caro 

even about trifles. I will tell you how I think of doing. My 

books I shall leave packed in a large box ; it would be in vain to 

send them to Hull, or any other place, till it is known what is to 

become of the owner. I am sensible of the importance of dress, 



LONDON AND NORWICH. 141 

and know I must dress more in Norwich than I have done here 
among farmers and mechanics ; especially as I am told I am going 
to a fine congregation. However, I hope not to go into the opposite 
extreme and turn fop, for that is abominable. I was much pleased 
with yours, especially to find I had been useful at Bishop Burton, 
perhaps I may have been so here. 

When I have been one sabbath at Norwich I will write to you. 
I think it is useless to say much more. I hope we shall soon talk 
instead of write. 

J. K. 

After spending a few days in the metropolis, Mr. Kinghom 
took coach to Norwich, where he arrived on Saturday morn- 
ing. But let us see how he himself speaks of his journey, 
arrival, and reception. 

Norwich, March 29th, 1789, 

Monday Morning. 
Deab Fathek and Motheb, 

At Oxford I received yours, which quieted my 
mind respecting the safe arrival of my letter, &c., but brought dis- 
agreeable intelligence respecting your health. I hope you are now 
better, though we have in the south had very churlish weather, 
which did not well agree with weak people. You see I am now an 
inhabitant of Norwich. I arrived here on Saturday morning from 
London. I had a good congregation yesterday, (the new broom 
you know sweeps clean,) but felt myself very awkward in a new 
place among strangers. 1 came to London on the 23rd, had before 
agreed to spend a day or two with the Presbyterian minister of 
Fairford, who was then in town, and whose father lives at Stoke 
Newington, four miles from London, in consequence of which he 
and 1 met as soon as I got there, and 1 went with him home. On 
Tuesday we rambled about to see curiosities. On Wednesday I 
went to Hoxton, to Mr. Ward's. Wednesday evening, Mr. Ward 
and 1 went to the Tabernacle and heard Mr. Berridge, the author of 
"The Christian World Unmasked; Pray come and Peep;" you 
remember the book I dare say. Two days I was very poorly, but I 
grew better on Friday afternoon, and at night at six o'clock set off 
to come here, and through the mercy of God, here I am better than 
I could ever have thought of. 

There are no coaches from London here but night coaches, and 
the places for Thursday evening were taken, so that 1 was obliged 



142 LIPI OP JOSEPH RINOHORN. 

to oome on Friday eTening. Mr. and Mrs. Ward were exceeding 
kind and tender to me, it was a great happiness to me tliat I was 
there. I hope I am thankful to God for his great mercy, and deaire 
to glorify him. 

I hardly know what kind of a place I am in, Norwich seems an old, 
comicaUy-built place. But I shall be able to give you after a while 
some better account of everything, aU I can now tell you is that I 
know nothing. My residence here is with the widow of the late 
minister, Mr. David, and you wiU please to direct to me at Mrs. 
David's, St. George's, Norwich ; and do let me hear soon. I bog 
my respects to Mends as usual, and remain, always wishing you the 
best blessing, 

Yours, in duty and affection, 

J. K. 

Since I wrote the above I have had a walk, but have not seen a 
great deal, the country is pleasant enough, a high hill on one side 
like the Windmill Hill at Gateshead, commands an extensive pros- 
pect. The city itself is irregular, uncommonly filled with parish 
churches, there being no less than thirty-four or thirty-six, I forget 
which. 

Biflhop Burton, April 2nd. 

Dear Soir, 

Wc do not wonder that you have not given us a 
large account either of the city where you at present are, or of the 
people, as your stay in it had been so very short when you wrote to 
us. As you hint that the people are more unanimous than they 
have been, I hope they are unanimous in their doctrinal sentiments. 

Be this as it may, we wish you to sit loose as to the fSEivour, ap- 
probation, or dislike of the people ; rather let it be your concern to 
cast all your care on him who careth for you. If there should 
happen to be, as there generally are, some opinionated persons in 
the church, treat them with gentleness in private conversation, and 
endeavour by sound argument to convince them of their mistake if 
you cannot avoid it, but it is much better to waive everything of the 
kind if you can conveniently do it. In public preaching solid 
reason with an agreeable delivery is very pleasing to many, but to 
add pleasure and profit together, a discourse should have a plan 
naturally flowing from the text, with such doctrines deduced as are 
suitable to the subject and the occasion; if these are well proved 
by Scripture and closely applied, they generally tend to the most 
benefit to the hearers. 

D. K. 



NORWICH. 148 

Norwich, April 14th, 1789. 
Deak Fatheb akd Mothek, 

I am glad to find yon are better in health, which 
is a great blessing. My own health has not been good here. I 
have oft been poorly for a day or two, and then better, and so on, a 
slow fever sometimes comes on and loss of appetite, but I hope to 
be better soon, as I expect to be removed into the country four miles 
off, and so only just come to Norwich when needs must. A gentle- 
man here made this proposal the last evening, which I was very 
willing to accept. The situation I am now in is low, and though in 
a good street, yet cannot have the advantages of good air like the 
coimtry, or even a higher part of the city. I hope coming to York- 
shire will be of service. 

As to my situation here I cannot yet say much of it. I am well 
attended and am told I have many friends. The people, I am told, 
are unanimous in sentiment, and in that they and I pretty well 
agree. 

Their church differences are, I hope, coming round, though I know 
very little, and I wish not to know at present. I wish the matter 
to be quiet and perhaps it may die, but disturb it, and 'tis sure to 
have a resurrection, and besides, if I hear one tale I must hear 
twenty, and this would be the very way to make either more 
parties, or the parties that already are, more violent. From what I 
have seen there are some of our principal people I like much, and I 
assure you I find much kindness from them. My principal atten- 
tion has been to two or three, one appears a very benevolent open- 
hearted man, another shrewd and sensible, a third prudent and 
steady, but these are only present views, futurity may disclose other 
good qualities or tarnish these I now see. 

Mr. Dunn's friends I find are very few, and some of them treat 
me very politely as they know I have a respect for Dunn, but how 
they are in reality, or what they are about, I cannot tell. The 
meeting I preach in is a neat place, rather out of proportion, too 
long for its breadth — and in the afternoons the congregation is not 
far short (if any) of 500. Norwich is an irregular city, and much 
antiquity remaining in and about it — part of it low, part pretty 
high. The walls inclose a great deal of groimd more than is occu- 
pied by building, which is an advantage to the inhabitants in point 
of health, as this makes many gardens. The country round about 
tolerably pleasant, but nothing equal to many more northern 
situations. 



144 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

I endeavour to sit as loose by the people as I can, and I hope that 
God w-ill point out the path of duty, whichever that may be. 

You wiU let me hear from you soon, directed as before, for if I 
should be in the country I shall have my letters, &c., almost every 
day from Norwich, but please to put hy Caxton in the comer as I 
have done, that is the place where the mails turn from the London 
road. 

J. K. 

Nonnch, May 5th, 1789. 
I have been staying a fortnight in the country, 
only going to Norwich to preach, and through the great mercy of 
GKmI it has done me much good, and I hope now I shall gain strength. 
I have been very poorly. I shall secure six weeks certain for my 
visit home, if I can get a little more I shall be glad, and I have 
some hope the people will be better off for supplies than they 
expected. 

I do not go to Cossey (my country retreat) this week, but I am 
going a day or two another way ; some of the people here live in 
the country about, which sometimes draws me out. 

Yesterday we had a review of a regiment of horse, near Norwich, 
of which I and thousands more were spectators, and I think got con- 
siderable benefit from the ramble. The thanksgiving day was to 
me a curious, busy day; I preached to a pretty numerous congrega- 
tion, but political sermons are things I do not like to meddle with, 
I never yet touched on the subject but when I could not help it, 
and then as little as may be. 

But I say less on this, and every subject, as I hope the time ap- 
proaches and will quickly come, when we shall talk, not write. 

J. K. 

Mr. Kinghom, according to arrangement, travelled north 
to visit his parents again; no unwelcome guest, surely, after 
an anxious interval of nearly two years since they parted froxa 
him. His health had evidently been considerably impaired 
by the trials to which he had been subjected. The want of 
unanimity and cordiality of feeling which had been manifested 
in the Fairford church, must have been to one of his temper 
and character, matter of no small distress. Gladly, then, must 
he have welcomed the quiet of his home, and the retirement 
of a few weeks of intercourse with his parents, unrestrained 



JOURNEY TO BISHOP BURTON. 145 

by the tedioufiness which attends epistolary commmiications. 
His new friends evidently entertained sincere regard for him, 
and one of them, Mr. Hawkins, supplied him with news which 
to our Norwich readers, at least, may not be uninteresting. 
Through the kindness of one of his family we are also able to 
insert Mr. Kinghom's letters. 

TO MB. HAWXn^S. 

Bishop Burton, near Beyerley, May 26th, 1789. 

Deab Sir, 

I have the pleasure of informing you I arrived 
here last Friday, safe and well, for which I hope I am thankful. 

I was in some perplexity at Lynn, as I found it a difficult matter 
to get over the "Washes, the innkeeper at the Duke's Head refusing 
to let me a chaise to go over, and I found the only way to get over 
was to hire a person to go along with me with horses. This I did 
not like, as the expense and trouble were both likely to be great ; 
I therefore determined, by the advice of Mr. Richards, to go to 
Wisbeach, and from thence to Peterborough, and had engaged a 
horse to Wisbeach, as I thought I should like to go a few miles in 
that way, and intended from thence to take either fresh horses or a 
chaise to Peterborough, when I accidentally said in an inn yard, in 
the hearing of a gentleman, I wanted to go to Sleaford and Lincoln, 
he asked me if I was going further, I said I was, — to Hull. He 
immediately said, he and another gentleman were going to Hull in 
their own carriage, but they would have no objection to take a 
third, and drive forward immediately with all expedition to Hull 
in post chaises. This was the very thing for me, and I was not 
long in concluding to go with them, and we set off as soon as we 
could, and came together all the way to Hull ; we went roimd by 
"Wisbeach to avoid the first Wash, as the innkeeper refused to go 
over, but we found no difficulty at Long Sutton in persuading the 
innkeeper there to send his chaise with us over the second. I 
reached Hull on Thursday afternoon, as we could not sooner get 
over the water at Barton, we being too far off to attempt to get to 
Barton in time on "Wednesday. When I got to Hull, I was very 
, agreeably surprised at finding my father there ; he expected I should 
arrive there that evening, and had got to Hull about two hours 
before me. The gentlemen I travelled with, were a Mr. Walker, 
of Harpley, and a Mr. Korton, near Swaff ham. 

I found my mother and other friends here pretty well, and have 

L 



146 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

spent my time hitherto in little else than speaking to di£Eerent 
old acquaintances. 

My fever was increased a good deal by my journey, but the two 
days rest I have enjoyed have lessened it, and I am as well upon 
the whole as when at N^orwich. 

I think I have little else to communicate to you, and have only 
to assure you of the sincere regard I have for your interests in every 
respect. 

I beg my kind respects to Mrs. Hawkins and all friends, (you 
know who they are verj' well,) and remain, dear Sir, yours sincerely, 

Joseph Kiitghosn. 
from mr. hawkins. 

Norwich, May 29th, 1789. 

Mt dear Sir, 

I am happy to find by your very acceptable letter 
that you arrived safely at your father's, and found your friends 
prettj' well. I hope to hear in your next the fever has left you. 

Mr. Williams came to Norwich on Friday, the 22nd, and has 
taken up his abode with Mr. S. Wilkin ; he is slow in conversation, 
and I was afraid would have nothing to say in the pulpit, however, 
I was agreeably disappointed, and several of the people said to me, 
we have got a verj' good supply. 

I shall think your absence fix)m us long, and heartily wish your 
return in good health, and so will many more. I have had repeated 
inquiries whether I have heard from you ; and if you like to bathe 
on your return, Mark Wilks has erected a bath-house ; I will give 
you an extract from his advertisement in the Norwich newspapers. 

** Mark Wilks is building a most commodious Bath House, in a 
place allowed to be the best within many miles of Norwich. The 
utility of this erection must be obvious to those that consider that to 
have a right to bathe is far more agreeable than to do it by tres- 
passing on my neighbour's premises ; — ^that the present plan provides 
against storms and showers, which often take place while gentlemen 
are in the water ; — that the proprietor will spare no pains to render 
this bathing place as respectable as Margate, Bamsgate, or even 
Brighthelmstone itself," &c., &c. 

Your very sincere and ajSectionate friend, 

Thos. Hawziks. 

This bath seems to have been erected at Heigham^ a village 
very near to Norwich^ in which Mr. Wilks occupied a small 



BRIDLINGTON. 147 

farm. Mr. Elinghom finding his health still weak^ went to 
Bridlington^ on the coast of Yorkshire^ to enjoy sea air and 
bathings and during his stay there his father and mother went 
over to see him. Both before and after their visit he wrote 
to let them know how the sea agreed with him. 

Bridlington, June 9th, 1789. 
DsAB Eathbb and Motheb, 

I arrived here yesterday, through mercy, weU. 

I went to the quay and dined there. I then found Mr. Gawkrodger, 

and desired him to tell me of some respectable family at the quay 

where I could board, he said I should stay in his house, and would 

not hear of any objections, but would at all events have me take up 

my abode with him. 

Yesterday, as I was going to Beverley I met the postman, who 
gave me a letter from Mr. "Wilkin, of Norwich. Mr. Wilkin writes in 
a very friendly manner, he had been considting Dr. Beevor, who 
absolutely forbids my bathing. He and Mr. Hawkins had been 
talking about my making a further stay of a fortnight, if it is likely 
to.be any advantage to me, and if I stay, Mr. Wilkin promises to find 
supplies; he then tells me about the people wishing for my 
return, &c. Yesterday I was fatigued ; this morning I went into 
the sea, it was very calm, and I felt very comfortable after it, and 
remain so still. 

There is a visitation of the clergy held here to-day ; Mr. Gawk- 
rodger and I are going to attend. Mr. Gawkrodger desires his special 
respects to you both. I am sure he would have been very glad to 
have seen you here; let me hear soon. J. K. 

TO ME. HAWKINS. 

Bridlington Qoay, Torkshire, June 18th, 1789. 
Deab Sni, 

You will perhaps be surprised at receiving a letter 
from this place, as you will immediately imagine, (what is the real 
truth,) that I am here for the purpose of sea bathing. After I had been 
a few days at Bishop Burton I grew much worse, and I applied to 
a gentleman of the faculty, in Beverley, who said nothing in all the 
materia mediea would be of such use to me as sea bathing. This 
made me come here last week. At first I bathed with fear lest it 
should not agree with me, but I have found it produce no disagree- 
able effects ; and though I cannot as yet say so much in praise of 

L 2 



148 LIFE OF J08SPH KINGHORN. 

the sea as many have done, yet justice obliges me to say it has been 
of use. 

I am very glad to find you so happy in Mr. "Williams, but I ex- 
pected you would like him from the account I had heard of him. I 
hope his health improves ; I beg my respects to him. 

Mark Wilks' advertisement diverted me much, 'tis so like him ; 
but pray do you understand him when he says he will endeavour to 
make his bathing place as respectable as Margate, Eamsgate, or 
Biighthelmstone itself? Where is the water to come from? Can 
he make fresh water salt, or give it the efficacy of the sea ? 

This place, like all others, is a place where I see disease and dis- 
tress reign in too many instances, and would teach a useful lesson 
if we could but learn it, that this is not our rest. 

Little at the best can this world do for us, and I fear we live too 
little in the exercise of that faith which overcometh the worlds 
Eemember me to Mrs. Hawkins and all friends; I hope we shall 
meet again at Norwich, and wish we may be all fitted for a better 
world, for we must not stay long here. I hope I shall enjoy the 
assistance of your prayers, which I much need, and I wish you much 
of the divine presence in the discharge of duty, and of his blessing hx 
aU your ways. 

I remain, dear Sir, 

Yours sincerely and aflEectionately, 

J. K. 

FKOM ME. HAWJTINS. 



Deab Sib, 



Norwicli, July Ist, 1789. 



By yours from Bridlington I was sorry to find 
your native air had no better effect. Hope the sea has answered your 
wishes, and that your health by this time is much better. 

I wish Mr. Williams could have stayed the two sabbaths, for he 
has kept the people together ; we have had much the same congre- 
gation as when you left us ; he is a plain, orthodox preacher, many 
of our people, I doubt not, have had a treat ; he has generally been 
upon doctrinal subjects, and to some of our old standen these things 
are all in all. 

He has preached on "Sunday evenings twice at the tabemade, and 
several times for Wilks. At the tabernacle they have a namesake 
and countryman of his who seems to be popular. Last week Mr. 
Bichards came to see Williams, and on Thursday I had the honour of 
the company of these three Welsh parsons to dine with me. 

You ask me how Wilks is to make his bathing place as respectable 



RETURN TO NORWICH. 149 

as Margate, ftc. He says, in his advertisement, that could his bath 
be impregnated with a sufficient quantity of saline particles, Scar* 
borough, Weymouth, and the other places I mentioned in my last, 
could none of them boast equality with his. He has named it Fort 
George, and says it is fit for the reception of his Royal Highness 
the Prince of Wales, &c. 

I must tell you it is with difficulty we shall get supplies for the 
two next Sundays. On Monday I sent a man on horseback, who 
was to go from one minister to another to the number of four, not 
one of the first three could come ; with some difficulty he has en- 
gaged the fourth for next Sunday ; the messenger did not return till 
yesterday evening, he had a ride of at least forty miles. 

Independent of the above trouble of getting supplies, I think long, 
very long, the time I have been without the pleasure of your labours 
in public, and your company in private. I have walked out of town 
but seldom ; had I had you to enliven the recreation I should have 
given more time from business. We are often talking of you, and 
our earnest wishes are to see you return in good health. 

Yours, &c., 

Thomas Hawkins. 

Norwich, July 18th, 1789. 
Dear Father and Mother, 

When I got into the coach at Barton, I soon fell 
into conversation with my fellow-traveller, who proved to be the son 
of the brother of Mr. Joseph Ashworth, of Gildersome, and we chatted 
away about this and that most of the way to Lincoln. At Lincoln 
we walked about, drank tea, and went to bed at nine o'clock. Next 
morning I got up between five and six, to go by the coach to Slea- 
ford, and met with a friendly, intelligent clergyman, who gave me 
some useful information respecting that part of Lincolnshire through 
which I was to pass. He advised me if I could not get from 
Sleaford to Lynn to go to Bourne, from whence I could undoubtedly 
get on, and avoid one of the Washes besides. At Sleaford they 
refrised to let me have either chaise or horses to go to any place on the 
other side of the first Wash, on which account I must have gone a 
great way about, so I adopted the clergyman's plan and went with 
the coach to Bourne, where with some little difficulty, on account of 
the surliness of the landlord, I got post horses, and crossed the coun- 
try to Spalding, about eleven miles from Bourne. I no sooner rode 
into the inn yard, than a young gentieman with whom I crossed the 
Humber, and who was going to Norwich on his own horse, seeing 



150 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

me come in, followed me ; we shook hands, were very glad to see 
each other, and he told me he had ordered dinner and a bottle of 
wine, and he wished I would come and dine with him. I accepted 
the offer, and after dinner, between five and six o'clock, I took fresh 
horses and went to Long Sutton, thirteen miles, and there I was 
very well content to stay the night. The next morning, Thursday, 
I was on horseback by half-past five to go to Lynn, (in order to give 
the man time to get home with the horses before the tide rose and 
made the Wash impassable,) and about six we crossed the "Wash at 
Cross Keys, and got very well through without any apparent danger ; 
but the remaining part of the way we had bad roads ; however at 
eight o'clock I was safe in Lynn, which was a pretty good morning's 
work before breakfast, being altogether thirteen miles. I went to 
an inn, engaged a place in the Norwich coach for the next morning, 
breakfasted, and then went to Mr. Eichards' ; I found he was at 
Norwich, having supplied my place the sabbath before. The old 
lady where he boarded wished me to make her house my home, and 
did everything kindness could dictate to make the day agreeable. 
Mr. Eichards was that day expected, but a letter came that he was 
detained in Norwich, and it being his lecture night, I was instantly 
fixed on to preach, which I did. That day, with the morning's ride 
and the former day's travelling, very much fatigued me, but a good 
sleep set me much to rights ; and after breakfast, at seven, I set off 
in the Norwich coach, and at three in the afternoon arrived safely 
here ; my friends received me with great cordiality, and testified 
their pleasure in a strong manner. Mr. "Wilkin had been watching 
the weathercock, and was in a hundred fears lest I should not come, 
as the wind was contrary. 

Yesterday afternoon and to-day I have seen many of my people, 
and all express pleasure in my return. This day I have seen the 
public library, and I think I shall enter it; should I not settle 
here Mr. "W. "Wilkin told me he would purchase my ticket, but 
added, he hoped he should never have any occasion to do so. This 
day, also, I have received a very friendly letter from Mr. Evans ; he 
has been printing some sermons on the atonement, an association 
letter against Antinomianism, and a reply to a pamphlet in defence 
of Arianism, all which I intend to procure. 

I remain, yours in duty and affection, 

Joseph EnfonoRN. 



CHAPTER IX. 

1789. ^T. 23. 

Nortoioh in olden timet — Ferseeutions of the Puritans — Bise of the 
Dissenting Churches in the City^ especially St. Mary's — County 
Baptist Churches. 

Before we continue our extracts from the correspondence we 
will devote a chapter to a brief notice of Norwich ; especially 
referring to the various bodies of Dissenters in the city at the 
point of time at which we are now arrived in our narrative, 
introducing Mr. Kinghom^s somewhat elaborate history of 
his own church, and closing with a brief list of the Baptist 
churches in other parts of the county. 

** Let any stranger find mee out so pleasant a county, such good 
way, large heath, three such places as Norwich, Yarmouth, and 
Linn, in any county of England, and I'll bee once again a vagabond 
to visit them." 

Thus wrote Thomas Browne the younger in 1662;* nor 
did he write without reason. Few, if any, of the cities of 
England contained more handsome buildings, or presented so 
good an appearance as did our good old city of Norwich, 
while in her commercial relations, London and Bristol alone 
were above her. The modem manufacturing and commercial 
towns in the north-western and midland coimties were then 
not known, while Norwich, by her position as the metropolis 
of East Anglia, and as one of the most ancient cities of our 
land, maintained an important position amongst the muni- 
cipalities of the kingdom, and by her port of Yarmouth sent 
her various manufactures to distant parts of the globe. 

* In concluding his ** Journal of a Tour in Derbyshire." See Sir Thomas Browne's 
Works, Tol. i, p. 42. 



152 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHOBN. 

Removed by three tedious days' journey from the metropolis, 
Norwich could boast a court within her walls. The palace of 
the dukes of Norfolk might vie with royal mansions in the 
splendour of its decorations, and in the sumptuousness of the 
entertainments given within it; but now scarcely a vestige 
remains of what once was so splendid an establishment. 

So late as the close of the last century the greater part of 
the massive wall of the city of Norwich was still standing, and 
twelve gates, most of them handsome structures, formed the 
entrances. Of these only one now remains, and that the 
smallest and most insignificant — ^the water-gate at the end of 
the Cathedral Close ; but there are some persons still living 
who can remember them all.* The fine old castle on the 
highest groimd in the city, and the cathedral spire, exceeding 
in beauty, though not equaling in height that of Salisbury, 
are two as handsome objects as any of our cities can boast ; 
while the six-and-thirty other churches scattered over the city, 
form a striking panorama from the castle hill. Did our space 
allow, we might trace many scenes of bygone days connected 
with the religious history of Norwich : picturing the cathedral 
filled with all the splendour of Roman Catholic worship ; or 
following in imagination the crowds which pour through the 
Bishop's Gate and over the bridge to witness the martyrdoms 
in the Lollards' Pit. But we must pass on to later times. 

Norwich has had many excellent bishops, especially 
Dr. Joseph Hall, whose works are well known, and 
Dr. George Home, the expositor of the Psalms, who 
occupied the See in 1789. It is, however, more particularly 
the dissenters of Norwich of whom we must speak, and 
of them there has been no lack. In times of fiercest 
persecutions, many a prohibited meeting was discovered 
in retired parts of the ancient city. Situated as it was, 
on the eastern coast, Norfolk was the refuge of many of 
those who fled from the Netherlands to escape from the 
unparalleled cruelties and severe persecutions of the Duke of 

• A beautiftil set of drawings of these gates by the late John Britton, Esq., F.S. A., 
ii in my possession, with Hr. Britton's letter to my friend, Hr. French, of Windsor ; 
after whos« death I purchased them.— S. W. 



NORFOLK PURITANS. 153 

Alra; and even before this time there were many in the 
county who objected to the New Service Book^ or English 
JAtvagy, published by authority of Edward VI ; and who, 
wishing to see it thoroughly purified from its Popish 
tendencies, had received the name of Puritans. In 1562, 
Mr. Roberts, who was proctor for the clergy in the city of 
Norwich, voted in convocation for a reform in the New 
Liturgy; and in 1574, so notorious was the city of Norwich 
for the nonconformity of many of its ministers, that when 
orders were given to Archbishop Parker, "to punish the 
Puritan ministers, and put down the prophecyings, and 
reading, and commenting on the Scriptures, which had by 
them been introduced^' into the church service, the queen 
gave him private orders to " begin with Norwich.^* In 1576, 
many of the Norwich ministers were suspended; and in a 
petition sent towards the close of the reign of Elizabeth, by 
the justices of the peace for the county of Norfolk, to the 
privy council, praying for more leniency towards certain 
godly ministers of the Church of England, who were suffering 
persecution on account of slight ceremonial deviations from 
the Bubric> the worthy magistrates were careful to assure 
the council that they were in no way favourable to the more 
heretical of the nonconformists : " We allow not of papists,^' 
they say, "nor of the Family of Love, of Anabaptists, or 
Brownists.* iVo, we punish all these. Yet we are christened 
with the odious name of puritans y a term compounded of the 
heresies above mentioned, which we disclaim.'* 

When Queen Elizabeth, by the advice of the Duke of 
Norfolk, offered an asylimi in the county for the refugees from 
the Low Countries, thereby to introduce their arts and 
manufactures into her dominions, many Dutch, Walloon, and 
French families settled in Norfolk, and had free liberty to 
use their own form of worship in several of the churches ;t 
and though afterwards at different times severely persecuted, 

* This sect arose in 1580, in Norwich, their founder, R. Browne, having officiated 
as chaplain to the Bnke of Norfolk, and afterwards preached in the church of 
8t Peter's Hungate, in Norwich. 

t See "Lord Clarendon's History of the Behellion." (Fol., Oxford, 1704.) 
ToL ii, pp. 73, 74. 



154 LIFB OF JOSEPH KINOHO&N. 

they Btill maintamed their standing in Norwidi. In 1753^ 
Mr. Bruckner* came oyer from Holland, and took the pas- 
torate of the Walloon drnrch in Norwich, after which, in 
1766, he also took chai^ of the Dutch church, and of both 
these he was pastor at the time of our narrative. Their place 
of worship is contiguous to St. Andrew's Hall. 

During the reign of James I., many of the persecuted 
puritans fled from Norfolk, and settled in Holland, and it 
was one of these refugees, William Bridge, formerly minister 
of St. Gteorge's, Tombland, a man eminent for meekness of 
spirit, great learning, and untiring energy, who, returning 
with some others to his native county at the commencement 
of the sittings of the Long Parliament, formed the first 
Independent church in Norfolk, that of Yarmouth, in 1643. 
Beautiful is the picture given by Mr. Stoughton in his 
Spiritual Heroes, of these primitive congregationalists of the 
17th century wending their way along the dreary road from 
Norwich to Yarmouth to join their distant brethren in the 
worship of the Lord. A year later the church at Norwich 
was formed into a distinct body. They at first met in a 
brewhouse in St. Edmxmd's, afterwards in the refectory over 
the cloisters in the convent formerly belonging to the Black 
Friars, and in 1693 they built the place of worship now 
known as the Old Meeting, in St. Clement's. Many able and 
excellent men have from time to time been its pastors; — of 
these we may mention especially Dr. Scott, Dr. Wood, and 
Samuel Newton, who was there when Mr. Kinghom settled 
in Norwich. 

On the publication of Charles the Second^s declaration of 
indulgence, 1671 — 2, two buildings in the parish of St. 
Andrew's, formerly parts of the Black Friar's Priory, were 
licensed for Nonconformist worship, and while one was occu- 
pied, as above stated, by the Independents, the other was used 
by the Presbyterians, till, in 1688, they built the handsome 
octagon chapel in St. Greorge's, which their descendants still 
retain as Unitarians. Dr. John Collings, ejected in 1662 from 

* See " MemorialB of the Life of Amelia Opie," p. 29. 



DISSENTERS OF NORWICH. 155 

St. Stephen's churchy was the first preacher in the new chapel. 
The learned Dr. John Taylor, author of the Hebrew-English 
Concordance, was also one of the pastors of this church, and 
when Mr. Kinghom came to Norwich, Dr. Enfield and Rev. 
Pendlebury Houghton were both ministers at the Octagon. 

The Calvinistic Methodists in Norwich seem to have had 
their origin in the person of one, Mr. James Wheatley, who 
came to that city about 1750, and preached at first in the open 
air on Tombland and the Castle Hill; great excitement was 
produced, and a temporary building was soon erected, and 
called the Tabernacle. The site has been changed but the 
name is stiU retained; the present Tabernacle was built in 
1784. 

The Wesleyan Methodists first appeared in Norwich in 
1754, when Revs. John and Charles Wesley visited the city, and 
Rev. J. Wesley preached there for some time, and on leaving 
appointed Mr. T. Oliver in his room. Amongst his successors 
was Rev. R. Robinson, afterwards of Cambridge, who also 
preached for some time at the Tabernacle, and Dr. Adam 
Clarke, the commentator, who was appointed in 1783, but 
left in 1785. Their first chapel was that in Cherry Lane, 
built in 1769. 

Of the Society of Friends there appear to have been meet- 
ings in private houses as early as 1654; the original meeting- 
house in Groat Lane, on the site of which the present edifice 
has been erected, was built in 1676, and was stiU standing at 
the time of our narrative. The large meeting-house in the 
Gildencroft was also opened in 1680. Of the nimierous 
members of this body whq have been ornaments not only to 
their own sect and their native city, but lights of the world in 
the highest sense of the term, space forbids our speaking ; it 
is sufficient to mention the family of Gumey, with many of 
whose members Mr. Kinghom had much delightful intercourse 
during the years of his residence in Norwich, and for whom 
he ever entertained the greatest respect and esteem. 

The Roman Catholics, in 1789, had the chapel in St. John^s 
Maddermarket, which, firom a date on one of the windows^ 
appears to have been standing as early as 1627. 



156 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

The Jews met in a room in St. Steplien^s^ the present syna- 
gogae not being then built. 

We must now give a more particular account of the history, 
in N<urwich, of the denomination to which Mr. Kinghpm 
belonged^ and of the church over which he was pastor. A 
General (Arminian) Baptist church was formed in Norwich, 
in 1686, by the learned and zealous Thomas Grantham. 
Tliey pnrdiased a part of the White Friar's Priory, in St. 
James's, on the site of which they built the meeting-house now 
known as the Priory Yard chi^. From this church several 
members separated at a very early period, and formed the 
Furticnlar (Cahinbdc) Baptist church, over which Mr. King- 
bora aftmrwaids piesidcd. Of its history he has left a some- 
what ekborate ;^etdi in the notes of the last sermon he 
fwiMcbt d in tlieir meeting-boase, in St. Mary's, before it 
wa» takem down^ in 1811. From this sermon we give the 
Ibilowin^ extracts : — 

Of 1^ M^(nn of <Mr chaidi I find no record. The first date in 
<<«r ^>«l <^ait!^ Kx>k i$ l^K In 1693 we find an account of 
ai»k>ad:^« irivvoi u> ji l«v4her who had ** fi>r sevend years past" with- 
^wm )t:r!!^:«^'' frvva the envBunaiuon of the church. '* Several years" 
K^;w l<^\ *l « toodsMTjite c;ilcttlat2oa carries us back to that eventful 
l^fi^xi, w\kh iftviy £i^:li$hinan« woithv the name, contemplates 
wi^K ^«(iot:»>a. when the m*d desisn^is of James II. reddened the 
Mi^^yji mi A l\>y*^ *nd despcoisMu when the virtue and vigour of 
tW «;^<^ wk^ ^w whe^V" ihiu^ wvf^ s^>uig was put to the test, and 
w W^ *i IW Twk <ar rtwrthinj but a good conscience, many of them 
WMiiie a $taa4. afti |«v^Yv«ted our national ruin. This was the time 
mW«i Wilhava w«t iariUf^ and came to take possession of these 
ii^^i<>wi^ T)tu w^ iW time when the emissaries of Eome were 
^'^^A^>i. a»j iW pi\^viik«KV <ur God »id, *' here shall the proud 
m^wtj. V **^3f^^^' Th» was the time when the Toleration Act 
as Ivs^m *s>^cei <ti«^<itew «» havinjr a ri^t to their liberties, and this 
m^x ^^ is^hI mhe« vHKt «DKNW^^r9k in the pn>fipssion that now binds 
^\ t^r-'^xNl Vv |y^r«vtttiv>a» and i\'ttdered firm by affliction, after 
W\^ m\^^>l their ^^tittents« and estimated the opposition of 
tW mN*>»^> Hait\>i the«wrtvei» to|^^th^T as a church for the worship 
>M^ \\sA. asi^ the ^**^^ik«K1^ ^MT his laws. 

I i^ a >tJiKwimt «f th# wmtiaitnls of the church in that time 



THE CHURCH AT ST. MARY^S. 157 

entitled, "The several articles of our faith, in which with one 
accord we agree." This is, for the time, well drawn up. 

I venerate the sentiments of men who in such times showed they 
could look through prejudices, and state views of truth on which we 
cannot improve. I will give you a specimen. Speaking of a 
Christian church, they say, that " the church is composed of those 
who voluntarily agree to walk together in obedience to Christ their 
head and lawgiver, in all the laws and ordinances of his house, and 
that, — Christ being the great prophet, that we are to have in 'all 
things, and only to observe all things whatsoever he doth command, 
keeping the ordinances as they were delivered unto us,' — ^we may 
not alter anything, but do all according to the pattern." (Art. 9th.) 

Their principle on the most important circimistances of our dissent 
from the Establishment, is very clearly stated. After having given 
their views of the ordinances of the church in a short, clear manner, 
and a description of the persons who ought to attend to them, who 
in fact constitute the church, they say : — 

" We believe, unto this church is committed the power of putting 
in execution all church censures, admonitions, withdrawing com- 
munion, casting out or purging out the old leaven, and that Christ, 
for " the comforting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for 
the edifying of his body," hath given officers unto the church, some 
apostles, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, and deacons, 
which officers are not to be lords over God's heritage, but stewards 
in the house of God ; not to have dominion over the faith of believers, 
but to be helpers of their joy. The free choice of all officers in the 
church doth belong unto the church itself. No officers are to be 
put upon it, but they to choose among themselves men qualiBed, 
according to gospel rule, to minister in the spiritual offices that 
Christ had set in his church." 

Such were their views, and wherever churches keep upon this 
ground with seriousness of heart, they need not be very anxious con- 
cerning their situation. Against a church built upon this rock, the 
gates of hcU will never prevail. 

Of the state of the church I can say little. A list of fifty-five 
members then follows, which appears to have been the number at 
that time. 

Of their minister I can say still less, except that the second and 
third articles in the book are drawn up with that precision which 
marks the junction of talent and education, especially at a period 



158 LIFE OF JOSEPH KIN6HORK. 

when few had any claim to the advantages of a classical education. 
One of these is signed, " Edward Williams, pastor.''* 

It often was the case about that period, that men of considerable 
literature left the Establishment. Inquiry was awakened, con- 
siderable religious zeal was excited, and they could not stay where 
they had been before. The State Church had been so managed 
that the best of men were compelled to flee out and escape, and they 
were of unknown importance among the diflferent bodies of dis- 
senters ; though they were often succeeded by those much inferior 
to themselves in information and talent, yet they had laid the foun- 
dation on which others builded, and notwithstanding the many 
difficulties they met with, we are bound to honour their memories, 
and not to depise their day of small things. 

At this time our ancestors met for the worship of God in " The 
Granary," in St. Michael's Coslany. Their baptisms were per- 
formed in the river : at one period a friend had premises convenient, 
and in the memory of some now alive they were used for that 
purpose, and such is the eflfect of habit, that the prejudice in favour 
of a mode so primitive continued some time after better conveniences 
were obtained. 

From what I can gather, the church continued pretty much the 
same in its numbers for some years. In 1713 there was an invita- 
tion to two brethren to become their ministers, Samuel Austin and 
Wm. Baker, and the record was signed by twenty-two men, members 
of the church. 

Between the years 1 722 and 1 724 I find another list of members, 
still about the same proportion, consisting in the whole of 51, viz., 
twenty-five men, twenty-six women. 

In 1 729 I find another list, but now alas ! from what cause I 
cannot discover, the interest of the church had been gradually 
declining, but on the settlement of Mr. Edward Mumford as 
minister, the number of members was only thirty. 

* The two measengers sent from the church to the General Assembly of Particular 
Baptist Churches in 1689 were " — Austin, pastor ; Thos. Flatman, minister." In 
1692 they were '* Edward Austin, pastor; Edward Williams, pastor." Edward 
Williams is buried at the back of the Old Meeting, where a stone is raised to hii 
memory with the following inscription : — 

Here lieth y« body of Mr. Edward Williams, late minister and elder of the Baptist 
congregation lately meeting in the Granary, in the city of Norwich, who died April 
12th, 1713, aged 73. 

Is Williams dead, that cannot bee, 
Sbce dead in Christ, so liyeth hee. 



EDWARD WILLIAMS — ^JOHN STEARNB. 159 

Prom this period nothing of importance is to be discovered till 
1745. Then the premiseR which stood on this spot were purchased, 
and the meeting was erected which was nearly two-thirds the size 
of the present building. When it was finished I do not find, but 
from a private record I am informed that Mr. Lindoe, who for many 
yean was an honourable and valuable deacon, was the first person 
baptized in this house, and this was on March 1 5th, 1 746. 

From this period for some time the church seems to have worn a 
flourishing appearance on the whole. They had a minister, Mr. 
John Steame, who was evidently a superior man. In a private 
memorandum, by Mr. Lindoe, T find a memorial of him in a few 
lines, written after his decease, in which he was characterized as 
** a minister well qiialified by the Holy Ghost for that service, a 
workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word 
of truth, having the glory of Crod, and the good of souls much at 
heart. In the affairs of life he was remarkably prudent, and always 
ready to communicate to any that applied for advice in matters 
spiritual or temporal, being well able to give advice in either respect. 
He was a hearty friend, a courteous neighbour, an indulgent 
husband, a tender father. He lived exemplarily, and died com- 
fortably." 

This honourable character was the dictate of affection and 
of friendship, and even allowing for the partialities of human nature, 
gives us a pleasing view of the man. He died in July, 1 755.* 

After this period there was an evident decline for some years, 
though to what extent I am not able to say. Afterwards there 
was an appearance of prosperity. In 1 766 I find a list of members 
again amounting to 59, the largest number hitherto met with, but 
alas ! about that period there was much to be lamented. There 
was the evil conduct of some, and a spirit of division in others, 
which all tended to mischief. These things produced severe trials, 
and in many instances unexpected effects. 

But we are now approaching a period within the remembrance of 
many of you, in which it will be useless to attempt to trace the 
history of events which you know. SuflBice it, then, to say that 
causes already mentioned brought the church and congregation down 
to a very low ebb, when Mr. David, whose name I have heard so 

* Rey. George Simson, A.M., from Cambridge, accepted a call from Mr. Steame's 
church, went to Norwich in 1758, continued there two or three years, and then 
removed to Warwick, where ho had formerly been pastor, and where, weighed down 
by age and infirmities, he died suddenly, in 1763. 



160 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

many of you repeat with esteem and affection, first came here. On 
his ordination the list of members that appeared in the church book, 
cmd which included all the members as they stood at that time, was 
only thirty-one, and now eyents took a turn. The short period of 
his life was distinguished by its utility. The meeting became too 
small for the congregation, and in 1 783 it was enlarged to its pre- 
sent size. But God's ways arc not like ours. Mr. David died in 
the midst of his days, and after a short though active life wa« 
carried to an early grave. 

On what has taken place since, there is no need to make any re- 
mark. " Having obtained help of God we continue *' to the present 
day. We cannot look forward into futurity, we have reason for 
thankfulness for many mercies. It is pleasing to see and feel the 
expediency of increasing the bounds of our habitation ; but let us 
tread over this ground with humility and caution. In looking over 
our past history there is frequent reason to repeat the remark, 
" Who hath despised the day of small things ? " But though we 
are more numerous than we were, yet let us not be high-minded, 
but fear. 



Before concluding our notice of St. Mary^s, it becomes us 
to make some mention of Mr. Kinghom^s predecessor. 
Rev. Rees David, who was bom at Uwyn Joreth, Bettws 
Bridgend, Glamorganshire, March 25th, 1749, [see his 
monument in St Mary's Meeting,] and was ordained pastor 
over the church. May 6th, 1779. Robert Robinson gave the 
charge, and William Richards, of Lynn, Henry Utting, of 
Claxton, and others assisted in the services of the day. Mr. 
David acquired considerable fame as a preacher, especially by 
his spirited " Fast sermon,*' published during the American 
war. He died, February 6th, 1788, in the 89th year of his 
age. 

A second Particular Baptist church was established at Nor- 
wich, by Rev. Mark Wilks, about 1788, in the parish of St. 
Paul's, where he had been preaching several years previously 
to a congregation which had separated from the Tabernacle. 
He was a remarkable man, of great zeal and energy, and con- 
siderable powers as a preacher. 



BAPTIST CHUBCHES IN NORFOLK. 



161 



We will now dose this chapter with a brief list of the 
other Baptist churches in the county. 

Founded. Pastor in 1789. 

Ingham 1653 John Hooke 

Yarmouth (General) . . 1686 James Brown 

Founded by Thomas Grantham 

Yarmouth (Particular) . . Jabez Brown 

Lynn 1688 William Bichards 

Great EUingham 1699 John Ewing 

Worstead 1717 Edward Trivett 

Shelfanger 1762 Thomas Smith 

Claxton 1765 Henry Utting 

Dereham 1783 Eobert Denham 

Necton 1787 

Diss 1789 Charles Farmery. 



CZJLrTEa X- 

rw.s«M** jwnis£^9m T- wp tW 7»*a^a '.-jfaf — HU Ditmiuum 

▼ -?« Xr- SLX&ptun > :i-*an is XxwiA, in Jolr, 1789, 
Ttm u> v^v ^ iie :iiiira. rjimnmna ;fe kn^ cueer of his 
ntuvKT* ac 5^. liiiT^ ^ Aitiiou^ :ai! iniBUin to the pastorate 
vsvfr K:% "v^v.irtts^ 'zil ^umi! nuocaS' jAenmdiw We learn his 
'<uu!vs luw «tt\&«ffiisi{s- Tmt IB dooeEpODdiaioe with his 
*kiX*: ti «:!«-,.::& «i :niw 3* 



Scnck. A^«C 3kd, 17S9. 

1 ^xtt^ -ssa^ itt<«^ V iaii I b*i bctn usofiil in 
Hi.^-. ^ >>o.«^ fer^u. ri si« A 5« rswi A» i* pleasing and 
* -^ -T^ ^-. . %-^ ^r ^itt»i«^6atpaMiee which is 

^ /^J-^ ^ ^> ^.-^ ^31 »««?««. «- lather connec- 

^^ .,,.. vv- ^«»i.x FicnTjaKlbaTtfgotintoa 

^w **N." V V. ^^: ^ ^t :apn«i :i«f three months; 

,^ -. ^x ^.*,v,^ u^ i;. T>-aaiC*iT wwk I preached 

H« «x^ ^. x%.^ v.- ^Mi is^a Jisa aw ■aa-'' I pointed 

^^K« iV ^^ wk^«lfc x-fcC-.:**.,^ A C^*t5<> «C3K m kf itikitrm w, 

^^^^ ^ ts l^^ >ih'^<w ^sA-^ .v««iriikis^3JR« wEdkiL I thought 

«l^ V <« ^««>. tK xftvVxN ^ Ti % N^i>i^«.«.x SvaofeK /or Lmi t&i not in his 

>«xH^N«xN «^^1 li :v >.^ ^ « ^;!^«^^ SiC li^cft siBT taiai^tohenioTe 

o^s»»«> «%x«^o« >» ^K X^4> 5^«nfc^ t^i» »aae »r ^^dakorerthe 

>M.^xv^« te«i. oVx^^ « ;t..v. 3^ ^^ .*«J^ a::^« :^ dk ia ccwadering 

>ikA«v«^ '^ .N-uiiiKv ti>^^^ >/ ^*.' rwv i3i^:une9v Wlua the Holy 

V^Vi^ u««i^^ iW i^i^raxi^ w^Jk^ %«t ftrt furtkalariT taught by our 



MECHANICAL AMUSEMENTS. 163 

Lord himself; and, Why he taught them by his Spirit rather than 
by his own mouth. And as I have now two broad foundation stones 
laid, I think I shall build away, and point out next the peculiar 
evidences of Christianity, then its leading doctrines, &c. ; and how 
long my plan may be I cannot tell, but I don't think I shall get 
through in a hurry. It will make me much labour, but I hope 
there will be profit attending it. 

I have spent a day or two at Cossey, with Wm. Wilkin, and think 
I shall go over again soon. I am about reviving my little knowledge 
of the Hebrew,- and have Eennicott's Hebrew Bible now lying on 
the table ; and I expect much information and entertainment from 
his criticisms on the state of the Hebrew text, and the different 
copies which he collated, which, taking the whole Bible and the 
copies that only had parts of it, amounted to 694 ! 

Our farmers here are rather under apprehensions about their com ; 
yesterday was the only day without rain for some weeks ; to-day 
the sky is clear and fine. I hope we may expect good weather. 
As the harvest is begun in France, it is a check on the rising price 
of com, much being smuggled over. 

I rejoice in my very heart at the destruction of that most infamous 
place, the Bastile, which the populace are regularly demolishing 
without any interruption from government, who evidently dare not 
meddle with them. 

J. K. 

♦ Norwich, Noyember 2nd, 1789. 

The last ten days I have spent with Mr. W. 
Wilkin, at Cossey, except Sunday and Wednesday, when I came to 
preach. The week before last I went with him fix)m Norwich, and 
stayed two or three days, and we got to talking of mechanics, and 
among other things, of a perambulator or wheel for measuring roads ; 
he took the hint, he wanted a thing of the kind ; he never let it rest, 
but would at all events have me go last week and set to work with 
him to make one, for he keeps tools and every convenience. In 
this matter I had to be principal engineer, as he was ignorant of the 
nature and necessary calculations of the machine. We worked hard 
and lived well, got our wheel completed last Friday night, tried it 
on Saturday morning, and found it answer pretty well. I found 
this job very usefrd to me, my health and spirits both rose, and I do 
not at all regret spending the week over it. 

Mr. Wilkin has but lately commenced mechanic, and he and I are 
very likely to work together frequently ; we are seriously talking of 

M 2 



164 LIFE OP JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

making an orrery, two feet diarceter; the plan and caleulationfi must 
Ke on mc, the execution we are to attend to together at his house, 
where he has his bench and tools in a very convenient room, 
where we have a fire, and every convenience for a winter workshop. 
This, you may suppose, took up a good deal of my attention last 
week, and with preparation for yesterday, quite filled me wuth busi- 
ness, and I could not get oft* it, Mr. Wilkin being quite in earnest. 

I have now two or three days* business of a very different kind. 
We have had two meetings of the Dissenters of the three denomi- 
nations respecting concurring with the London Committee in endea- 
vouring to obtain a repeal of the Corporation and Test Acts j one of 
them was held last Thursday forenoon, (I attended it as I did the 
former and went to Cossey after dinner,) and it was resolved to 
acquaint the different congregations in Norfolk that we were of 
opinion it was right to use proper means to obtain a repeal of those 
Acts, desiring to know their opinion, and inviting them to a general 
meeting, to be held for the purpose on the 25th of this month. This 
information was to be communicated by the newspapers and circular 
letters. Three ministers were desired to acquaint the different congre- 
gations of their several connections ; — Dr. Enfield, the Presbyterians; 
Mr. Newton, the Independents ; I, the Baptists ; this will occasion 
me a good deal of writing, though I cannot find there are more than 
ten Baptist churches in the county, except what are here in the city. 

Our last meeting was very respectable, we had an Alderman* in 
the chair, several gentlemen, and nine Dissenting ministers, all of 
the city. We agreed in the main things, and had a very pleasant 
meeting. For my part I am not sanguine in the matter, but think 
it right to do what we can, for the sake of posterity. 

My people here are attentive and quiet. I thank you for your 
prayers. May God answer all our requests for each other, that we 
may be kept from evil and led by his Spirit ! 

Yours in duty and affection, J. K. 

Mr. Kinghom and Mr. Wilkin were assisted in their me- 
chanical pursuits by Mr. John Spaul,of Cossey, a locksmith, &c., 
and an artist of remarkable skill, taste, and ingenuity, whose 
works abound in the magnificent seat of Lord Stafford, at that 
village. Mr. Spaul is stiU living, in 1854, at the age of 87, 
and remembers with interest these long-past circimistances. 

* Elias Norgate, Esq. 



TEST AND CORPORATION ACTS. 165 

Norwich, December let, 1789. 
F4tHBB AND MoTHER, 

Yours came safe, and I was glad to find you 

TTTuI my mother pretty well. I am tolerable, and have 

If time; Mr. Wilkin and I go on with our work, and are 

^Tttbli3 forwardness. Ferguson's plan is fer too complex for us, 

aaf hinery is wood, and we are on a simple plan ; I am much 

t to you for offering to send the other, but we have it to refer 

ft (*xpcct about the new year to be so far forward as to get 

idpal purts in a working state. This frequently occasions 

I ftt CoBsey part of the week, and I find the advantage in 

[ spirits, and some of my people tell mo working does not 

> apoil preaching. 

what do you think of mixed communion ? is baptism a term 
aunion ? Ought we to refuse those the table of the Lord 
t vliom we confess we think fit for his kingdom above ? Have 
kixy right to judge the consciences of those who think they have 
Qdf'd to baptism ? I acknowledge myself oftentimes puzzled with 
ction3 of thifl kind, particularly the two last ; however, the people 
r tin;, I belit'i'e, quite opposed to a mixed communion. 

I remain, yours, &c., 

J. K. 

Cossey, at Mr. Wilkin' a, De«. 22Qd, 1789. 
Dukn Father and Mother, 

I thank you for your observations on mixed 
commimion ; for my part, as to myself, I have no doubt either as to 
the wtode or iuhjeeU of baptism. The one I think plainly is immer- 
n0By the other believers only (or those who personally profess faith 
ia Christ and attachment to him). But I am very willing to allow 
ofhere to doubt, on the very same principle that I wish to inquire 
myself concerning those things others may think attended with equal 
eridence. If the friends of strict communion fail of proving baptism 
ft term of communion, the debate is over on every principle but expe- 
diency ; and really there is little to be said for that, as it is a matter 
of experience ; and experience has, in many instances, proved it to 
be the way of bringing over Independents to become Baptists ; such 
influence has the advice of Paul — " in meekness instructing them 
flukt oppose themselves." However, notwithstanding all this, I have 
not entirely a decided mind. I do not yet appear as the advocate 
for mixed communion, nor am I likely to be called to it. 

As to our orrery, it goes on tolerably, but we do not expect to 



166 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

finish it in the time I mentioned to you; to fit and adjust the 
motions properly obliges us to spend much time, in which there 
appears little done, however, I hope, indeed, I have little doubt, it 
will all do in time ; as yet we have met with little discouragement, 
though we have to alter some of our work on account of the stress 
upon it and the friction. 

You recommend a plan [in preaching], I have been so happy 
as to have attempted for three months and more, — that of a connected 
chain of discourses. My morning sermons, with very few exceptions, 
have been a chain in my own mind ; indeed, I laid my plan, com- 
mitted it to writing, and have been working upon it, with some 
alterations which were suggested at the time. I have not yet quite 
finished, but I shall soon, and I must then form another, for really 
I do not feel comfortable without a plan that furnishes me with a 
subject once a day at least. To what purpose I labour God only 
knows; so far as appearances go respecting the attention of the 
people, I have no reason for complaint. 

As to myself, my health through mercy has been on the whole 
tolerable. But I have now a matter of considerable importance to 
tell you. On the 13th inst., the people to whom I preach held a 
church-meeting, in which, after previous questions, &c., it was 
unanimously agreed to give me an invitation to the pastoral office 
among them ; which invitation I have received, but I have not replied 
to it. Some of my friends wish me to accept it soon, in order that 
the church may be again settled, which they seem earnestly to desire. 
Others think on account of the season an ordination cannot now be 
attended to, and seem not to object to its being postponed a little 
while. I am in a strait between two, and, I trust, I earnestly 
wish the direction of providence. Your prayers and sentiments I 
know I shall have, and shall esteem them ; and in case an ordination 
is to take place, would it be agreeable to you to have a part in it, 
and what part would you wish to have ? I have every reason to 
think the people here would be glad to see you/ and I can answer 
for myself that I should give you and my mother a hearty welcome 
to Norfolk. I shall be glad to hear from you soon, and hope we 
shall enjoy direction in this very important business. 

Last sabbath I preached from " Brethren, pray for us," and urged 
it upon them from a variety of considerations to pray for God's 
blessing on his church and ministers, hoping it might lead them to 
see the propriety of it, especially on this occasion ; for except the 
Lord build the house, the workmen labour in vain. 



INVITATION TO THE PASTO&AL OFFICE. 167 

I have little more to add, only I wish you the compliments of 
the season, or rather, in plain English, not noise and nonsense, hut 
Qod^s blessing f which makes hoth hody and soul rich. I heg my 
respects as usual, and remain, &c., 

J.K. 

Bishop Burton, Dec 26th, 1789. 

Deab Son, 

As to the important intelligence of the church 
unanimously agreeing to give you an invitation to take upon you 
the pastoral office, it is what I expected would he the case, as they 
were so quiet. The office and relation of a pastor is a solemn, 
weighty charge. To feed the flock of God, and to watch for their 
souls, as one that must give an account at the great day, is more 
than harely to be an instructor, though that be the simple import of 
feeding them. But to rebuke, reprove, and warn, so as that their 
blood come not upon your head, is a very weighty matter, and calls 
for serious consideration and solemn prayer to Ood. I am pleased 
that you made it a public request to pray for you, and urged the 
necessity of it upon the congregation; I hope they will be as unani- 
mous in complying with it as they are in their invitation. If so, I 
doubt not that you will enjoy the divine presence and blessing 
among you, and his gracious guidance and direction in leading you 
into all truth, and the practice of every Christian duty. 

As to your questions in case of the ordination, — ^How I would 
wish it directed so as to be agreeable to me ? What part I would 
wish to take in it ? I can more readily answer the first than the 
second, as I suppose you are well acquainted with the common mode. 

Though some have objected to laying on of hands, I should like 
to follow the footsteps of the apostles, though no extraordinary gifts 
be now conferred by it ; as there is no reason to think that there 
was any such conferred on Paul or Barnabas, Acts xiii, 3 ; and I 
wish the assisting ministers may be agreed in it. The second ques- 
tion I hardly know how to answer, from the near relation between 
us, but of this shall be better able to judge as the time approaches. 
I doubt not that your mother will be ready to come if I do. 

There are only two parts which I could with any propriety engage 
in, viz., either in setting you apart by prayer, or in giving you the 
charge ; but how it will agree with my feelings I cannot say, I fear 
it would overset me, though I have in time past looked forward to 
that solenm occasion with pleasure in prospect of giving you the 
charge, as a father addressing his son, on the most solemn and 



i 



14K UFK 09 JQ0V7H KESCKOftX. 

isporuiit 'Kfasim in. lEis. Bmiaaiijti h be aereeaible to the people 
to pcACp^ne i^ 'nZ j;>i fciiLi lLrr» 'r^ pusaacrt C'f Mr. Evans's assist- 
anee, I tupc^.^e i: -r :>ilii be izrceacle to t-uG to bare him on that 
oeeaKi>iL. H& v^iiLi i^^Iy ibu ;4;n ^ cije woik, and Mr. Wm. 
Bkhards ^r^ntiz, w ±e P^^p^ ^^^ ^^ or^'ation and charge are 
orer. I aaii I Lire iz. ti=j» poasc -siz.. 5ve or six years ago," looked 
i uff wai'l widi pLesBcre la tLt: irirk. jiid irheneTer I have thought 
ol it, the v-ord§ of the aposcLew - T^zi. iv, 2., have always been in 
mj miiki, '* PteskL the tt irl** ^e. Bot whether I am permitted of 
God to do it in a p^KLt: ELiszKr, I now. in the most tender and 
goleinn manner repeat it, " pRaeh the word," plainly, faithfully, 
wlM^y, without miiwmg it ; in order to which study it closely, let 
It be engrafted into your heart, blossom in your meditation, and bear 
fruit in your daily convezs&tion and public labours. Preach it in 
your actions, and may Jesus Christ, the essential Logos, be in every 
theme you treat in pu^c, and be your pattern to copy after in 
joar oondnct, and may you enjoy the guidance and direction of the 
BMy Spirit in leading vou into all truth. 

D. K 

On the 8th of January, 1790^ the Friday before the Lord's 
day on which Mr. Kinghom had intended to call a church- 
meeting for the purpose of accepting the invitation of the 
churchy he was attacked by a ferer brought on by cold^ and 
which at first threatened to be Tcry severe. As but few of 
the people had heard of his illness, it caused considerable 
alarm to see a stranger enter the pulpit in his stead, but the 
Lord was pleased to avert the danger, and by the kind and 
careful nursing of Mrs. David, we find him on the 14th, 
miflSciently recovered to write to his father. In this letter he 
wys, 

The last Sabbath I was in the pulpit I said a great deal about the 
un(;crtainty of present hopes and enjoyments, and the certainty of 
ftfHictions, and pointed out religion as the only cure for the one and 
sufjjKirt under the other, but I confess I little thought I should be 
tho iWni wlio should feel the force of affliction. However, I do not 
I'jfik on afflictions as useless periods of life, but when sanctified, 
qtiitf; Uh) contrary. 

lie alm> expresses his hope of being sufficiently recovered 



PRATER FOR DIVINE DIRECTION. IBff 

by the following Lord's day to call the chiirch-meeting, and 
after consulting his father on the subject of his ordination^ 
says, " I have little idea of making ordinations magnificent^ 
expensive things; the old religion of Jesus was not of that 
kind/' 

On Lord's day, January 17th, 1790, being his birthday, we 
find him, according to his annual custom, committing his 
feelings to writing in the form of a prayer. 

Norwich, Jan. 17th, 1790. 
Lord^B day morning^ 24 years old. — Great God ! what reason have 
I for thankfulness on account of the many mercies received, for 
shame on account of my great sinfulness ; this last year has been 
filled with both ; much of it has been spent in pain, sorrow, and 
anxiety, but, blessed be God, he has done more for me than I have 
had any reason to expect. Many times I have been driven to the 
throne of grace for particular mercies, and I am now waiting for an 
answer to prayer. My prayer hath continually been, " If thy 
presence go not with me, carry me not up hence." Yet hitherto I 
have been directed by the apparent hand of providence to pursue 
the course I have, in leaving Fairford and coming hither. I will 
still pray for guidance and direction. Lord, direct my steps 
respecting the people here at St. Mary's, Norwich ; shall I answer 
them this day or not ? will it be for thy glory, my good, and their 
happiness ? I intended it last week but thou disappointedst me : if 
it be not agreeable to thy will, disappoint me again. May I know 
thy will, and act agreeably to it. Am I doing right ? Lord, thou 
knowest ; thou knowcst I wish to do right, but am in difficulties. 
Lord, direct me ! direct me and keep me ; hear, Lord, my 
prayer. If thou fail me as a prayer-hearing and answering God, I 
am undone, for I have none to trust in but thee, but here I will 
stay myself. Bless, Lord, my dear father and motlier, supply 
their wants in providence, fill them with joy and peace in believing, 
may we long have reason to rejoice in each other, and see the good- 
ness of thee, the Lord, in the land of the living. And now go 
with me ; I will give myself to thee, I will humbly beseech thee to 
take me under thy care, to make me watchful, humble, and depen- 
dant, and to guide me by thy counsel, and bring me to thy glory; 
and may I be peimitted to subscribe myself now and for ever. 

Thy servant, yea, thy son, 

Joseph Kinghokw. 




fe «M^ tbe direction of the 
^ about totake. After yean 
of the promise, ''In all thy 
aad he diall direct thy paths/' He 
' recorered, and, after preaching in the 
L a dmrdi-meetingy and accepted the invitation. 
i of Lewes, who was in Norwich at this time on 
: toar, preached for him once both on this and on the 
t>a-wjg Lord's day. He is a native of York, and a sensible, 
rW vsii:&er. He has been in Lady Huntingdon's con- 
vcrnx. Tsz js X acBT years a^ azid is now a Baptist. 

r^ -vsz ?SES 3Cr ^L7ig%Tn took was to obtain the dis- 
TfwmTi ima ^ aucia jc Todiill Stairs, Newcastle, of 
^OMSX K ^fe£ ssmuKii a iKmber sinoe his admission in 

■e ree Q Ted in the foUowing 




?L5a:SS3»r FUX srwcxsTLK. 

TV lircsf -^or^a »j*-casrfa T^Sil! Stairs. Xewcastlc-on-Tyne, 
r S-. 5ttS5a« iiarsi aMOar fa :?t Mjtts parish, Norwich, send- 
ee .*^^?sc:afi 7ih!ifiiCx*iL 

> > %v.2 '^^ -iiiaar «tC2«iL'0« w>? I^?am that our worthy brother, 
V \^"r- 5-«*«^ i**^ wairtii wv btTY s sinccn? and just esteem, 
j^ «« ^«ert ismf p«et «ttaonr«£ lie G«>el to you with accept- 
^Bvi-. a». ■:»* --•tt «*v .-M^rtt ii2t :o Sc y>>ar pastor. 

'^ . fc*^*.'*- rf *^> :^i!t.^. isct^ss Hr::. with our earnest prayer, 

^•jrf r?4 c^^' ««»i .•c 'i-v ,-y trriL >t wi^se prt'Tidence he has been 

jg^^ -*. - a. '« 'il TW^- ^•tt » ^««- *^ * itsdnsr Musing amoDg you. 

^^E«b«i JK H-iiii yt ^ ;iiar:i K s, ifcxsuar hfid Jan. 24th, 1 790, 

V. FtSTjisLK^ JUiMuter, 

l>jwta:> Mnin, • ^^*'*^'- 

<^a^«. ^ Yi^ftf ^ yjtt ay ii^nsisiiMV is come from 

V«^*»«««« -* ^^^•^ ** ^' ■** -'^ttr'Asifcvcaaf w» Ldd befwe the 

^^-*e «1 A«5^t^ jini ^ w» i*!wl:» ia^e p^cnlar chureh- 

^ \v ^*»-:* ^*w .ihu*,^ 5iwuiJrt8k dw irst to be held 

V*v^ N^ •» ♦^^ - ^s»ia 3br :sK> i^ saw ubf my place as a 



THE INVITATION ACCEPTED. 171 

Mr. S. Wilkin desires his respects to you ,though unknown, and 
when you come, offers you his house, which you will find very hos- 
pitahle ; and when you come he tells mo I shall be in his house too, 
that we may all be together, and that I may get you what you want ; 
you will not think of coming without one another, my mother mwt 
come too, and then it will be quite right. 

Mr. W. Wilkin and I have got our orrery together, it acts pretty 
well, every motion bids fair to answer; as for the construction of it, 
I shall not attempt to describe it, partly because orreries are always 
complex, but chiefly because I hope I shall have the pleasure of 
taking you to Cossey and showing you the whirligig itself. 

To the claim of preference, however, the father de- 
murred, and answered it in true Nonconformist style : — 

Though I am your father, I am not Bishop of Norwich, nor 
have I any claim to any rule in your congregation, nor to perform 
any church act, or ministerial act, except by the consent and 
choice of the people. Therefore I shall not take upon me to assign 
any part to any one, as I do not wish it to be conducted merely to 
please me. 

It must, therefore, have been very pleasing to him to 
receive the following intimation : — 

Yesterday a church-meeting was held to consider who were 
proper to be desired to take a part at the expected ordination. You 
were mentioned as one, and imiversally approved, so that I have the 
authority of the church now to ask you to come to take that part 
which particularly relates to me. 

The time and mode of travelling only remained to be 
decided, and to this question Joseph has devoted more than 
two foolscap pages, giving his parents ample directions for sea 
or for land, accompanied by a very neat pen-and-ink map 
of the roads, near the Lincolnshire Washes, and provid- 
ing, with exemplary care, against any unforeseen occurrence 
which might alter their plans, or prevent his meeting them ; 
'' which,'' he says, " I shall be ready to do at Yarmouth, 
Lynn, or wherever I am likely to find you, and can do 
any good." 



172 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINO HORN. 

But on one occurrence he appears not to have calculated^ 
the intelligence of which must have distressed and alarmed 
him; the illness of his father. He represents himself as 
seized with such a gloom as he feared even his son's company 
and conversation would not by any means dissipate; and 
though clothes were packed^ and arrangements made for the 
journey, he almost entirely gave up the idea of visiting Nor- 
wich, hoping his son would ^' bear the disappointment with 
Christian patience." 

May the Lord, (he adds,) be your strength, and support and fill 
yon with every grace of his Spirit, and meeten you for every part of 
his will, and make you a pastor after his own heart, to feed his 
people with knowledge and understanding, is the prayer of your 
poor afflicted father. Your mother is sore distressed at the dis- 
appointment, both on her own and your account, as she was very 
desirous of being at yoiu: ordination. 

But how would the son's feelings change, and his heart rise 
in gratitude on reading the agreeable postcript, — 

Monday, May 3rd. "We now intend, God willing, to set out on 
our journey to Norwich, being somewhat better. 

Accordingly, on May 3rd they arrived at Hull, fix)m which 
place a note was sent to Norwich, saying they were to leave 
on the 5th by a sloop called The Expedition, for Yarmouth, 
where, no doubt, they had the satisfaction of meeting their 
son, and being accompanied by him to Norwich. 

We have before adverted to Mr. Kinghom's custom of 
writing an annual prayer or reflection on his birthday ; but 
that day was by no means the only occasion on which he thus 
committed his feelings to paper. As he glided along the 
stream of life, led by a Father's hand, again and again did 
he record a fresh instance of his paternal interposition; or 
when clouds seemed to gather around him, and billows dis-* 
turbed his course, again and again did he apply to the same 
almighty helper to calm the waves, and say, ^' Peace, be still.'* 
Thus when professors had been walking not as becometh saints. 



THE MEETING-HOUSE AT ST. MABY^S. 173 

we find him begging that he might be kept from the evil that 
is in the world; that he might take warning and walk with 
Grod^ by the Holy Spirit taking possession of his hearty adding^ 
in the words of the psalmist^ ^' O keep my soul and deliver 
me^ let me not be ashamed for (I hope) I trust in thee ; let 
integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I (desire to) put 
my trust in thee/^ 

Thus, also, when in prospect of his impending ordination he 
felt himself depressed by the weak state of his own health, we 
find him pouring out his heart to the Lord. In acknowledg- 
ing improvement in health and begging that the Lord would 
go on to do him good, he exclaims in the pathetic language 
of inspiration, "O spare me, that I may recover strength, 
before I gohence and be no more seen." 

In the anticipation of his parents' expected visit, he expresses 
himself with his usual submission to the Divine will. '^O 
Lord, preserve,^' he says, "my poor father and mother; O 
guide them here if it will glorify thy name that they should 
come ; if not, guard them from every evil, and enable them to 
rest in thee." 

We have already seen that his parents were guided to him 
in safety, and may weU conclude that they all had much en- 
joyment in the visit. They took up their abode at the house 
of my grandfather, Mr. S. Wilkin. 

After some delays, all things being at length arranged, the 
ordination service took place. May 20th, 1790. Here it may 
be permitted me to sketch from memory's pencil, the old St. 
Mary's, in which our friend commenced, on the present occa- 
sion, his pastoral and ministerial labours. It was a building 
of small pretensions, seating from four to five hundred persons: 
very long in comparison with its width. In the centre of one 
side stood the handsome carved oak pulpit, (the same which 
exists at the present time,) of most unusual dimensions : on 
the opposite side, the singing gallery with the clock in the 
front of it : and between these, below, the table pew, over the 
baptistry, placed thus, as it ought to be placed, in the very 
centre of the meeting. The galleries round the place, extend- 



174 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

ing to within about twelve or fifteen feet of the pulpit, termi- 
nating on each side of it by one very large pew, more like a 
parlour, containing nearly a score of persons. Tradition 
informs us that two pillars and an ancient brass branch had 
been removed to it from the still more ancient place of worship, 
called '^ The Granary,^' by the river side, from which baptisms 
were administered in the river Wensum. 

The ministers who took part in the services, on May 20th, 
were (besides David and Joseph Kinghom,) Edward Trivett, 
of Worstead, the then senior Baptist minister in the county, 
and William Richards, of Lynn, who had been a most intimate 
firiend of Rees David, the former minister at St. Mary^s, and 
with whom Mr. Elinghom had also contracted a close Mend- 
ship. 

F&OGBAMHE OF THE PbOCEEDIKGS. 

IVom the Original MS, in the handwriting of Wm. Wilkin VUkin. 

Pabt Fibst, Mb. Tbivett. 

1. Open the service by prayer. 

2. Open the particular business of the day. 

8. Desire the Church to recognize their call by holding up their 
right hands. 

4. To ask Mr. Kinghom, if he accepts the call, — ^what were his 

motives for entering into the ministry — and to desire him 
to give a short confession of his faith. 

5. Mr. Kinghom's answer and confession. 

Pabt Seconi), Mb. Kinghobn, Sen. 

6. Ordination Prayer. 

7. 343rd Hynm, C. M. Devizes. 

8. Charge. 

9. 342nd Hymn, L. M. Truro. 

Pabt Thibd, Mb. Richabds. 

10. Prayer and reading. 

11. Sermon to the people. 

12. 346th Hymn, S. M. St. Giles'. 

13. Concluding Prayer. 



ORDINATION. 175 

Mn. Eutohork's Confession of Faith, 
From hia awn MS. copy. 

Being now called upon to give an account of those sentiments 
which I have preached to the people in this place, over whom I am 
now ahout to take the pastoral charge, I comply in conformity to 
the general custom on these occasions, and shall hriefly recite what 
appear to me the leading truths of Christianity. 

In the first place, then, as the foundation of all religion, I have 
endeavoured to impress the minds of those to whom I have preached 
with the idea of one great First Cause whom we call God ; a Being 
indepcndant in his own existence, and whose infinite perfections 
and glory are displayed in all his works. 

This Being hath revealed to us his character and will in that 
volume we call the Old and New Testament, which, as it is attended 
with what appears to me sufficient evidence, I have endeavoured to 
represent as the sole rule of faith and practice in the things of 
religion. 

This volume reveals the Great God to us under the characters of 
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, which are spoken of in such language 
as conveys to me the idea, that each is divine, and all concerned in 
the salvation of man. And from the maimer in which they are 
spoken of in the Word of God, I apprehend they are not merely 
titles or characters, hut that there is a reason for that distinction, 
with which they are mentioned, and though I confess I am unahle 
to comprehend what that reason is, yet I consider God*s word as 
giving us the host idea of his character. 

The Word of God also points out the situation of man, as sprung 
from the stock of Adam, who, hy transgressing the divine command, 
brought death on himself and on all his posterity : in consequence of 
which transgression the children of men have departed from the 
law of God ; in this light the Bible represents them — " every mouth 
being stopped, and all the world guilty before God." And however 
we may account for the fact, yet the fact itself appears so 
connected with the main scope of God's word, that it evidently 
supposes it. 

But we have not only our awful situation, but also our remedy 
pointed out in the sacred Scriptures, in the way of salvation through 
Jesus, the Son of God, who, after a long train of prophecies, promises, 
and typical representations, came in the flesh ; appeared not as man 
solely, but as God manifest in flesh. He, who of old laid the foun- 
dations of the earth, came and dwelt among us — ^who laid aside his 



176 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHOftN. 

glory, made himself of no Tq>utaiion, went abont doing good, fulfil- 
ling the will of his Father, teaching ns our duty, and setting ns an 
example ; who died on the cross, and on the third day rose from tiie 
dead ; who folfilled all the typical representations of the Jewish dis- 
pensation, and who gave himself for ns, that, especially by his death, 
he might make an atonement for iniquity, and by voluntarily taking 
the part of Mediator, he might display the purity as well as goodness 
of the great Lawgiver, and open a way of access to the throne of 
grace, that we might obtain mercy. 

The Scripture also informs me that after he rose from the dead he 
ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, 
continues his important character by interceding for his people, is 
head over all things to his church, and will reign till all enemies are 
put under his feet. 

I also believe that it is through faith in this Jesus, as the Saviour 
of sinners, that we are justified from the condemnation of God's 
law ; all the benefits of the death and resurrection of Christ being 
thereby imputed to our souls, by which we stand accepted before 
Qod, and enjoy a title to eternal life. 

And, also, that those who are justified through fidth in Christ are 
sanctified through the operation of the Holy Spirit, who, with a 
divine energy, impresses on them the truths of the Gospel, changes 
their dispositions, and enables them to deny all ungodlinees and 
worldly lusts, and to Uve righteously, soberly, and godly. And 
that when any are really under the influence of this Spirit, they are 
l(!d forward in the ways of God, and not permitted finally to torn 
back to the ways of iniquity. 

That to this end the Holy Spirit leads them to attend to God's 
word as their rule, and assists them in every part of their duty, that 
th<?y may live as the children of God. 

I also believe that among many other parts of their duty, it is 
especially incumbent on Christians to unite together in a church 
state, to attend to the positive ordinances Christ has commanded, 
— jiaptism, and the Lord's Supper. 

The first of these I believe to be only properly administered by 
immersion in the name of the Father, and of tiie Son, and of the 
ifoly Ohost, and to be administered to such, and nieh on/y, who 
trinke a credible personal profession of their faith in Christ, and 
attfK'hment to him. 

The other ordinance of Christ, the Lord's Supper, is a eommemo< 
ratM;fi of his sufferings and death for the sins of his people, that 



CONFESSIOH OF FAITH. 177 

they may be led more seriously to consider what he hath done for them, 
that their faith may be strengthened, and their minds comforted. 

I also believe that after death there will be a resurrection of the 
bodies, both of the just and of the unjust; that Jesus Clirist will 
then come from heaven as the Judge of all ; that wicked men will 
be consigned over to everlasting punishment, and good men enjoy 
gloty, honour, and immortality. 

And since Jesus Christ hath brought life and immortality to light 
in the gospel, and plainly pointed out the way of salvation, he hath 
also commanded this Gospel to be preached in his name to mankind. 

But while I consider these as the leading truths in the Christian 
religion, I do not apprehend the influence they produce is left to 
casual circumstances, but that God, in his own incomprehensible 
designs, from eternity hath chosen in Christ Jesus a peculiar people 
for himself, to be to the praise of the glory of his grace ; that these 
he influences according to his sacred good pleasure, first by bringing 
them to a knowledge of himself and of Jesus Christ whom he hath 
sent, and afterwards in causing all the operations of his providence 
and grace to concur in fulfilling his purposes. That thus in all ages 
he will carry on his own great design, till the number of his elect 
be gathered in, and the people of his choice associated in one 
body in Christ, forming the general assembly and church of the 
firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. 

And however great the difficulty may be of accounting for many 
parts of the divine conduct on the plan he appears to have pointed 
out in his word, I have no doubt but that in the end, he will fully 
manifest the propriety of all his designs, and lead all his people to 
say, " Hallelujah, for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth ! " 

Such are the general views of Christianity which I have endea- 
voured to lay open to the people here, as appearing to me to be the 
will of God. Should I be hereafter favoured with a clearer insight 
into his holy will, I hope I shall not hide from them what shall 
appear as his counsel, but shall look on myself as bound to declare 
it, being sensible that anything attended with Scripture evidence is 
not only important, but best calculated to promote the end which I 
trust I earnestly desire, — the eternal salvation of their souls. 

Mr. and Mrs. David Kinghom returned home in the be- 
ginning of June, after spending nearly a month in Norfolk. 
The jonmey by Lynn, Peterborough, and Lincoln lasted, as 
we shall sec, four days. 

N 



178 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHOBN. 

Bishop Burton, June 5ih, 1790. 

Deab Son, 

Through the kind providence of God we arrived 
at Bishop Burton last night. After the fatigue of our journey by 
land Mr. Richards was very kind, and went with me to inquire for 
a vessel, but without effect, and we slept that night at Mr. 
Haycock's, a friend of his. 

Next morning we set off for Wisbeach, thence to Peterborough, 
and arrived at one o'clock. Being told that the coach had been full 
every day for a week past, we set off to Lincoln in hopes of catch- 
ing the coach ore it left that place; we arrived ten minutes past ten, 
"Wednesday evening, but the coach had gone from thence by eight. 
Thursday, stayed at Lincoln till eight at night, then rode all night 
to Barton, where we arrived at four in the morning, Friday ; got to 
Hull by one. Burton friends are well, and glad to see us return in 
safety. I feel myself a little fluttered, but hope in a day or two to 
come to myself again. Your mother is very well, and enjoyed the 
pleasure of riding in the chaise exceedingly. 'We send our kind 
respects to all inquiring friends at N"6rwich. Write soon, and let 
us know how you are. I rest, your loving father, 

David Einghobn. 



CHAPTER XI. 

1790—1791. MT. 24f— 25. 

lirst administration of the Lord's Supper — First Baptism — The 
Origin of Evil — Commencement of the Baptist cause at Ayhham — 
Letter from Br. RyUmd — Baptism in a river — 7Farhurton*s 
IHvine Legation — Excursion into Cambridgeshire — Robert Sail — 
Protestants in France — Death of Br, Manning , of Rhode Island, 
U.S.: and of Br. Evans, of Bristol. 

On the 6th of June, 1790, Mr. Kinghom administered the 
Lord's Supper for the first time. This event, also, he com- 
memorates by a short reflection, in which he acknowledges 
the support which the Lord afforded him through the day, 
and the elevation of mind which he experienced; and also 
expresses renewed devotedness to the service of God, and 
sincere desire for his glory. 

He thus mentions the service in writing to his parents. 

I was in good spirits all day, and, I hope, enjoyed something of 
the comfort of religion. I got very well through the administration 
of the Ordinance, though much exhausted when done, as I did not 
finish till within a few minutes of five o'clock, and our number was 
large. I am told there were sixty of the members present. 

On the 27th of June Mr. Kinghom administered the ordi- 
nance of Baptism to three persons, and preached from Bx)m. 
vi, 3, 4. To the MS. of the sermon he has prefixed this 
memorandum, — '^Before the baptism of Matthew Barker, 
Robert Playford, and Mrs. Tuck. I baptized these imme- 
diately after the sermon, and these are the first I ever bap- 
tized.^^ The first two lived to a very advanced age, and 
remained to the end of their lives consistent and honourable 
Christians. 

n2 



ISO LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

lu September and October Mr. Kinghom and his father 
iHurrunl on a considerable discussion on the Origin of Evil^ in 
ixxuucction with which we insert the following letter. 

Cossey, Oct. 25tli, 1790. 
Deak Father aihj> Hotheb, 

« « « « « « « 

As to our subject of debate, the Origin of Evil, 
I think you arc just in the situation in which I was some time ago, 
when the various difficulties pressed so upon me as to lead me to my 
present opinion, that it was not the design of Qod to reveal it to us. 
I shall wish to know if you have prosecuted the subject any farther, 
for however difficult it may be ever to come at the truth, yet the 
mixture and combination of ideas is often a very useful thing. 
However, for my part, I can get no further. I was a little sur- 
prized in finding lately that this matter was agitated in the time of 
Plato. It should seem even wild reason naturally leads man to 
inquire into the various misfortunes and crimes of life, but though 
philosophy was not then at the pitch it is now, yet even the addition 
of further light, and above all, revelation, has as much raised diffi- 
culties as solved them, which is just what you acknowledge. My 
attention has very much lately been taken up with a very enter- 
taining French work, in which the history, policy, laws, customs, 
religion, &c., &c., of the ancient Greeks are in a very entertaining 
manner brought into one view. I have been struck with the 
sameness of the wisest Grecian systems of law and that of Moses in 
many particulars, from which I see the necessity of many things in 
the Jewish Bitual ; as the smaller states of Greece, whose interest 
led them to keep separate from others, adopted regulations similar 
to what we find in the law of Moses. 

Some weeks ago several of our poor people seemed rather uneasy 
that we had no meeting of any kind on a Lord's day evening, as 
they had no place of worship in which they could spend it to their 
satisfaction, and wished to have a meeting for prayer, &c., every 
Sunday evening. When I found they were in earnest I encouraged 
it, and we began. The plan is, — two of our members pray, we sing 
between, I then say a little to them, about twenty minutes, and with 
singing and prayer we make up about an hour. 

I go on with the Evangelists on sabbath morning, taking what 
appears to me the order of the history, and noticing most of the 
circumstances. I have got to the imprisonment of John the 
Baptist, and intend next to take up the public beginning of our 



AYLSHAM. 181 

Lord*s ministry in Galilee. I was at first afraid it would not 
attract the attention of the people, but in that particular it does far 
better than I imagined, and I am sure the utility of it to myself is 
great; besides, it gives me an opportunity of introducing such variety 
as in the course of sermonizing could not be so well introduced. 

Not. 16th, 17th. 
It seems probable that a little Baptist church 
may be raised in a market-town about twelve miles off. There is a 
meeting-house, which is private property, built under the expectar 
tion of being supplied by John Wesley's connection; they have 
deserted it The owner is a Baptist, and though he encouraged Mr. 
Wesley's people, did it only because he thought religion in that way 
would be better than none; some of the people were dissatisfied ; the 
owner made application to Mr. Wilkin, and he to me. Mr. Wilkin 
said he and I would go if I had no objection, as soon as we could 
get a supply for a day for Norwich. I immediately agreed, we went 
last Sunday in a chaise with Mr. Hawkins. I preached three times, 
the prospect appeared pleasing, and animated us all. We think of 
going again soon. The fatigue was much less than I feared. 
Through the help of God I continue to this day, and am, I think, 
better than I have been for some time. To go into the world in this 
way to preach is very pleasing, it appears so like the first preachers, 
who braved all difficulties, and were not ashamed of the gospel they 
preached. I think we have greater reason to hope for the blessing 
of God in places where the gospel has not been long preached than 
where men are so used to its sound as to be careless and hardened 
under it 

Mechanism stands still at Cossey at present, but I suppose we 
shall do something in it in a little time. 

The pleasing remembrance of you both lives most strongly at 
Cossey; you will easily suppose I do not dislike Cossey on that 
account. J. K. 

The market-town above mentioned is Aylsham, or, as it is 
spelt in Domesday Book, Eleskam, that is, the pasture by the 
water, being situate on the south side of the Bure, which is 
navigable hence to Yarmouth for barges of several tons bur- 
then. It is a most pleasant town, about half-way between 
Norwich and the sea, in a north-easterly direction. The 
meeting-house is a plain, square, respectable building. 



182 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHOBN. 

But to return to the oorrespondenoe : — 

I liaTG been thinking httely of considering the divine perfectionB 
at some future time regularly, though the subjects are superior to 
any human genius of the most exalted rank, yet, where anything 
may be learnt, something may be improved. I have begun to pre- 
pare materials, and mean to go pretty fairly through in considering 
them, and reading, &c., and also committing what I think valuable 
to paper before I begin to preach on them, or to write for the pulpit. 
By this means I hope to know more about them myself, at least. 
My fear is, the people will not relish them, and will perhaps say, I 
labour to prove what is not gospel, and what nobody disbelieves. 
Yet, though apprehensive, I mean to try. I have also thought a 
set of sermons on the Old Testament, so as to give them a general 
idea of that, might be the means of making them read the one half 
of their Bibles which is commonly neglected. I know in these things 
I am cutting myself out work, and hard work too, yet so few dis- 
senting ministers seem to take these subjects up as matters of im- 
portance, that there is the more need for somebody to labour them. 
You are the only preacher I ever knew that has taken up this plan 
to any extent. The brevity and uncertainty of life are powerful 
motives, which make me wish to be doing now while the day con- 
tinues. 

J. K. 

Bishop Burton, December 18th, 1790. 

DsAJL Son, 

The divine perfections form a copious subject. 
Chamock has treated it largely; Gill concisely and scripturally ; 
some philosophically — I fear you follow the latter, which if you do, 
you will lose yourself and your hearers in a mist. All we can know 
with certainty of God, is what he has revealed of himself in his 
word. This is the key that unlocks the cabinet and discloses what 
must have for ever lain hid, of the manifold wisdom, goodness, holi- 
ness, justice, power, patience, &c., of God. I think if Chamock were 
abridged by a skilful hand, it would be a valuable work. 

It is a great pity that Christians in general are so ignorant of the 
Old Testament, when it is considered that all that relates to the person, 
offices, suffering, resurrection, ascension, sitting at the Father's right 
hand, coming to judgment, of the Lord Jesus Christ, and all the 
happiness of his saints in time, all their experience of his grace, and 
all they have to enjoy in eternity, are recorded therein ; of which 



JONATHAN EDWARDS. 183 

the New Testament is an illnstration and application to Jesus Christ 
and his true followers. 

You do not dispute that I would give you the hest advice in my 
power. God is more kind, tender, and affectionate than any earthly 
parent, and more ahle and willing to direct, assist, and counsel, 
(though in a manner imperceptihle to us,) than any creature is or 
can he. 

D. K. 

About this time the letters of two eminent men first appear 
in the correspondence — John Sutcliff, of Olney, and John 
Ryland^ jun., afterwards Dr. Ryland. The latter, throughout 
his life, kept up an intimate friendship and constant corres* 
pondence with Mr. Kinghom. The following note from him 
was in reply to some inquiries which Mr. Kinghom had made, 
through Mr. Morris, of Clipstone, respecting the works of the 
eminent Jonathan Edwards. 

Deab Sib, 

I remember to have heard of your father, and, I 
believe, once heard him in our pulpit many years ago. I rejoice 
€h)d has raised up his son to preach the glorious gospel of the blessed 
God ; and I rejoice that he has given you a relish for the writings 
of that blessed man that, I think, has been more useful to me than 
any other. Were I forced to part with all mere human compositions 
but three, Edwards^s ** Life of Brainord," his '* Treatise on Eeligious 
Affections," and Bellamy's *' True Religion Delineated,** (reprinted 
by Gray, at Edinburgh, 1788,) would be the last I should let go. 

Edwards " On the Will," you are doubtless acquainted with, of 
which Murgatroyd, of London, has just printed a new edition ; and 
his " History of Eedemption," sold by Gray, in Edinburgh, and 
Vemor, in London, 1788, price 38. 6d. Probably you have seen 
the " Northampton* Narrative," though now out of print, and only 
to be procured second-hand by accident ; it gives an account of a 
remarkable work of grace carried on there, a. d. 1 736, when it was 
supposed three hundred souls were converted under Mr. Edwards's 
ministry in the space of a few months, and the like happy effects 
were experienced in many neighbouring towns. But five or six 
years afterwards, a still more extensive revival of religion took 

* State of Massachusetts, U.S. 



184 LIPB OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

place in New England, when Mr. Edwards printed an excellent 
** Sermon on the diBtinguishing marks of a work of the Spirit of 
God," which was soon after reprinted in Britain, though not inserted 
in either of the Tolumes of his sermons lately published. He 
also published on the same occasion an invaluable tract, entitled, 
"Thoughts concerning the present Revival of Keligion in New 
England,'' &c., wherein are many uncommon but most important 
observations on experimental and practical religion, reprinted in 
Scotland, 1743. Some may still be had of Mrs. Gray Galloway, 
Edinburgh. Some years after this he published his "Humble 
attempt to promote Union in Prayer for the Revival of Religion," 
now republished by brother Sutcliff. I have seen two or three 
pamphlets on the " Qualifications for full Communion in the Visible 
Church," relating to a local controversy, and therefore not reprinted 
in Europe. And there were some single sermons published in his 
life time, of which his own son has not yet been able to procure a 
copy. But his " Eighteen Sermons," with his life prefixed, have 
been lately republished in Scotland, price 2s. 6d. ; his " Eight 
Sermons on Justification and other Subjects," price 3s., reprinted ; 
his " Thirty-three Sermons," price 6s., first published in 1788 ; his 
"Twenty Sermons," price Ss. 6d., 1789, &Ye of them formerly 
printed in his lifetime separately, and the other fifteen printed at 
Hartford, 1780. In all these volumes are many original and im- 
portant thoughts on a variety of divine subjects ; and many of them 
contain the most close and alarming addresses to the consciences of 
sinners that I ever saw. 

Dr. Edwards has lately made some proposals to Mrs. Galloway 
respecting the printing of two volumes of Miscellanies, from his 
other's MSS., and a third, of " Thoughts on Select Passages of 
Scripture," to which she has agreed, so I hope that one volume, at 
least, will soon come to Scotland to be printed. 

You have probably seen in our last Association Letter, the 
mention that is made of Dr. Edwards's reply to Chauncey* on the 
TJniversal Restitution Scheme, which is indeed a most able perform- 
ance, and shows him to be worthy the name of son to President 
Edwards! 

Thus, dear Sir, I have complied with your request, though in 
haste, which you will please to excuse. 

* RcT. Charles Chauncey, D.D., an American DiTine, and one of the most eminent 
writers of the sect called Uniyersalistfi. Bora 1705, died 1787. See Msunder's 
" Biographical Treasury." 



BYLAND AND SUTCLIFF. 185 

I smcerely wish you the enjoyment of every temporal and spiritual 
blessing ; should be glad to be remembered by you at a throne of 
grace ; and remain, 

Yours respectfully, 

In forwarding the above to Mr. Eonghom^ Mr. Sutdiff 
says: — 

Olney, October 19tli, 1790. 
DsAE Bbothxb, 

I wish your settlement in Norwich may, under 
a divine blessing, prove of eminent advantage to the interests of 
truth and holiness. 

Edwards and Bellamy are writers who grow in my esteem the 
more I study them ; would sincerely recommend the serious perusal 
of them to every friend who has a turn for reading and thinking. 
A new edition of Edwards on the Affections is just out, sold, I think, 
by Matthews, in the Strand. 

Should like to hear from, you, and how you go on, I rest, 

Yours in love, 

J. SUTCUPF. 
To the Ber. Mr. Kinghom. 

JOSEPH KIironO&K IN KEPLY TO J. BTLAND. 

Norwich, January 20th, 1791. 

Deab Sib, 

Your very friendly letter with Smalley's sermon 
came to hand some weeks ago, and I am much obliged to you for the 
information it communicates. I have lately procured four pieces of 
Edwards, which I had never seen, three volumes of Sermons, and 
the Humble Attempt. Your letter gave me the very intelligence I 
wished for. I am glad to find Jonathan Edwards left a son so 
like himself, and that by this means we are likely to come at some 
more of his writings, for though posthumous works always appear 
to disadvantage, yet those who read for the sake of gaining ideas, 
and making improvement, will never be displeased with such in- 
formation as Edwards may be expected to give, let it come in what 
dress it may. 

As I have not seen your last year's Association Letter, I was quite 
ignorant of Dr. Edwards's reply to Chauncey on the scheme of Einal 
Restitution, which is a scheme, perhaps, daily gaining ground. You 
have characterized Edwards's sermons as particularly close in 



186 LITE OF J06BFH KINGHO&N. 

•ddnoBiiig the ecmacieiieat I haTe not yet read them all, hut as hi 
as I hare, I find the j are addreeeeB to conscience indeed ! May 
none that read them he unimpressed hy them ! 

I hare only to express my gratitude for your attention to a 
atnuDgar^ and to vish yon the hkssing of God in all your ways. 
I ranain, yours in the gospel of Christ, 

J. K. 

In refiefenoe to the iMPOspects at Aylsham, Mr. Kinghom 
itfoaiks^ in writing to Bishop BurUm, January 4th^ 1791 : — 

I har^ been three sahhaths to Aylsham, and preached three times 
Cdkch day» and I was there once on a week day, when I went to see 
the state of the peo{^, and hare some little talk with them about 
ivlij|:ion« <flbe.» and predK^hed in the eraung: and that, with my own 
wixk at home, has quite k^ me on the stretch ; through mercy, 
howeTt4r« I hare been tc^iahle. I bdieie thoe will be a church 
thtnre^ the piv^«pecl b Teir pleasing, and I hope my labour will not 
be in Tain. 

I began with the year to rub up my Greek, which was grown 
quite rusty* and if I Hre, I dare say I shall not lepmt The two 
}4ans I mentioned to you are stiU on my mind, indeed, they are on 
l^qier but ik4 complete; for the latter, that on the Old Testament, 
I must collect materials, and have them somewhat made ready like 
the stones of the Temple. My difficulties will be in three things — 
Jewish Antiquities, Ancient History, Prophecy. But I have 
abundance of assistance, and I hope I shall hare health and dili- 
gence to make use of it. Wh^i the plan is fit fiK* the eye you shall 
see it. J. K. 

Xorvich, JtBUiT Slst, 1791. 
Daut Fathke Axn Mothix, 

I received yours on January 17th, a day which 

1 h<^ will nevc^ pass over without gratitude. 

You iWHHnmend Owen. His Exposition ai the 13<hh Vtalm is a 
very exceUent book. The oth^s I am not acquainted with. You 
know he is an awkward writer, but he pays well fi>r the trouble. 
1 doubt not I eouhi procure the others, but 1 am now quite full- 
haniieit 1 am not yet through the volumes ai Edwards which I 
lately got. 

1 now rettd Greek daily when at hoaie, the New Testamoit, and 



187 

Sophocles, who is a very difficult writer. I am now also reading 
"Warborton's *' Divine Legation of Moses/' 3 vols., 4to., in which is 
an amazing ^ind of infohnation respecting those subjects that will 
come into my plan ; these and the necessary attention I have to pay 
to sermons, as I write one at least every week, and other things 
which come in the way, you will easily suppose take up a good deal 
of attention, and, indeed, my excursions to Cossey, and visiting Mends 
at home, I find necessary to keep me in a fit state for study. I 
have lately been labouring to establish three of the principal pillars 
of Christianity. That the promise of life was made (in Christ) 
hefore the world hegan : Titus i, 2 ; — That by the deeds of the law 
we cannot be justified, but that our justification is by Christ through 
faith ; — and that the nature of justification by faith, and by the deeds 
of the law are so opposite, that it is in vain to attempt to mingle 
them together : Gal. iii, 11, 12. 

I think I have had some more striking views of the gospel lately 
than ever I had ; I am more thoroughly persuaded that a man's own 
righteousness or fitness will never do ; that not only is our justifica- 
tion by Christ's perfect work alone, but also that the idea of faith 
being the cause of our justification, or the condition on which, when 
it is performed, God will justify us, is contrary to God's word. 
I think I see clearly that this plan of salvation lays a surer 
and more extensive foundation for happiness than if the gospel had 
been a relaxed law, and the condition of that law had lain in the 
compass of the will and power of every man ; and when all is done, 
tkU, and not Arminianism, is the doctrine which glorifies God. 

Last Monday I took a ride to Aylsham. I had a long talk with 
two women who had for many years been self-righteous Pharisees, 
and as they thought, were going to heaven at a great rate ; but now, 
being convinced they are poor unworthy sinners, are almost in a 
state of distraction. Their self-righteous spirit is not yet quite 
purged away ; they have lived in great ignorance of the real spirit 
of the gospel, and have been supported by frames, feelings, and 
enthusiasm, but these supports now fail them. I hope they are 
coming about to the right place, though they have much to give up, 
and much to learn, before they can be happy as Christians* 

It is plain, I think, that Christianity is founded on knowledge, 
and that the operations of God's Spirit consist in illuminating the 
mind, and making that light effectual in producing a change of dis- 
position or heart. 

In the evening I preached to about 250 people, who attended with 



> 




188 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

great seriousness. Aylsbam is a place where Satan's seat has been 
fixed for manj years, but now I hope Grod has designs towards 
it for good and not for evil. S. WiD^ and I frequently talk 
about it, and lay plans, &c., for it 

Kaith Ist, 1791. 
I am glad you got Robinson's " History of Baptism." 
Pray what do you think of it ? 

One gooil turn deserves another ; you mention a curious quotation 
ftH)m liobinson on the " Origin of Evil ; " a day or two before (or after) 
1 riHwived yours, 1 met with a remark on the subject, I think as 
curious. In (ancient) Egypt, everything was done for the sake of 
•oiuoty, and a future state was enforced to secure the general doc- 
trine of a "Providence." "But," says my author, "there still 
would remain great difficulties concerning the origin of evil, which 
seemed to affect the moral attributes of God, and it was not enough 
for the purposes of society that there was a divine providence, unless 
that providence was understood to be perfectly good and Just : some 
solution, therefore, was to be given, and a better could not be weU 
found than the notion of a Jfetempsychosisy or transmigration of 
souls, without which, in the opinion of Hierocles, the ways of provi- 
dence are not to be justified," &c., &c. — ^Warburton's " Divine liga- 
tion of Moses," Book Srd, sec. 4th. 

It is diverting to see what different inferences are deduced from 
one plain feet. Necessity, contingency, transmigration of souls, 
Manicheeism, and even Atheism, have all been drawn from this one 
circumstance, the existence of evil. On this subject most men are 
much like Milton's Devils, of whom he says, " Much of the soul 
they talk, but all awry." I do not pursue the subject now as I did 
some time since, but I keep a look-out, that, whenever anything in 
the course of reading comes in the way, I may not let it escape me. 

Of late I have paid tolerable attention to Warburton's " Divine 
Legation of Moses." I am just through the second 4to. volume on 
the subject, and there are three, besides some Defences, &c. It is 
quite in my plan on the Old Testament, it being designed to in- 
vestigate the evidences of Moses being sent of God. It is full of 
ancient learning,' and displays a great, but a very dogmatical mind. 
You will easily suppose it is only part of such a work, that will be 
useful to me in treating on such subjects ; yet it opens such a field 
of information as on the whole, will, I hope, be of advantage. I 
think a minister in this our age, ought to know why he believes 



THE MOSAIC LAW. 189 

Moses, as well as why he belicTes Christ and his apostles. The 
attacks of Deism are, I think, levelled at that side of the question ; 
an opinion of Le Clerc's seems reviving, that the evidence of 
Christianity is independent of Judaism, so that whether that can 
he proved divine or not, prior to Christianity, is little to the purpose, 
since Christianity can he proved divine, and fix)m that we can prove 
Judaism divine. This I cannot think right on many accounts, 
which to you need not be pointed out. Now the best way to pre- 
vent the influence of such an opinion is to prove the contrary, and 
then we get on the plain turnpike road of the apostles, who began 
at Moses and the prophets and came down to Christ. 

The use and excellence of the ritual law of Moses is a subject too 
little considered ; at least, 1, for one, must confess I begin to have a 
higher idea of it than before, and the subject has got so much of my 
attention, that I think, if it please God to spare me vrith life and 
health, 1 shall not give up the pursuit of it hastily, nor let either 
Latin or Greek stop me from reading books where I hope for in- 
formation ; nor will anything be needed here but a steady attention. 
I cannot study as some people can, but nulla dies sine lined, will do 
great things in a few years, and in attending to these things I shall 
acquire, I hope, an ability to defend all that is dear to the Christian. 
tRiese subjects appear to me to call for attention only on this 
account, and I think I am led to attend to them for this reason ; 
otherwise it is a matter of no consequence whether 1 or any one, go 
to the grave with the reputation of learning, or be passed by and 
forgotten, because we were ignorant. You will think I am writing 
with the enthusiasm of a youth, and an ardour which a few years' 
experience will cool ; it may be so ; however, without something of 
it, subjects would not be pursued. But in the midst of it all I 
acknowledge, because I feel, that something else is necessary to fill 
the void of the human mind. The more our conceptions expand^ 
the more empty human attainments appear ; and when possessed of 
the object of our wishes, we are ready to say, with a conqueror who 
had vanquished his enemy, seized his kingdom, and was come to 
the zenith of his glory, by having the crown placed on his head, 

'* lathis an r* 

Last week I was poorly, but a ride to Aylsham did me much 
service, and I am much better. I go there and preach a lecture 
about once a fortnight on Thursday evenings; there is, I hope, 
good doing, some were evidently and deeply affected while I was 
preaching last Thursday. 

J. K. 



190 LIFE OF JOSEPH KIN0HORN. 

Bishop BuitoBf March 17th, 1791. 

Dbas Sok, 

We haye had Mr. and Mrs. Kirkbride at Burton 
this week. They came to the wedding of Ann Gregson, who was 
married on Wednesday to Mr. William Sedgwick. All came from 
Hull that morning, and returned to dine at Mr. Kirkbride's. The 
men on horseback, the women and bridegroom in a coach. Your 
mother and I were guests at breakfast, and attended the wedding. 
Little Domine says there has not been such a wedding since he 
came to town. I was somewhat struck, on recollecting that Ash 
Wednesday was appointed to be a day of fasting by the Church of 
England, that the wedding should be on that day, which I suppose 
was not thought of at the time the day was fixed, for, notwithstand- 
ing that there is no consciousness of guilt in not observing it, yet 
there is something unbecoming in the cheer^lness attending a 
wedding on a day when other Christians are spending the day in 
devout exercises. In Bishop Burton it is little observed by any one. 

I have almost filled my paper with various articles, yet I will add 
one more. The study of the heart in connection with the word of 
Gk)d, is one of the most useful branches of knowledge to a Christian 
minister. Men are more governed by a kind of instinct or sensa- 
tion than by reason ; call it the motions of passion, or what you will, 
the Scripture calls it the heart. An appeal to it as the spring of 
action rouses the powers of reason, and puts man on the use of 
means to enjoy the loved, or shun the dreaded object. 

D. K. 

Norwich, March 29th, 1791. 

Deab Father, 

I was rather surprised at the wedding you men- 
tioned, as I did not know it was so near ; however, I wish them 
much happiness, and everything that the wisdom of God shall deem 
for their good. 

I wonder you should remark as you do concerning Ash Wednes- 
day; frt>m whence came the observance of that day? from the 
Church of Borne. I do not know that it can be traced any higher. 
And though the Church of England hath transplanted the custom, 
is that a part of the excellency of our church, that it is in so many 
instances like Eome ? I cannot, for my part, feel any reverence for 
rites that come from Bome, when I recollect 2 Thess. ii, 3 — 10, and 
several passages in the Bevelation. 

I have done with Warburton's ** Divine Legation of Moses." I 



MOSES^ SOLON^ AND LTCUR0U8. 191 

liaTe not met with three such captiyating volumes this long time, 
for he kept up my attention to the last, but his spirit is a very un- 
pleasant one, he writes in a style of fierceness which oft;en disgusts, 
and treats his opponents frequently with the most sovereign con- 
tempt, so that you are almost constrained to take sides against him ; 
although the information he gives, which is very singular, and the 
strength of his genius, and the singularity of his thoughts, which 
like a new, unheard-of road, perpetually is leading you to fresh 
prospects, so arrest the attention, that you must go with him and 
see the end of it. 

There is a singular sameness between some of Moses's laws and 
those of Solon and Lycurgus, from which some of the former, which 
men are apt to reject as useless or ridiculous, may be defended ; 
since, when Sparta and Athens were in similar situations, the same 
laws were needful for them. 

If it please God, I hope to see Bishop Burton this summer, and I 
have acquainted my people with my intention. I mean to come by 
sea, as the inconvenience of a few days on board a vessel cannot be 
much more than the fatigue and risk attending a land journey, 
besides the expense, which, by land, would be an obstacle. 

J. K. 

Dbab Son, 

You wonder at my remarks on Ash Wednesday ; 
you will find my reason for it in Rom. xiv, 20, 21 ; as to the rise of 
it, I will not say whether it began in the east or west, but Lent has 
been observed from the fourth century, sec Robinson, p. 65, 66. 
Though customs not enjoined by the great lawgiver are not binding 
on conscience, yet we should be careful not to give offence to those 
who are bound by them. You have, for the present, got your head 
fiill of Moses. I wish your heart may be filled with Christ. 

D. K. 

Norwich, May 9th, 1791. 
Brlr Fatheb and Mother, 

I supposed on Good Friday your Hull friends 
would be at Bishop Burton. I thought of you that day. You, too, 
thoTight of me. Our friends also might have some remembrance of 
me, but none of you supposed, or could know, what I was about 
that day. The day before I rode to Aylsham and preached in the 
evening, (as I do regularly once a fortnight,) the next morning, 
when I hope you were all asleep, at four o'clock I rose, walked 



192 LIFE OP JOSEPH KINOHORX. 

down to the river, met a few Mends at a place appointed under a 
venerable willow tree, in proper readiness ; we joined together in 
prayer, begging God's blessing on his own commands ; and then went 
down into the water, and I baptized five persons, two men, (father 
and son,) three women, (mother, daughter, and the mother* s sister.) 
All seemed deeply sensible what they were doing, and behaved with 
a steadiness and intrepidity that astonished me. There were only 
three present besides, except myself, circumstances rendering it 
almost necessary that there should be no bustle made about it. 
After we all got to the house of a friend, near the river, and out of 
the town, I addressed them on the serious nature of the profession 
they had made, &c., and after joining in prayer again, they left me, 
and went on their way rejoicing. I then took breakfast and rode 
home, and spent the rest of the day in great fatigue, partly, it is 
true, from my ride, but chiefly for want of rest and from anxiety, as 
I had suffered many things in my mind on their account, because 
three of them were likely to have a storm of persecution descend 
upon them, and I knew not how they would bear it, though they 
seemed sufficiently aware of it, and prepared against it. 

It was an attack upon Satan in his own ground, and I was very 
anxious that we should come off with victory, and hitherto I hope 
I can say, " Thanks be unto God, who always causes us to triumph 
in Christ" A scene of more simple Christianity I never beheld, 
and some circumstances in providence much favoured it. I was 
there again last Thursday and saw four of them, the other living at 
some distance was prevented fit)m coming, they are all well, and 
look back with pleasure on the work of that morning. Nor has the 
matter transpired so as to be the subject of common discourse, 
which is to me wonderful. Indeed, besides the silence of the morn- 
ing, there was a tliick fog which hid us fix)m observation, and made 
our situation like that of the Israelites when they were baptized 
into Moses in the cloud and in the sea ; nor was the voice of any- 
thing to be heard to interrupt us, or excite any tremor, the birds 
only were heard, who, indeed, filled the air with their music. For 
my part, I feel more and more conviction that the cause of the Bap- 
tists is the cause of God, and I have no doubt that God will bless 
and protect those who, from right motives, attend to it and support it. 

I have taken up a good deal of room with this story, but it is 
witli me the news of the day, and as I hope I have been laying the 
first stones of a church of Christ, in a place where, till lately, his 
name was cast out as evil, you will not be surprized when I tell 



BAPTISM IN A RIVER. 198 

you I hare had a great deal of thought about it. But when all is 
done, success depends on God ; I hope I am thankful for his past 
goodness. I trust he will still appear for us and bless us. 

I have lately been reading some more of "Winchester, and the 
more I read the less I like him ; he may deceive those who know no 
better, but to me he appears by no means to understand his Bible. 
I have detected him in so many ill-founded things that I have now 
no regard for him; a preacher ought to mind what he says, but a 
writer should be doubly cautious ; he appears to me to have set ofT 
wrong, and consequently to have blundered all the way through. 

J. K. 

The entry made by Mr. Klinghom in the Aylshaui church 
book^ is as follows : — 

April 22nd, 1791. — This day the following persons were 
baptized on a profession of their faith in Christ, at Aylsham, in the 
county of Norfolk, viz., John Barnes, William Barnes, Ann Harvey, 
Frances Pedder, Ann Harvey, jun., by me Jo. Kinghokn. 

Of this little party of five, there is one of whom especial 
mention must be made, Mrs. Ann Harvey, a widow lady, 
remarkable for innate dignity and firmness of character. She 
was emphatically the mother of the church, became through 
many years its firm and consistent supporter in the midst of 
many persecutions, and lived to see it weather its storms, and 
attain a good degree of peace, prosperity, and stability; and 
then in a good old age, was gathered, like a shock of com fully 
ripe, into the heavenly gamer. When in boyhood, I used now 
and then to be privileged with an excursion with Mr. Kinghom 
to Aylsham, it was my great delight to see the old lady, 
whom every one admired, and every one loved. Old Mrs. 
Harvey and Aylsham seemed, throughout my earlier life, to be 
associated together. Her sister, Mrs. Pedder, a person of 
great sweetness and humility of character, had in her husband, 
for some years, a bitter persecutor, till, meeting with Mr. 
Kinghom, he became at once attracted, and went to hear him; 
by which, as a means in the hand of God, his severity was 
subdued, and he became an eminent servant of the Lord, 
doing great good both in the church and neighbourhood. 



194 LIFE OP JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

Bishop Barton, May 21«t, 1791. 
Deab Son, 

Your observations on your employment on the 
22nd, ult., carry in them the evidence of solid satisfaction, arising 
from a consciousness of the work in which you were engaged being 
agreeable to the holy will of God ; a faithful discharge of duty, in 
whatever station we are placed by divine providence, will always 
bo attended with inward peace. I hope the Lord will preserve them 
from every evil, and bless your labours to them for good. 

D. K. 

Norwich, July let, 1791. 

Deab Father and Motheb, 

I am just come from a journey, and have not 
been yet an hour in Norwich. Mr. S. Wilkin has been his annual 
circuit into Cambridgeshire, and was so kind as to take me with him. 
We travelled in an open carriage ; we have been at Cambridge, Ely, 
Soham, &c. The greatest part of four days were spent at Cambridge, 
much of the time in conversation with Mr. Hall, and his and MLr. 
Wilkin's friends. I made all the use I could of my time in gaining 
information from Mr. Hall, and in that point I think I can say my 
journey has not been in vain. I am happy to see he makes a firm 
stand against Socinianism ; he considers it as contrary to Scripture* 
and that its general tendency is opposed to the growth of religion 
and real piety. I have seen also two old fellow-students, who are 
resident in the county of Cambridge ; I have seen the buildings, 
gardens, paintings, libraries, &c., &c., of a famous University ; I 
have seen an ancient and magnificent cathedral at Ely, and from 
one of its towers, surveyed a large extent of flat, fertile country ; 
and now, last of all, through the kind providence of God, I see my 
own little habitation in peace. 

As I supposed you would, perhaps, expect to hear from me, I have 
thought it better thus to write, though only a little, to prevent you 
from being any way uneasy. J. K. 

The following notices of the spread of the gospd in France^ 
at the commencement of the Republic^ as well as of other 
passing events of interest, are extracted from letters from 
Mr. Richards of Lynn to Mr. Kinghom : — 

Lynn, Oct. 13th, 1791. 
Deab Sib, 

I have had letters from France and other parts 
lately; several English Protestant places of worship are already 



CAMBRIDGE VISIT DR. MANNING. 195 

opened at Dunkirk, Calais, Boulogne, &c., where numbers of English 
people reside, and where not a few of the natives understand 
English ; a young Mend of mine is one of the first of the labourers 
in this new vineyard; by his account circumstances are very 
favourable, and I think he means to secure the late Capuchin 
church at Calais, and some other dissolved religious house at 
Boulogne : he is also desirous to procure one or two associates, from 
this side the water: I wish the undertaking may succeed. The in- 
fluence of the priests and of Popery is greatly diminished, it seems, 
and likely to be more and more so : and numbers appear very ready 
to listen candidly to proposals and arguments in favour of a better 
and more rational faith. 

"W. RlCHAEDS. 

Lynn, Not. 8th, 1791. 
I have learnt by letters from America, that the 
Baptists are gaining ground amazingly in some parts there, especially 
in the southern provinces, where half the inhabitants are said to be 
now, in sentiment. Baptists. I was very sorry to leam last week 
that Dr. Manning, the very worthy president of Ehode Island 
College, is dead ;* he died, I believe, much about the same time with 
poor Dr. Evans, and his loss, I apprehend, will be as much felt there ; 
a relation of mine who heard him many times, and who was a good 
judge, told me that he thought him the best preacher he had ever 
heard. As to Bristol, I have just heard that Mr. Jenkins, of Wrex- 
ham, and a Mr. Hughes, who spent the last two or three years in 
Scotland, are the present preachers at Broadmead, and superintend 
the academy : whether or not they are likely to be settled there, my 
correspondent did not seem to know. I suppose you know some- 
thing of the character of the latter. 

I have not heard from my French friend since I wrote to you be- 
fore, save that I read in the Bury paper of last week, that he had 
lately opened the church of the Minims, (Friars Minors, I suppose,) 
at Boulogne, and preached from Rev. iii, 8, middle clause. I ex- 
pect to hear Elhanan Winchester has also been preaching in the 
last-mentioned place, and I believe at Calais too : but ho very soon 

• Providence^ Auguet 6<A, 1791. " On Friday morning, the 29th nit., at four 
o'clock, departed this life, at his house in this to^-n, the Rev. James Manning, D.D , 
President of Rhode Island College, in the 53rd year of his age. 

"In the year 1765, he obtained a charter of incorporation for Rhode Island 
College, of which he was chosen President, and must be considered as the founder." 
Baptist Annual Register^ Vol. i., p. 241. 

O 2 



196 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

letumcd to England, and is now about Wisbcach and Sutton, in 
this neighbourhood, on a visit to his MeUds, from one of whom I 
reooivod a very pressing invitation to go to meet him. 

IVay have you heard anything of a new, flaming publication, en- 
titled the "Origin of Arianism," by Mr. Whitaker, the celebrated 
historian, of Manchester ? I did not expect to find him so very 
orthodox : ho is a learned, shrewd, and violent disputant. I should 
like to peruse this piece of his, and expect an opportunity of doing 
•0 by-and-byo. He seems to view Arianism and Socinianism as 
different degrees of the self-same pestilent heresy. 

On the 9th of July> departed the amiable president of the 
Baptist Academy, Bristol, Dr. Caleb Evans, in the 54th year 
of his a^ ; afl^tionately i^ietted by all who, like Mr. King- 
hom^ ci]Qoyed the advantages of his judicious and aUe in- 
tlruclioiiS) and of his faithful and firiendly counsds; as well 
as decfilT respected by the entire denomination. 

Mr. Kinghoni lenuurks^ in reply to the above letter: — 

Norwidi, K«r. Itt. 1791. 
Mr. Hiighe«» who, you say, is now at Bmadmrad, 
I k«K^w w^; he i» by no means destitute either of kaming or 
«|i4Ulie(^ Uowt'v^r. a Odob Evans is a very rare chanctor, and we 
haw vauoh tv«:Ma to lament his lo$s. 

I K*w ttv^ hcttfd tMT $^\^ anything of Whitak^'s book, I shoold 
Kkv axih'h tv> $«v it- I hav^ Icog wished to see scsne man of ability 
aiiA K^imia^ tlv^^ IV. PrkfsUey. who has hithefto had it all his own 
W^ : avid if it bi^ tho author of tbo ** Mndiettion of Mazy, Queen 
vJT ^x^I^'' he wilt I $hoaKi think, bent him with many stripes. I 
ihiaV it hi^ liwie »en shooM he tKnviiiced thai Sodniamsm is 
t^a|^v^>i v>Bi tik^ai withvSKt all ^kAl demcnstratioii that is pi e te nfc d 

Yo<u^ ailevtx«ttiehr. JT. K. 

AKxit thi$ liiM' a «H«<^K!sioei on die SoDt^dp of Clirirt 
aj'^yv^T^ i^ tW %xwt^vBiArt«ir. ixxmsaoBed hr AnJdhaU 
M Iam^xV ^^ Viwr"' <«i tW «hiect. in wplr to Mr. Wnlkrr. 
\t ^ Kv^ V^ t^^ ^ ^A«k»J fcffip. has we gite an csnaci-— 



DEATH OP DR. CALEB EVANS. 197 

Bishop Bortoo, Oct 29th, 1791. 
Dear Sox, 

I think Kobert Hall, sen., in an Association 
Letter, has given a sufficient view of the Trinity, and proved it in a 
plain manner, without any of those difficulties being noticed. He 
first takes it for granted that the Father is a person, then proves the 
Son to be a person from his name, relations, offices, word, and works ; 
then proves his deity, and the deity and personality of the Holy 
Spirit, and gives the Arians the smartest whip I ever read. 
According to them, Jesus Christ, in his superior nature, is neither 
Grod, angel, nor man, a being which nowhere exists except in their 
imagination ! There is something surprising, that man, who cannot 
comprehend himself, should think to comprehend deity, and equally 
so that contradictory things should be pretended to be proved from 
the sacred Scriptures concerning deity, as if the Scriptures were like 
a well-tuned fiddle, to play anything. 

D. K. 

Norwich, Nov. 16th, 1791. 
DeaB FaTHSB AIXD MOTHEB, 

Robinson's piece on Open Communion I admire 
as a well-written pamphlet, as containing specimens of genius to 
which very few are equal, yet as by no means coming up to my 
views of what was Christianity in the days of the apostles ; and 
though very strong things may be said for it, my mind rebels 
against an attempt to introduce anything which has only the 
passions for its pleaders. I think the hut of the question not in 
that piece ; I consider the greatest difficulty as being a kind of new 
case, which did not occur in the days of the apostles, nor for a long 
time after, viz., that a number of Christians should entertain a 
difierent idea of baptism from their brethren. Now the query is not 
what is to be done with unbaptised people, but what are we to do 
with those who think baptism important, but form a different idea 
of the subject and mode from us. I observe your hint respecting 
noticing the doctrines of the Fathers, I have met with some 
pleasing passages ; I keep a book at hand to note what strikes me, 
but for the last two or three weeks I have been employed in read- 
ing some spurious productions ascribed to them, which have little 
other claim on attention than antiquity. What now engages me, 
is the " Clementine Homilies," published, as is supposed, in the 
second century ; they were certainly in existence before Origen, as 



198 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

he quotes them, hut I think the work is the yilest forgery ever 
published. You will ask, why spend time over forgery and lies ? I 
answer, merely because Dr. Priestley takes a good deal of notice of 
it, and says, amidst all, there are several traces of the opinions of 
the ancient Christians. But I must say, I find the few traces of 
Christianity buried and obscured by so much rubbish that I hardly 
know what I meet with, and from that book should never know 
which was Christ's religion, and which the corruptions of men. 
In short, it is like meeting with an honest man in bad company, 
where one is ready to suppose all are rogues alike. 

J. K. 



CHAPTER XII. 

1791—1793. AT. 25—27. 

BUhop Burton JVews — Mbsheim — Baptist Seminary in the North 
niggested — JFhitaker^s Arianism — Infant Communion — Excursion 
to the North — George Liele founds the first Baptist Church in 
Jamaica — Baptist Missionary Society, 

Bishop Burton, Not. 26th, 1791. 
Dear Son, 

I have little news, except that all the trees round 
Pickering'B orchard^ opposite our house, are cut down and nearly 
gone ; we have now open day, but lie exposed to Boreas* blasts, but 
freed from fear of falling trees. ^N'o harm accrued in cutting down, 
though much was feared. With dreadful crash they fell, but all 
as wished. Five days laid low their towering tops that spread a 
pleasing gloom, and shaded off a shower. Ask you when ? October 
3l8t, the axe began to humble all their pride. You'll say, how 
stood my mother such alarms and crashing sounds ? When once 
the cry of "pull" arose, lest danger might betide, she fled the 
house, and walked the street till down it falls. The last that fell 
o'erhung the meeting-house, and much I was affaid the rope should 
break, but strong it proved, and human strength prevailed to force 
the lowering tree the other way. Well pleased, we dined with joy, 
the dangers o'er. An equal busy scene ensued, exciting equal toil 
to beasts and men, and curious to see them swung and wheeled 
away. I could not always idle stand, but sometimes helped to 
sway the pole that lifts them from the ground. 

D. K. 

Norwich, Dec. 10th, 1791. 
Deab Fatheb lsh Motheb, 

Yours I received with pleasure, as it brought 
good news from a far country, of your health, &c. I laughed 
heartily at the fall of the trees, though I must say I am sorry for 
it, as it was in my view one of the ornaments of your house to have 



200 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

Buch a fine row of elms before it, and it will bo a long time before 
they are replaced. My mother's question about our new habitation 
just needs this answer. We have more room and more convenience, 
live independent of the kitchen and of our neighbours, two great 
inconveniences in the former house. I have a much larger room to 
deep in, and good closets for my books, which to parsons is some- 
thing considerable, especially as mine have been, and I hope will 
be, upon the increase. I am pleased to think you and I have been 
both on one subject, the 5th of John ; with a unity of labour, I 
hope we have a unity of design and desire. I galloped through the 
latter part of it, on Lord's day morning, for it grew upon me in 
Buch a way that I was afraid I should tiro my folks before the 
chapter was out. In many things, I dare say, wo should agree. In 
one thing, however, I think we should differ, which is, the sense of 
verse 37. "Ye have neither heard his voice at any time nor seen 
his shape." I read it as a question, '' Have ye neither heard his 
Toice at any time nor seen his shape ?" For this translation I am 
indebted to a learned Scotchman, Dr. Campbell, who published a 
translation of the Four Evangelists, with notes. Sometimes we 
hardly know what to write about ; here will be a little work, in 
which I dare say you will pull down the Septuagint, the Hebrew 
Bible, put on the spectacles, read, compare, and think with pleasure. 
To the Hebrew I have paid very little attention, not, indeed, being 
enough versed in it to trust my own opinion. Two days past I 
have been very busy reading a part of a very curious book on 
Ecclesiastical History — *' Mosheimxis de rebus Christianorum ante 
Gonstantinum," a quarto of 988 pages. I begged the favour of a 
gentleman here, who has connections abroad, to procure it for me 
from Germany, as there are very few in this kingdom, and they are 
not to be had on any terms. He did so ; his friends abroad got it, 
I believe at Leipsic, and after many months it arrived with his 
compliments, begging my acceptance of it. It came to hand this 
week. I am now in possession of a treasure of curious information, 
which is, perhaps, the sweeter, because very few in the kingdom 
arc, in this respect, equally rich. 

J. K. 

Bishop Burton, Dec. 23rd, 1791. 
Deab Son, 

Your answer to your mother's question made me 
laugh, as you seem to glory in large closets for your books, which 
seem to be your greatest riches, to which you have lately added 988 



MOSHEIH. 201 

quarto pages, a goodly number if all be full of truth ; if not, they 
lead the mind -astray, or if of trifling import, 'tis labour lost to read 
a tale of sin and strife. 

, Your remark on John v, 1 7, is as you say, — ^we differ in it. I 
dislike it, 1st — on account of its novelty; 2nd — ^want of truth. 
Though it is ingenious and well-intended, yet it is contrary to 
Scsripture. What determines the sense of the text is the following 
TersBy " And ye have not his word abiding in you," &c. ; this 
Qgrees with the preceding affirmation, but would not so well agree 
with it as an interrogation. No, that unbelieving race was not 
fikvpured with such an immediate display of the presence and voice 

oi God as had been given at Sinai. 

♦ ♦««««« 

I am tired of this subject ; but one thing I will advise you to 
observe ia relation to any new ideas which you may meet with in 
authors. Be not hasty in bringing them into the pulpit ; but, as 
one said, summer and winter them first, and examine with caution, 
for many things appear beautiful at first sight that will not bear 
the touchstone of divine truth. 

D. K. 

Norwich, January 10th, 1792. 
Dbab Eather and Mother, 

Yours I received with pleasure, being glad to hear 
of your health and spirits in this season of inclemency and dis- 
couragement. 

Ton laugh at me and my treasures, which are more to me than 
an estate would be without them ; however, I had rather you should 
laugh than cry, and so e'en laugh on, while I shall live in the hope 
of having a few more pages added occasionally to my stock. My 
" goodly number of 988 pages" are not very likely to be all truth, 
but truth or lies, it is likely to teach me more than I ever knew. 
I think it very valuable, and the information it contains curious, 
though I have only as yet got through 400 pages ; however, I hope 
to get through in time, and I find, as I go on, great reason to be 
thankful that I and my friends live in the 18th century, both for 
peace and knowledge, for I think there are respects in which the 
fools of antiquity excelled all modem fools, by a kind of systematical 
nonsense, and so refined as to be above the reach of modem 
stupidity. 

But to your letter, I was as much surprised at opening it as-you 
could be at mine, it was so bespattered with Greek, I oould not tell 



202 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

what to think ; mine, I thought, had a tolerable share, but here I 
find myself Mrly beaten with my own weapons. I thank you for 
having given the matter such an investigation. 

I have been led lately to think a good deal about what we call 
experimental religion, and have introduced a few subjects entirely 
of that nature in succession into the pulpit. I have sketched a 
plan for a set of discourses on such subjects. I send it you ; it is 
only in its first state, and therefore the more capable of any im- 
provement. As we are accustomed to give general descriptions of 
Christianity and of Christians, I should suppose the form of ''in- 
troductory sermon** not necessary; it sometimes raises people's 
expectations too high. But to treat of the nature, reasonableness, 
and effects of conviction of sin, of faith in Christ, of the hope of a 
Christian, of love to God and Christ, the nature and force of the 
principles of Christian obedience both to moral and positive pre- 
cepts, the nature of religious enjoyment, particularly communion 
with Gk)d, its scriptural and rational grounds, &c. ; of the temptations 
which Christians generaUy have to encounter, the influence of the 
Spirit, its nature, &c. ; the reasonableness of an expectation of such 
influence both for instruction, assistance, and comfort; — these are 
things which, in a greater or less degree, are known by every good man. 

And this will be an expanded description of a Christian experi- 
ence, and a defence of it. Then I think it will be usefiil to go on 
and show the agreement which subsists between these sentiments, 
(and particularly the experience of them,) and the leading doctrines 
of the gospel ; for instance, of man's sinfulness and the necessity of 
regeneration, the atonement of Christ, justification by faith, election, 
and final perseverance; and when we consider these practical princi- 
ples and doctrines as united together, to go a step ftirther, and con- 
sider their united influence, and point out the superior motives they 
exhibit to an active life, devoted to the glory of God : the ideas a 
Christian from hence gains of the rectitude and goodness of God's 
dispensations, the views they give him of death, and the support 
they afford in its approach, and then, to dose the whole, the internal 
evidence that such a religion must bo divine, and will not prove a 
delusion. 

Such a plan as this will afford matter for nearly a score of sermons, 
and, I think, will be quite practical in its general tendency. You 
will of course tell me what you think of it. I do not think such a 
plan (as it exists in my head) is commonly adopted. I shall hope 
to hear as usual. 

J. K. 



EXPERIMENTAL RELIGION. 203 

January 2l8t, 1792. 
Deajl Soir, 

Among the principal pleasures of human life, a 
matnal correspondence with friends claims a first place, hy which 
we enjoy the pleasiire of communicating our ideas and affections to 
each other, and as the apostle says, rejoice with them that rejoice, 
&c. Yours of the 10th inst. appears to he of that stamp, which 
expresses the pleasure you feel in an exchange of ideas, whether 
they exactly correspond with your own or not. Were we in every- 
thing to think alike, we should lose a great deal of that pleasure 
which results from investigation, and should have little to say worth 
the trouhle of writing. 

The suhject which has engaged your attention lately, is of much 
importance. Experimental religion, like experiments in philosophy, 
is the touchstone of all our ideas ahout it : reasoning and arguing, 
without any experience of its power on the heart, leaves the mind, 
while it thinks itself rich and increased in goods, wretched, and 
miserahle, and poor, and hlind, and naked. 

The plan you mention as what you intend to pursue in some 
future discourses, is very pleasing to us hoth, and hids fair for 
general usefulness. 

Do you know who fills Mr. Evans's place at Bristol ? 

D. K. 

Norwich, February 6th, 1792. 

Dear Father and Mother, 

You inquire of the academy ; I hear Mr. Jenkins, 
late of "Wrexham, in Denhighshire, and Mr. Hughes preach at Broad- 
mead, and attend the academy. But I apprehend Dr. Evans will he 
very much missed in that part of the kingdom, and particularly in 
a few years, when the young stock which have not known him go 
out, for though they may gain as much knowledge now as before, 
yet many of his incidental instructions were more useful than any 
other part of his attendance, and these will be repaired with the 
greatest difficulty. 

As to your Burton fiock, I hope they will never distress your 
mind. It is true your neighbours are dying off, and you may be 
ready to think you wiU be forsaken. But remember you have a 
few friends left, you know who and what they are, and what is 
still more, you have a God, a present help in time of trouble ; and 
the divine approbation, I am persuaded, will not be regulated by 
what men call success. Popularity depends sometimes on singularity. 



2(Vt LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

fiuihion, noTelty, or a pompous way of saying nothing. But all 
ihcso arc, or at least may be, independent of the main motive of 
A nnuiHtt>r*8 action. They cannot give the honest glow of pleasure, 
nor tlio inward satisfaction which arises from an endeavour to 
glorify God by explaining and enforcing his own word. And the 
things you have oft said to encourage me I might say in return to 
you ; thoy will he as true to you as to me. " Though Israel be not 
gathortHl, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and my 
Utul will Ih> my strt^ngth." 

1 WW glad to find you like my plan on experimental religion. I 
thought you would probably object to it, as not going in the line of 
CMUse and oifoct ; but I have given my reason for taking it the other 
wiiy» which is, that wo commonly feel effects before we learn their 
IMIUM^ I am conscious I have a difficult business before me, but 
tho difficulty* doet» not discourage me ; on the contrary, I hope it will 
bt^ uiM^M to myself as weU as others. In attempting to divide the 
woril of truth to my people, I oft have an unexpected portion for 
my^t'lf. I have Icamt more in endeavouring to teach them, 
than I Ih^ucntly have in attending on the ministry of some able 
ittt>n. As for the success of such a plan, that must be left to God. 
I i>an hanUy think it can bo useless where there are Christians ; if it 
ia uot« like a )M>werfVil medicine, the means of saving a person's life, 
it may Ih\ like the bread of the day, the means of continuing 
h^>alth and strength. However, I am certain of this, God gives 
lht£^ \m>rc4is(\ b^> it little or much. 

I hav^ not met with anything lately that furnishes much matter 
fiir a Mter. I have bet^n residing on in ecclesiastical history a 
lilll^ fkrthor« but I hav« not the pleasure to say the water was clear, 
li^ilh^^r wa» the bottom good. Yet it seems necessary to learn 
BMOiQr u;k4«>» things in or>kr to leani thoee that are usefbL 

J. K. 

In l?tK) tKe only lUiHia AcdkmT in Engluid was that at 
Rii»K4. tVBwalRvraA<mde»Tw»iiot<sta^^ 
iKal at Sh'i^i^y vh^ till ^vfnl ra« btcf^; itistheidct^ in- 
Mvtitli^ U> itnid iW fi>llowiii|r eonreqpondexice brta ce u Mr. 
KiiVft^KWt^ aiHl Mr. f^liwic)^ KispiMiii^ a proposal to establish 
a «i\ttiUr iu$txlHlk«a tbr iW Xoith^ tlMMt^ tke des^n appears 
inol K^ Hax^ WiN^ «Mtii:<ii oM al tlie tune* 



A NORTHERN ACADEMY PROPOSED. 205 

FEOH EICHAED FISHWICK, ESQ. 

Newcastle, March 6th, 1792. 
Dear Sir, 

Amongst a variety of other things for which I 
could wish to see you at my house three or four weeks, and to have 
your sentiments and advice ahout, is a very desirable matter I feel 
myself strongly desirous of promoting, viz., the establishment of a 
Seminary in Yorkshire, for the instruction and training of sober 
and well-disposed young men, of promising abilities, for the ministry. 
I have it also in contemplation to build a new meeting-house here, 
with a baptistry, two vestries, school-room, and library, annexed ; 
and I know you are a little bookish, and could help mo to select. 
I mean such library principally for the use of the minister for the 
time being, but not to the exclusion of other members, and perhaps 
others may occasionally be admitted. 

K. FiSHWICK. 
REPLY. 

Norwich, March 12th, 1792. 

Dear Sir, 

I am glad to see you are not weary in well- 
doing ; the plan you propose of a meeting and library I very much 
like. You are as well convinced as I can be of the value of a good 
selection, and if in this I could be of any service, I should deem 
my time well employed. You also mention your desire of pro- 
moting a Seminary in Yorkshire for the assistance of pious young 
men for the ministry. May you put your intentions into execution, 
and may your labours prosper. 

Here, however, there are many things to be considered, which it 
may be difficult for me to say anything about at present, as you 
only mention your wish, without any particulars. The finances, the 
objects of study, the number of students, the time of their stay, the 
plan of admission, the place, the tutors, and a variety of other items, 
here call for attention. By your mentioning Yorkshire as the place 
where you wish to promote it, I suppose you mean its advantages 
to be particularly for the northern part of the kingdom. 

Any attempt to increase the quantity of learning, to enlighten 
the minds of those who will diffuse light to others, is highly praise- 
worthy. I have lately been led to think it is a pity some gentleman 
of leisure, learning, and ability, did not turn his attention to the 
state of our uneducated ministers, in endeavouring to give them 
some assistance by drawing up a kind of system of useful knowledge, 



206 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

such as they want, and endeavouring to compress the substance of 
many useful volumes which lie out of their way, into as small a 
compass as might be ; this would be giving them general ideas, and 
might have its utility. 

But I must reply to your kind invitation to mc to come to New- 
castle, as you are pleased to think my opinion of some importance. 
I will willingly come if I can do any good, or help to forward plans 
of such public utility ; only I think, before my coming is finally 
settled, it would be of considerable advantage if you would be so 
kind as to send me some particulars. I should then have a more 
determinate idea of the object of my journey ; we should both have 
something to think about, we might each prepare materials for con- 
versation, and when we met we should have some fixed subject of 
discussion. 

You will write to me as soon as you can, the sooner the better, 
and when the plan is a little adjusted, should it still seem of im- 
portance that I should visit Newcastle, 1 will take measures accord- 
ingly; in the meantime, wishing you the Divine direction in 
all your designs for the interest of religion, 

I remain, dear Sir, yours afiectionately, 

J. K. 

March 6th, 1792. 
Dear Father and Mother, 

I have just read Whi taker's " Origin of Arianism," 

which is a severe thing indeed, filled with learning, ingenuity, and 

a fine flow of bold language, though without much moderation ; in 

short, he is red hot, and sparks issue from him in all directions with 

great splendour and proftision, though showing a very persecuting 

spirit. I have procured Maimbourg*s " History of Arianism," in 

French, in which he begins with Arius, and so goes on with a 

history of the progress of that opioion. But it appears to me, the 

foundation of Arianism was certainly laid before the days of Arius, 

though he appears as its ostensible founder. I have some thought 

of reading Eusebius*s History, &c., in the Greek or Latin, as, perhaps, 

after all, history is the most valuable part of antiquity ; and I am 

much gratified that you and my mother like your translation of 

Eusebius so well. But as it will not last for ever, I should wish to 

know whether I could not furnish you with something else which 

would entertain you. When you have nothing else to write about, 

and feel a want of a subject, tell me what you thought of Julian's 

attempt to build Jerusalem, and his defeat. 



307 

I have b^^nn my plan which I spoke of before, and I hope it 
will be useful. I have preached three sermons upon it. The first 
on the state of man as a sinner, — '' All have sinned and come short of 
the glory of God :" Kom. iii, 23. I stated this as a first principle 
of Christianity, and endeavoured to prove it, Ist — from the facts 
recorded in the Word of God ; 2nd — the conduct and tempers of 
men; 3rd — ^the ends of their actions not the glory of God, but 
gratifying themselves ; 4th — the opposition they make to the gospel 
of Christ, and which Christians themselves make to it in their own 
hearts before they cordially receive it. My second sermon was on 
acknowledging our iniquity to God, — *' Only acknowledge thy iniquity ^ 
thai thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy Godi*^ Jer. iii, 13. 
I considered here the nature of acknowledging our iniquity, 
its reasonableness, and then its necessity and importance, as a 
part of the plan of religion. My third sermon was on faith, — 
' * Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt he saved :* ' Acts xvi, 3 1 . 
I treated faith in my old way, as supposing an assent to the testi- 
mony delivered as true, an approbation of it as good, and an actual 
confidence in it as the testimony of a faithful God, which we 
expected to see fulfilled. A remark was made on the first sermon, 
by one who is not, I believe, one of the strongest of the fiock, that 
it was very encouraging, it showed there was no respect of persons 
with God. I was struck with this as an inference from a sermon 
particularly intended to prove the lost state of man, but certainly it 
is just; nothing is so encouraging to an humble, penitent soul, as the 
thought that the gospel levels all distinctions, treats all men as 
sinners, and holds forth one language to men of all characters. 

J. K. 

March 17th, 1792. 
Deab Son, 

Julian's attempt to rebuild Jerusalem appears to 
have been the eflPcct of that degree of pride and madness which is 
the result of wilful opposition to truth, followed by a judicial blind- 
ness and hardness of heart, as a just punishment ; and his defeat an 
astonishing display of Divine power, if the account be true. As 
there is nothing impossible in it, neither is there anything impro- 
bable, all circumstances considered, for his opposition was directly 
against Christ, after he had been instructed into the doctrines of 
Christ, and being an Emperor, he was a direct leader of the apos- 
tacy, had he succeeded. It has been God*s usual method to mark 
the conduct of kings chiefly, because the people were generally led 



208 LIFE OF JOSBPH KINOHOBN. 

and inflaenced by them, and kings bear the nearest resemblance to 
himself in authority. Hence the conduct of Jeroboam, the son of 
Nebaty who made Israel to sin, is so frequently mentioned. 

D. K. 

Norwich, April 2nd, 1792. 
Deab Father and Mother, 

One of our Independents, Mr. Newton, has publicly 

proposed to his people to bring all their children to the Lord's 

Supper, as baptized persons, thinking they have as much right to 

one ordinance as to another. Now, this is consistent. But does it 

not make the absurdity of infant baptism appear greater? Can 

those have any right to church privileges, who cannot be supposed 

to make a credible profession of religion ? Is not the tendency of 

this practice contrary to that inquiry and sober decision which 

ought to distinguish a man's actions, when he takes a part as a 

professor of Christianity. Is he who has always been in the 

church, he knows not why or when, likely to make, or has he the 

opportunity of making, iiis religious conduct so much his oum, as if 

he had first believed, and then acted upon that belief? Is not this 

the strongest chain ever yet forged to connect the church and the 

world together, and to moke the connection so intimate as to destroy 

the very essence of a Christian church ? Is it not contrary to the 

tenor of the New Testament, where an attention to the Lord's 

Supper is described as not only the cflfect of professed faith, but also 

consequent on that examination which must necessarily be personal ? 

And is not the best thing we can say of it, this — ^the Bible knows 

no such custom ? What do you think of such a practice ? You 

will say it is ancient. I know it, it was in the church about the 

year 250. But is it the better for that ? J. K. 

Bishop Burton, April 14th, 1792. 
Dear Son, 

I cannot avoid being surprised at the conduct of 
Mr. Newton, though I think him quite consistent so far as relates 
to baptized persons merely as such. Indeed, the arguments of Mr. 
Poircc are as strong for the one oixiinance as for the other, and I see 
no reason why they may not equally be applied, for if they hold 
good in one, they cannot fail in the other, and as it is an ancient, 
so it is said to have been an imiversal custom, till supplanted by 
transubstan tint ion ; and is now practised in Eussia, and several 
other, if not in all the Eastern churches. Indeed, I think they 
"hould stand or fall together. D. K. 



HEBREW TEXT AND LXX COMPARED. 209 

May l8t, 1792. 
Dear Father and Mother, 

You know I have been for some time past 
reading the Greek Testament ; it is now finished the second time, 
and I have begun to read the LXX ; this will be a long task, but it 
win yield to time. I am much entertained with what I have read : 
the abundant Hebraisms in it, (which are nothing like Greek, but 
which are like some things in the New Testament,) and the different 
ideas it suggests, keep curiosity and attention awake. I was very 
much struck with Gen. vi, 3rd to 7th verses. One would hardly think 
our Bible and the LXX 'were translations from the same book. The 
LXX translators appear to me (from the 3rd verse) to have had no 
idea of the Spirit's striving with men, as now understood, by con- 
victions, or secret operations on the heart. Their translation only 
says, My Spirit shall not continue in these men for ever, because 
they are flesh, but their days shall be 120 years. This curious 
translation makes me strongly suspect they thought the Spirit of 
God here meant that Spirit which God breathed into man when 
he became a living soul, which God said should not continue in 
man, for he would take it away, and limit his days by the flood. 
Whether this was their opinion or not, I tliink it looks like it ; but 
it is of no consequence, as we must not pay them implicit attention 
in aU things. Perhaps you may think it worth while to turn to 
your LXX and remark upon it. 

J. K. 

May 28th, 1792. 
I have lately got six volumes of Moshoim's works, principally on 
Ecclesiastical History, the other part on Divinity, so that I have 
another pretty long piece of work, to unravel his crabbed Latin, 
which I think by no means a model of good writing, only it contains 
valuable information. One of his volumes is Elementa Theologiae 
DogmaticfiB, written with a clearness of idea I have seldom, if 
ever, seen. 

In reply to the repeated inidtations which Mr. Kinghom 
received from his friend, Mr. Pishwick, he determined to visit 
Newcastle, partly in order to supply the pulpit there for a few 
sabbaths, and partly in order to discuss the subjects which 
Mr. Fishwick mentioned in his letter of March 6th. "At 
Newcastle,'^ he says to his father and mother, " I suppose I 

p 



210 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHOBN. 

shall be panon; at some other places^ miller;* and at Bishqp 
Burton, your visitor/' He accordingly left Norwich on Monday, 
June 25th, for Yarmouth, and thence took ship to Newcastle, 
where he arrived safely after a remarkably pleasant and &vonr- 
able passage. He soon received a letter from his deacon, Mr. 
Hawkins, from which we give the following extract : — 

Norwich, July 3rd, 1792. 
Dear Sib, 

I had a letter from Richards the day before you 
set off, viz., on Sunday, informing me thatJie could not possibly be 
with us by the 1st inst. As your plan was laid, I thought it not 
worth while to communicate this disappointment to you, as it would, 
perhaps, retard yoiu: design : I therefore kept it to myself tiU you 
were set off : then I engaged Truelove for the sabbath, and most of 
our people were very well satisfied with him. I have no doubt 
Richards will be with us next Sunday. My boy was calling out for 
you several times at tea last Sunday. 

I am, your affectionate friend, 

Thomas Hawkiks. 

After staying at Newcastle for two or three weeks, he wrote 
home on the 14th of July^ stating that he expected to go to 
Durham by the coach on the following Monday ; thence to 
proceed to Hamsterley and Cotherstone on horseback, to visit 
his friends there ; and then to return to Durham, and so go to 
Yorkshire. With respect to this visit we have an amusing 
incident related to him by his father, in a letter some months 
later. 

That evening you preached at Hamsterley, before you went into 
the meeting, you stood and talked to somebody. A woman was 
told as she was coming, " that's he who is to preach to-night," she 
replied, " Can he preach any ? " Being asked at coming out, " Can 
he preach, think you ? " she replied, " Ay, preach ! I never heard 
such a sermon in all my life ! " 

This sermon, originally preached by him at Norwich, on 
May 13th, was fotmded on Rom. viii, 28, "And we know that 
all things work together for good to them that love God, to 
them who are the called according to his purpose.'^ It was 

* While travelling in the north, he umially ohliged his friendB, Messrs. Wilkin and 
Purrant, by taking orders for them for flour, &c., and to tliis he refers above. 



VISIT TO NEWCASTLE. 211 

preached on Wednesday evening, July 18tli, and on the follow- 
ing Lord's day we find him at Bishop Burton, where he 
remained ahout a fortnight, and then returned by sea to 
Norfolk. From Bishop Burton he sent the following 

REPLY TO ME. HAWKIKS. 

Bishop Burton, July 23rd, 1792. 
Dear Sir, 

I am much obliged to you for your favour to me at Mr. 
Fiflhwick's, though I was surprised at the contents of yoiu* letter. 
It was really very kind of you to keep me ignorant of Mr. Eichards's 
letter, as you wished me to go my journey, for it woidd at least 
have made me uneasy, and most likely prevented my leaving Norwich 
at all. Could I have foreseen how the matter would have been, I 
would not have travelled north this summer, without more pressing 
reasons than were laid before me; however, when I was at New- 
castle there was no help for it, only by making as quick a return as 
possible. I had a very pleasant visit in the north, and much en- 
joyment. On the 1 6th I left Newcastle, in the course of that week 
travelled 200 miles, and arrived here xm Saturday night. You 
know I did not leave Norwich with the idea of spending my time in 
idleness, and if I had I should have been miserably disappointed, 
for I have been put to all I could do, and preaching and travelling 
have made it one continual fatigue ; the few days I am here I shall 
have a little rest. 

My father and mother are both pretty well, and join their kind 
respects with mine, to Mrs. Hawkins and yourself, and other friends 
they know. I hope your boy will find Keeo* in the right place at 
tea in a little time. 

I remain, dear Sir, your affectionate friend, 

J. K. 

Mr. Kinghom arrived at Yarmouth on Sunday morning, 
went to the meeting where he was most known, (probably 
Mr. Jabez Browne's) and surprised the people ; joined them 
in the Lord's Supper, and preached afternoon and evening. 

"The next morning," he says, "I went to Norwich, and rather 
surprised my friends there ; I found our people had kept up a social 

♦ The best imitation of Kinghom that could be achieved by little William Hawkins, 
then about two years old, afterwards Mr. Kinghorn's pupU, and subsequentiy minister 
mt Portaea, Derby, &o. 

P 2 



212 LIFE OP JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

meeting every Monday evening. This pleased me much ; I went to 
it, and saw several there : my reception among them all was every way 
pleasing. I have been used to such changes for six weeks past, tliat 
I feel a little awkward in putting on armour again, and standing 
steadily to one post ; but this, I hope, will soon go off. 

During Mr. Kinghom's absence, Mr. Richards being un- 
able to supply his place, the pulpit was occupied three 
sabbaths by William Truelove, an occasional preacher of great 
originality, and remarkable for an extraordinary knowledge 
of the Scriptures ; and the other two sabbaths by Mr. Bland, 
from Fordham, in Cambridgeshire. Having now returned to 
his own people, Mr. Kinghom soon visited the church formed 
by him at Aylsham. He says, — 

August 27th. I have been at Aylsham, and have had great 
pleasure in seeing my old friends there, where I hope there is some 
aerious religion among a few, though they are but a few ; but the 
Lord knoweth his own, and will bless those in a future world with 
his presence, who arc here distinguished by his grace, though they 
are only a few among the profligate many. 

We now return to the correspondence between Mr. King- 
hom and his father. 

Norwich, October 2nd, 1792. 
Deab Fathee and Motheb, 

I am reading Mosheim over again. On one thing I 
will ask your opinion, lie thinks when Paul says, 2 Tim. ii, 2, 
** The things which thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, 
the same commit thou to faithful men who may be able to teach 
others," that he refers to a kind of school which he had in some 
period of his life, where he taught some promising Christians the 
things of religion more particularly than in his public preaching, and 
gave them those lessons of instruction which he thought needful to 
fit them for the public engagements of the church ; — that Timothy 
was one — that there were many others, who were witnesses both of 
what he learned and what Paul taught, and that Paul enjoined it 
on Timothy to do the same, and teach others also the things he had 
heard of Paul. These were little academies ; and Mosheim tliinks 
he sees evidence very clear, that the senior ministers, in the first 



DISCUSSION ON Paul's teaching. 213 

and second centuries, kept these schools or academies, and that from 
these the church was supplied with ministers. 

This I thought curious ; Mosheim was positive, and so the matter 
had like to have ended ; hut something, I know not what, induced 
me to follow him to his authorities, IrensBus and Euschius, both 
which I have, and which are the same as the passage referred to ; 
Eusebius has transcribed from Irenseus. It is in the "Ecclesiastical 
History," book v, chap. 20. Will you look at your Eusebius and 
tell me what you think of it ? I have read both the Latin and 
Greek of mine, but my eyes are not sharp enough to see anything 
like schools or academies in it. Those who were instructed by the 
apostles were, of course, called the disciples of the apostles, and it 
was perfectly natural that a venerable apostle should tell all his 
friends the wonders of Christ and his gospel out of the fulness of his 
heart, and say, we cannot but speak the things we have seen and 
heard. It was perfectly natural that Polycarp should do so too, and 
the young as well as the old might be benefited by these instruc- 
tions, and afterwards rise to eminence in the Christian church. But 
does this suppose a regular school or academy ? They might have 
such places of instruction, but I think this does not prove it. When 
it suits your leisiu^ to cast your eye over the passage and tcU mo 
what you think it proves, I shall thank you. 

J. K. 

Bishop Burton, October 7th, 1792. 
Dear Son, 

As to the 2 Tim. ii, 2, it may refer to Acts xx, 
17 — 35; for if Timothy was one of the elders of the church at 
Ephesus, or, as some say, bishop, see 1 Tim. 3, he must have 
heard Paul's charge at Miletus, as well as his former instruction, 
among many witnesses, for he taught both publicly and from house 
to house, wherever he had admittance. And such as resorted fre- 
quently to hear him might be called his scholars, as they had no 
other mode of instruction than by the testimony of the apostles con- 
cerning the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, the pouring forth of 
the Spirit, and his being appointed the Judge of the world, what he 
had done and tauglit while on earth, and the proof from thence that 
he was the Christ spoken of by the propliets. Those who were 
instructed into these things and heartily believed them, and acted 
accordingly, were able to teach others. Fidelity in relating the 
whole, as well as ability to relate a part of the counsel of God, is a 
necessary qualification of a gospel minister. 



214 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

After all, it remains doubtful whether any kind of academy or 
Bchool was meant by what Irena^us says. 

D. K. 

About this time intelligence was published in Rippon's 
" Baptist Annual Register," of the zealous labours of a n^ro, 
named Oeorge Liele, in America, and the formation by him 
of the first Baptist church at Savannah, in Georgia, and of 
another at Kingston, Jamaica. This poor man having been 
led to see that his own righteousness, in which he had been 
trusting, was as filthy rags, and having foimd Christ to the 
exceeding joy of his heart, was anxious to tell the glad tidings 
to others, and began his labours by reading, and singing 
hymns, and speaking on the things of eternity with other 
negroes on the same plantation as himself. He was soon 
called by the church which he had joined, to the work of the 
mimstry, and was licensed as a probationer. His master, Mr. 
Henry Sharp, gave him his freedom, and he afterwards settled 
in Jamaica, where, in the year 1784, he formed a church of 
fi)ur brethren from America besides himself; they obtained 
religious liberty from the honourable House of Assembly, and 
the knowledge of Christ and his gospel spread so rapidly and 
so effectually, that in a letter dated December 18th, 1791, he 
says, " You ask about those who have been converted to Christ. 
I think they are about four hundred and fifty. I have bap- 
tized four hundred in Jamaica. At Kingston, I baptize in 
the sea; at Spanish Town, in the river; and at convenient 
places in the country. We have nearly three hundred and 
fifty members, several have been dismissed to other churches^ 
and twelve have died."— " Baptist Annual Register,'' Vol. i, 
p. 336. 

It is to these interesting accounts that Mr. Kinghom alludes 
as follows : — 

Norwich, October 23rd, 1792. 

The account of the Jamaica black chiu'ch is really 

pleasing, and the character of George Liele truly apostolic; it is 

astonishing such men are often made the instruments of doing the 

greatest apparent good, even though their knowledge is not exten- 



GEORGE LIELE^ OF JAMAICA. 215 

nve. It is observed this one man has done more good among the 
slaves than all the learned doctors of America. This is humbling to 
human pride, but it is certainly God's way of working in many 
cases, that no flesh should glory in his presence. 

J. K. 

Concerning the events then transpiring on the continent^ 
Mr. Kinghom remarks : — 

Norwich, November 19th, 1792. 
The troubles on the continent, I strongly hope, are 
the forerunners of peace, and that their national ferment will tend to 
their purification. I think the day approaches fast when a vast 
train of prophecy will be made clear by events fulfilling it. I had 
some conversation a few weeks ago with a Roman Catholic clergy- 
man, who very frankly answered every question I put to him 
respecting the state of the church and clergy of France, from which 
I thought I could clearly see that Babylon is falling with vengeance. 
He represented almost the whole nation as in rebellion against the 
pope; that there was no legal church authority in the kingdom, — the 
decrees of the National Assembly infringing on the pope's preroga- 
tive so much as to set his authority aside. The successes of the 
French are truly astonishing, by last week's papers, though the 
scenes occasioned by intestine wars are really dreadful beyond 
imagination. What is in futurity God only knows. The signs of 
the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon too much apply to us : 
£zek. xxii, 23, &c. ; there is scarcely a circumstance which we 
do not see in England, as far as ancient language can be considered 
applicable to modem times. But the Lord rcigneth, and under his 
care and government things may be so ordered as to make confusion 
the means of producing peace ; and in the most dreadful calamities 
he knoweth them that trust in him. 

J. K. 

In a letter dated Dec. 18th, 1792, Mr. Kinghom gives the 
following reply to some remarks which his father had made 
with reference to a discussion which he had had with a friend 
at Hull, as to whether a leader of the singing at a place of 
worship ought necessarily to be a pious man, his opponent 
affirming that there was nothing more in singing than in 
reading, except the modulation of the voice. 



216 LIFE OP JOSEPH KINQHORN. 

As to your dispute at Hull, I think I should have taken sides with 
you, for though singing bo only a modulation of the voice, yet what 
is the value of this modulation of the voice in the worship of God, 
if the mind is not engaged by the sentiments of religion ? God is 
not pleased with sound, or he would not listen to our jarring con- 
gregations; nor is the sentiment expressed pleasing to him as 
coming from us when it is not the effusion of the heart, or the 
expression of what we believe agreeable to his will. The modula- 
tion of the voice which makes good singing is excellent in itself^ 
independent of anything to which it is applied; but when the 
apostle says, " I will sing with the spirit, and with the understand- 
ing also,'* — " Is any merry, let him sing psalms," — " Singing and 
making melody in the heart to the Lord," &c., I think he must 
mean something more than either ** sing good tunes " or '' take care 
to sing them well." If I were to take a form of prayer composed 
by a Socinian, expressing sentiments I considered as opposite to the 
gospel, and derogatory to God's glory, and read it in the family or 
at meeting as my part of the worship of God, could I stand dear of 
blame ? or be denominated a worshipper of tlie Father in spirit and 
in truth? Is it far different when applied to singing? I think not. 

J. K. 

We cannot close the year 1792 without referring to one of 
the most important events which has occurred in the annals 
of our denomination, and, indeed, in the religious history of 
the world, the formation of the Baptist Missionary Society at 
Kettering, Nov. 13th. 

The following letter from Rev. Andrew Fuller to Mr. King- 
horn, is written on the fly-leaf of a proof copy of a pamphlet 
entitled "An Accoimt of the Particular Baptist Society for 
propagating the Gospel among the Heathen: including a 
Narrative of its Rise and Plan, with a short address, earnestly 
recommending this benevolent design." 

Kettering, Jan. 25th, 1793. 
Rev. and dear Sib, 

By the printed account you will see what we in 
this part of the country have been doing up to November 13th, 1792. 
At that meeting the Committee was informed that Rev. John 
Thomas, a Baptist minister, who, for several years past, had been 
employed in endeavouring to introduce the gospel among the Hin- 



FORMATION OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 217 

doos, was now in London, wished, if bo could be supported, to return 
to bis work, and to take a companion witb bim. Tbe Committee 
resolved to make a particular inquiry as to Mr. Thomas's character, 
principles, abilities, and success. After inquiry was made on these 
articles, another meeting was called at Kettering, January 9th, and 
tbe sum of it reported. It appeared to the Committee that a door 
was open for preaching the gospel in India, that we should invite 
Mr. Thomas to go out as a missionary from the Society, and, should 
be accept the invitation, provide a companion to go out witb him in 
tbe spring. 

It was a very solemn day, kept in fasting and prayer. Towards 
night Mr. Thomas himself arrived, cheerfully acceded to the invi- 
tation of tbe Society, and agreed to go out in the spring. Brother: 
Carey, of Leicester, being present, and the question being asked, 
who will go with him, generously offered himself. His disinter- 
ested offer was accepted. 

You may easily conceive, dear Sir, that we feel a mixture of hope, 
and joy, and trembling. We wish to do nothing rashly on tbe one 
hand, nor tardily on the other. For eight or nine years we have 
bad monthly prayer-meetings in all our churches for the spread of 
tbe gospel amongst tbe heathen, and of late it has appeared to us 
that we ought to do something more than pray. We have united in 
Society, have solemnly bound ourselves to God and one another to 
make at least an effort. We have begun a subscription in the 
country, which amounts to about £150, and is still going on. 
£300 or £400 more will be wanted in about two months. Tho 
expense of equipment cannot be less than £500 or £600. After 
this it will require £200 annually to support it. 

You will judge, dear Sir, whether such an opportunity ought to 
be lost for want of exertion. Often have we prayed, " Think upon 
US, our God, for good." If the cause appear to you as it does 
to us, we trust you will help us by your prayers and by your 

exertions. 

I am, dear Sir, on behalf of the Committee, 

Yours affectionately, 

Andrew Fuller. 

P.S. — For a particular account of Mr. Thomas's labours in India 
I must refer you to the next number of Mr. Eippon's Baptist 
Register, which will soon be out. 

Mr. Carey is a singularly suitable pereon for tbe undertaking. 



218 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

Dkab Sib, 

Yours with proposals respecting the Hindoos, and 
tho intended mission among them, came to hand in due time, and 
some time afterwards Eippon's Register, to which you referred us. 

The prospect is pleasing, though the difficulties in the way are 
many. I doubt not you have considered them, and, perhaps, 
received full satisfaction concerning those which I might be ready 
to deem unanswerable. 

A few of our friends have talked upon the matter privately, and 
I have sent to Mr. Rippon £S 13s. 6d.; it is only a trifle ; however, 
we heartily wish the plan may be superior to our hopes ; sometimes 
small and apparently unprospcrous beginnings in the latter end 
greatly increase. 

J. K. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

1793. ^T. 27. 

Bephf to Ihanson's JDtssonanee contemplated — Thoughts on a National 
Fast — Fleming on the Apocalypse — HalTs Sermon on the Freedom of 
the Press — K Winchester on the Revelation — Gibbon's Decline and 
Fall — Debating Society at Norwich — W, Taylor — MUner^s Church 
History — Bryant on the Plagues of Fgypt. 

With the new year, Mr. Kinghom found a fresli object of 
interest and importance to occupy his time, and engage his 
diligent research and careAil attention ; the reading and 
refuting of Evanson's ''Dissonance of the four generally 
received Evangelists.'' 

He undertook this task at the request of his deacon, Mr. 
Hawkins, one of whose fiiends had been greatly disquieted by 
Mr. Evanson's ai^uments. Having informed his father of 
the circumstances, Mr. Kinghom proceeds to give a some- 
what minute account of the affair. 

Norwich, Jan. 16th, 1793. 
Deae Patheb and Mother, 

I prociu'ed Evanson's work, an 8vo. of about 
300 pages, and read it through the first day ; for a moment I was 
thunderstruck with what he said; he heaped his arguments and 
objections and observations so thick one upon another, that they 
appeared to form a very strong body against the greatest part of the 
New Testament. I began to consider it a little, for I thought we 
were surely not going to be deprived of our Bibles in such a manner. 
After examining, I began to write. I have already about three 
sheets of short hand on the subject, and I suppose they will make 
about five sheets pretty close long hand when corrected and copied. 
I have referred to several books on the subject, read many ancient 



220 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

testiinonicsy and some of the spurious writings, to compare their 
spirit with our New Testament, and am happy to say, I possess 
stronger persuasion that the Evangelists are genuine histories of 
Christ than I ever had, for now I know better on what their 
evidence is founded, and how ftitile the objections are. I hope 
somebody of learning, reading, and ability sufficient, will give him 
an answer, and trim him thoroughly; however, do not suppose I 
mean to turn author, the cause ought to have an abler advocate, 
though it would not, perhaps, have one more sincere. Perhaps the 
design of God in his providence, in letting some men run wild, and 
adopt such follies, is to provoke others to plead his cause, and con- 
vince men that we have not believed cunningly devised fables. 

Mr. Evanson thinks Luke's gospel from the third chapter is 
genuine, (except the account of the Demoniacs at Gadara, and some 
lesser things, a verse here and there, &c.,) and the Acts of the 
Apostles, and the Epistles to the Corinthians, and Thessalonians, 
and the Revelation, from the fourth chapter. All the rest spurious ! 
His spite is paiticularly levelled at Matthew. As I have the 
volume, perhaps you might at some future time like to see it; 
though, in fact, it would only provoke you, for the man's temper is 
as bad as his sentiments : happily, it raises such a prejudice against 
his cause that none can bo deceived out of their New Testament, 
though they may not be able to cope with him in his arguments, &c. 
But enough of this, only what is uppennost will come out. 

My friends here have made my salary jd 10 per annum more, unsoli- 
cited; they were much involved, and have been paying off since Mr. 
David's death, and yet we are not quite clear. Pray are you suffi- 
ciently provided for through the winter ? Excuse my asking such 
a question. I expect this will come to you on the 17th, and I hope 
you may then consider it as expressing the sentiments of a thankful 
heart at Norwich, both to you and a higher author of existence. 
Alas ! how our years pass away. I think mine do not pass quito 
idly, yet how little is there in life that wdll bear even our own 
scrutiny. The hope of a ftiture world presents a more pleasant 
prospect. Oh ! may we all meet there ! 

J. K. 

I wrote five sheets and a half on Evanson, and gave it to Mr. 
Hawkins. I have not since heard of it. I showed the manuscript to 
Mr. Wilkin first, he pressed me very hard to print it. He thought 
I had gone so far that I ought to go further, and, having examined 
the subject, to give the world the result. 



, EVANSON^S DISSONANCE. 221 

The plan of a large work was chalked out in five minutes, which 
would require many a laborious day to execute, many an old crabbed 
author to be examined, and many different reasonings to be con- 
sidered ; perhaps you will, after reading this, expect to find that all 
my spare hours are spent in consulting fathers, councils, orthodox 
and heretics, for materials, and that by-and-bye I shall issue forth 
as the opponent of this great Goliath ; however, at present I am very 
quiet. I have either too much pride, or too little, to think of 
commencing author at present ; I hardly know which. The Baptists 
are now very low in point of authorship, and I confess I should not 
like to be considered as only giving another specimen of our want of 
respectability. 

J. K. 

The following is in reply to the above, and also to a^request 
made in the same letter for a hynm on baptism. 

Jan. 26th, 1793. 
Deab Son, 

I shall be glad to see, at some future time, your 

remarks on Evanson. If ever I meet with it I shall give you my 

thoughts on it freely; but I will not buy it, for that would be double 

vexation. Many books will not pay for the trouble of reading if 

they were thrown into the door like a quack's- bill ; but your motive 

for reading it is praiseworthy. 

Your request for a poetical essay, &c., reminds me of what 

Dr. Gibbon says of Dr. Watts. "When about seven or eight years 

old, his mother desired him and the other children to write a piece 

every night, and gave each a farthing ; he presented the following : 

" I write not for a farthing, bnt to try, 
How I your farthing writers can ontvie." 

But I have no such luxurious imagination, nor any ambition, 
to think to outvie some who have written on that subject. John 
Fellows published in 1777 a small volume [of hymns] on the 
subject, six of which are in Eippon*s Selection — price one shilling. 
It contains fifty-five in all. Your mother wishes me to send you 
the following paraphrase on John's commission, which I wrote. 

CommiBsioncd from Jehovah's throne, 
To make the hlest Messiah known, 

'John to haptize was sent ; 
Behold he comes, the herald cries, 
With the lloly Spirit to baptize, 
Confess your sins, repent. 



222 Lire ow J€mtn KnroHomx. 

Wlnle ttet lie load pnekiaf abroad 
Tb« booadUif Berej of hk Ood, 

KhiniDf with bri^tot beam ; 
OmU mnltitiidet, gnee nrpiiMd, 
Coafenaed their lina, and were baptized 

1a /ordan'a flowing ftream. 

Wh«fn to his baptism Jesus came, 
With holy fear and humble shame 

The astonished prophet cries, 
" I need to be baptized of thee, 
DoRt thou require this rite of roe 

Tlion liord of earth and skies ?" 

Jesus replied, "permit me now 
To own tliy mission, and to show 

OMionce to his will 
Who sent thee to baptize ; for thus 
I know it well booomoth us 

lUs precepts to f^Ufii." 

Jciium in Jordan when immersed, 
Aw^diniK |Mwy« ; the clouds dispersed, 

Heaxtn opens to his tiew^ 
Tlic H*<Y Ohoet, with joy and lore, 
|V(sK«ctt«lc«i on him like a dove, 

And hoTvring round him flew. 

Thus, Jesus crowned with beams of light. 
While John beheld the wondrous sight 

With joy and rapture seized, 
A voice from heaven (while glory shone) 
Said, " Thou art my beloved Son, 

In thee I am wcU pleased/' 

linn picco may amuse in reading, or, if not, it fills part of the 
|Mi|(t\ 1 eimnot pretend to be a poet, and therefore beg you will 
rx«ui*o my blunders, and amend what you see amiss, or pass it by 
unnoticed. If I do anything more of the kind will send it to 
lunuBC. I began another subject, but left it off unfinished. 

D. K. 

In consequence of the war with Prance, a national fast was 
proclaimed in the spring of 1793; on which Mr. Kinghom 
remarks as follows : — 

Norwich, Feb. 12th, 1793. 
Deae Father and Mother, 

In the first place I must tell you my surprise at 

finding a proclamation from the king for a general fast. For my 



A NATIONAL PAST. 223 

part, I am very sorry for it. The appointment of a fast before a 
stroke had been struck, or calamity in any way felt, is unusual ; to 
say that war is the calamity that calls for humiliation is very 
singular, since it appears to me that this war might easily have been 
avoided. Had we any signs of real humiliation before God in the 
hearts of our great men, and that in sincerity they waited before the 
throne of grace to intreat mercy, the case would be different ; but 
even then, fasting and endeavouring to end the war would go 
together. Is this the case? Is this nation to be commanded to 
pray for the success of our arms, that their prayers may aid the 
designs of those who regard not God, nor consider the operation of 
his hands ? Can we wish the destruction of a people who have just 
risen from slavery, and on whose existence, perhaps, the freedom of 
Europe depends ? I do not mean that Europe must be like France 
before it can be free ; but that if monarchy, as before, was 
established again, such power would be thrown into the hands of 
courts that the people would be nothing. Would not their destruc- 
tion effectually rivet the chains on ourselves? Besides, how can 
those feel any humiliation for our being plunged into war who 
earnestly wished it might be averted ? The sorrow of these was not 
so much to see the war approaching as that his majesty's ministers 
never seemed desirous to stop it, but rather have brought it on; and, 
I believe, have been designing it for some time past. Yet in the 
midst of all, I feel the strongest persuasion all is well. God's 
designs are wise, though we know them not. They will go on in 
spite of all opposition; they will answer a good and great end, 
though we may be afrmd, and be ready to dispute his government. 
Great things are yet to be done in his providence, and we know not 
by what means; nor can men, either by their wrath or policy, go 
one inch further than God intends. In the confusion of nations I 
cannot discern my way, but God guides all. He has always had a 
people, and has always shown them his favour — grace has been 
equal to sufferings, trials have not hurt religion, clouds have burst 
with blessings that appeared big with vengeance, and the pious part 
of men have felt the spirit of the Psalmist's language, " the Lord 
reigneth, let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of the isles be glad 
thereat." 

I think of writing a sermon and reading it; which, though a little 
unusual, I think will be prudent. I have had some idea of taking 
for a text, " My cotmsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure." 
But, as it is long before the time, many resolutions may be adopted 
and dropt ere this. 



224 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

My remarks on Evanson were returned to Mr. H. with, thanks ; 
the gentleman said, in some things he thought I had misunder- 
stood Mr. Evanson, hut that in others I had completely refuted him. 
— ^here the matter rests, and, as I am not asked for any ftirther 
remarks, I shall not press myself forward to write a large bundle of 
papers only for private amusement ; though I have pretty closely 
attended to any hint that might assist in forming a good argument 
against such sentiments. 

Pray have you seen the last Annual Register ? How greatly the 
gospel seems spreading ! What do you think of the mission to the 
Hindoos ? I hope the time is almost at hand when we shall see 
better days, and rejoice that the world is not so full as it has been 
of the dark habitations of cruelty. J. K. 

A large pamphlet of 138 pages is now in circulation here, and in 
other places, entitled " An Apocalyptical Key ; a Discourse on the 
Rise and Fall of Papacy, or the pouring out of the vials. Rev. xvi, 
by Robert Fleming,'* first printed in 1701, now reprinted for 
G. Terry, Paternoster Row, London. There are many curious 
thiogs in it. He has said, speaking of 1794, "And perhaps the 
French monarchy may begin to be considerably humbled about that 
time : that whereas tlie present French king takes the sun for his 
emblem, with the motto neo plurihm impar, he may at length, or 
rather his successors, and the monarchy itself, (at least before the 
year 1794,) be forced to acknowledge that, in respect to the neigh- 
bouring potentates, he is singulw imparl'* He considers this time 
as the time of the pouring out of the fourth vial upon the sun, that 
it began about the year 1648, and may be expected to end in 1794. 
His reasons cannot well be comprized in a letter, nor am I well able 
to judge of them. 

The following notice by Mr. D. Kinghom of the mission to 
India may not be uninteresting. It was his happiness to live 
to see the time when the Scriptures had been translated into 
several of the eastern languages. We also subjoin a note 
from Robert Hall respecting one of his most celebrated 
sermons. 

April 20th, 1793. 
Deak Son, 

The present appearance of things seems to be 
opening a way for the spread of the gospel into the eastern nations. 



LETTER FROM ROBERT HALL. 225 

John Thomas's account of the Hindoos is remarkable. If they had 
the Scriptures in their own language there is reason to think they 
would be, by the people in general, received as the word of God. 
May the Lord give success to the work, and encouragement to its 
helpers. I admire the spirit with which the Northampton Associa- 
tion have entered into the business. "Whether Mr. Thomas has been 
the beginner of it by relating his success, I know not, but surely he 
deserves encouragement in his work, and assistance firom all that 
love the kingdom of Christ and immortal souls ; if they can assist 

no otherwise, they may by their hearty prayers. 

JJ. JL» 

FROM REV. ROBERT HALL. 

Cambridge, April 30tb, 1793. 

Deab Sib, 

I have just written a pamphlet entitled "A Vin- 
dication of the Freedom of the Press, and of Civil and Religious 
Liberty," to which are prefixed remarks on Horsley's sermon on 
the 30th of January. It is not impossible some might be inclined 
to buy them at Norwich, I should be obliged to you to inform me 
what bookseller you could recommend to me to send some to at 
Norwich. I shall have some down for myself, and if he does not 
sell them, he may return them to me, and I shall be answerable for 
all charges of carriage. If there be any staunch Mend to liberty to 
whom you can recommend me on this occasion, I shall take it as a 
favour. There is nothing dangerous or violent in the pamphlet. I 
hope to pay a visit to Norwich at the latter end of the year, when 
I promise myself much pleasure in your society. 

I hope you continue happy at Norwich, and have no doubt you 
are making rapid advances in all human and divine knowledge, but 
I trust you will be careful not to apply too closely for your con- 
stitution. 

I am, dear Sir, yours aflEectionately, 

R. Hall. 

Norwich, May 7th, 1793. 
Dear Father and Mother, 

As to the Fast-day, my determination was that 

no one should know my political sentiments from my sermon. I 

took Isa. xlvi, 10 ; took my materials from the Bible, and addressed 

myself to men, not as politicians but as Christians, particularly in 

pointing out their peculiar consolations, which the world knew not 

of, and the reasons they had for hope, that troubles which were 

Q 



226 LIFE OF JOSEPH RINOHORN. 

feared, might not come ; or that if they did, they were not deprived 
of their happiness. 

The mission to the Hindoos has gained yonr attention ; to us it 
seemed rather a design of great henevolence than likely to do all the 
good hoped for ; however, a few friends here gave it (with myself) 
a little encouragement. I hear since that the encouragement it has 
received exceeded expectation. Mr. Thomas is the son of Mr. 
Thomas of Fairford. I heartily wish the mission may succeed 
beyond expectation. A circumstance came to my knowledge yester- 
day, of a pleasing nature : a man in whom I hope there is some good 
thing toward the Lord God of Hosts, though as yet very weak, told 
me how useful I had been to him in bringing him to a serious view 
of the gospel, by my occasional preaching at Aylsham, where he 
lives. I know some time ago he was esteemed by the few there as 
a serious man, but little did I suppose I had been in any respect 
the means of bringing him to the knowledge of the truth. 

April 21st, I was at Worstead, preaching and administering the 
Lord's Supper to the church of the late Mr. Trivett, who was at my 
ordination. A large church of about two hundred members, though 
entirely in a country situation. 

I have read lately a piece by Evanson, which he published many 
years ago, and of which he has just published a second edition. It 
is a letter to Bishop Hurd, on 'New Testament Prophecy. The 
bishop published a set of sermons preached at Warburton's Lecture, 
on Prophecy, and took rather particular notice of the prophecies of 
antichrist, which he applies to the pope, and is rather warm about 
the matter. Mr. Evanson writes him a letter, which is a largo 
pamphlet, in which he tells him he has mistaken the matter ; that the 
prophecies of antichrist do not refer to the pope and the religion of 
Bome solely, but to establishments in toto, so that antichrist is to be 
found wherever civil power and religion have been conjoined. Of 
course the rise of antichrist, as it refers to the church in general, 
took place in its establishment by Constantine. He also considers 
the seven general councils as so many charters, which gradually gave 
antichrist an increase of power, and that 1260 years is the measure 
of antichrist's duration, that as he was long in rising he will be as 
long in falling. The first place in which the power of the church 
was given up, and free toleration of religious opinion established by 
law, was in Holland; this was about 1585, just about 1260 years 
from the first general council at Nice, when the rights of conscience 
wore first infringed on by regal power dictating religious opinions. 



EVANSON ON THE REVELATION. 227 

This is a sketch of one part of his pamphlet, I cannot analyze th6 
whole. I haye lately read a part of Mr. Bichards's "History of 
Antichrist/' in which are some very clever things, in some respects 
similar to Mr. Evanson's. The little I have read lately has very 
clearly pointed ont great difficulty in applying prophetic figures to 
their right objects ; as men of acuteness have differed even about 
what one would suppose to be the plainest parts. Le Clerc intimates 
it is probable when the scene is finished, and we see the divine 
designs realized in fact, that we shall all find ourselves wrong. 
There may be some truth in this ; yet prophecy seems to lose one 
part of its use if something is not intelligible in it. And it is diffi- 
cult to say why we should find these expressions — " blessed is he 
that readeth, and they that understand the words of this prophecy," 
&c., &c., if prophecy was like an enigma, only designed to sharpen 
mens' wits, and not to open to them the signs of the times. The 
above language seems to make it the duty and interest of men to 
study the prophecies, and yet an objection certainly arises from this, 
that men have, as yet, been wrong three times out of four. May we 
be kept in the way of truth, the end of which will be life everlasting. 
Yours in duty and affection, 

J. K. 

Norwich, May 29th, 1793. 
Deae Fathek and Motheb, 

I make a general practice of beginning the read- 
ing of the day by a part of the Greek Testament. One morning I 
was considering what to read. I had finished the Acts and did not 
then feel disposed to begin the Bomans, which I wished more par- 
ticularly to attend to. The thought struck me that I did not suffi- 
ciently enter into your remarks on the Revelation — this suggested 
work, I turned to the fourth chapter and began to read. I also took 
my pen, and on sheets of paper ruled rather according to a fancy 
which then struck me, I began to endeavour to analyze as I went 
on. Hurd on Prophecy, suggested the idea of synchronisms. I 
turned to the place to refresh my mind, and see where the grand 
divisions lay. Thus work was cut out, and I began to read it with 
more understanding than I had ever done before. I could not help 
remarking that before anything particular in the prophecy, there 
was always a scenical representation in heaven, which in general is 
inimitably grand. These form resting places for the mind, and 
really give some of the best descriptions of Christ and Christians 
that the New Testament affords. I marked also the last part of the 

Q 2 



228 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

book, in which I thought I clearly saw that seyeral things had a 
reference to the same nm of eyents, and would aU be fulfilled nearly 
together^ particularly respecting the fall of Babylon, the spread of 
the gospel, &c. And it struck me very forcibly that, from the lan- 
guage everywhere used in the book, the two last chapters must refer 
to a heavetHy state, not to a millennial state, which is spoken of 
before in the twentieth chapter, and ends before the second resur- 
rection. J. K- 



Norwich, June 27th, 1793. 

Deab Fatheb and Mother, 

I have been reading two sermons of Winchester 
on the Prophecies of the Revelation ; one of them is a good, rational 
piece, the other tolerable till he has got halfway, and then he falls 
into his old nostrums, which to me are quite unscriptural. I think 
it very unlikely from Scripture that Jesus Christ should appear on 
earth personally for any purpose, till the general resurrection. If 
not, Winchester must be wrong. And here, by the way, I cannot 
help observing, that though our Lord says, "Ye do err, not know- 
ing the Scriptures," and though it is undoubtedly true, yet there is 
a sense in which men only make the more blunders by their ac- 
quaintance with the Scriptures, %. e,y when they know only or chiefly 
its language, not its spirit. Huntington, Winchester, and Sweden- 
borg are all masters of the Scripture in an eminent degree, and yet 
it would be difficult to find three men so skilled in Scripture, who, 
in their several directions, have more perverted it, and have coloured 
over what they have delivered in such a manner as really to deceive 
the unwary. Though I do not believe they any of them wilfully 
did it, yet I think it has been the effect. I hope there is a progress 
of religious opinion in the world, I mean that Christians arc gaining, 
and future generations will gain, more accurate ideas of their Bibles. 

I have little to say about home, only on the 19th I descended 
into the water according to the old plan, and baptized four. I had 
many witnesses, especially pedobaptists, and I endeavoured to give 
them something and not to aifront them with over severity, in which 
I found it necessary to be cautious, because my end was to tell them 
they set aside the authority of Christ, corrupted the simplicity of 
tlie gospel, exhibited false views of religion, and united the world 
and church together ! 

Wishing you every needM blessing, I remain, 

J. K. 



gibbon's decline and pall. 229 

July 30th, 1793. 
Deab Fathek and Mothkk, 

I cannot repay your letter with remarks as it 
deseires, for want, not only of knowledge, but of attention to the 
subject. Apologies are very poor things, and look little when sent 
in reply to a letter filled with the result of study and sensible obser- 
Tation, but the truth is, my head and hands have been so filled with 
some other objects that I thought it would rather distract my atten- 
tion too much to turn to the Bevelation with the necessary care to 
reply to yours, though I hope you will find a future day will prove 
I have neither been inattentive to that book nor your letter. 

I am reading Gibbon's "History of the Decline and Fall of the 
Boman Empire.'' The elegant historian has enchanted me through 
two quarto volumes, and left me desirous to read more. His third 
volume brings Odoacer, the first barbarian King of Italy to the 
throne, about the year 476, which extinguished the western empire. 
Three volumes more bring down the history to the taking of Con- 
stantinople by the Turks. Whether I shall, at present, read the 
whole six, is a doubt. I mean, however, to see the ruin of the 
western empire. His abilities as a historian are confessedly great, 
his language singular and elegant, particularly happy in many things, 
but open to much criticism. Though certainly an enemy to Chris- 
tianity, yet he has given but too just a view of the disposition and 
conduct of its professors in the higher ranks ; and though on this 
side of the question he may be supposed to be partial, yet in many 
instances he has only spoken what others have thought ; and his 
ecclesiastical history, respecting opinions, controversies, &c., rather 
surprised me by its accuracy, as far as I could judge of it, and his 
history, on the whole, very much engages and instructs. 

You will, perhaps, be surprised that I speak in these terms of an 
infidel historian, the enemy of Christianity. I do not admire him 
because he is an infidel ; his thin disguises are easily seen through, 
his sly insinuations excite disgust, his whole representations in many 
things show his ignorance of what real Christianity is, in its nature 
as well as influence ; but, ftu est et ah hosU doceri, and I think his 
writings not only entertaining, but useful ; to those, however, who, 
being rooted in the belief of religion, use his light without being 
misguided by his designs. The idea I sat down with, was that he 
would give such a picture of things as would point out the justness 
of prophetic description. I have not been entirely disappointed. 

I doubt not you have heard of the spirit of emigi-ation to America • 



230 LIFE OP JOSEPH KINOHOBN. 

I hear many, very many, are going over. The principal part of a 
dissenting congregation in London are going, and they have sent 
their minister beforehand to purchase land to accommodate them ; 
thus they emigrate as a church — this is rather a novelty. A young 
woman whose father and mother are members with us, is lately 
married, and she and her husband are gone. He is a currier, and 
having some property, and not having begun the world, thought it 
would be better to begin there than here, where the prospects of a 
tradesman are none of the best. 

J. K. 

AngQst 10th, 1793. 
Deab, Son, 

I am not sorry that you have dropped or not 
attended to my remarks on Eevclation, for I am weary of reading 
the different opinions of men on that subject. I think, upon the 
whole, that GiU's view of it has as much probability of being true 
as any other I have read, and I am led to this conclusion from 
attending to the apostle Peter, 2 Epis. iii, which I have been treat- 
ing on three or four days in the forenoon. He gives us a three-fold 
view of the earth — ^before the flood, in its present state, and after it 
is burnt up ; says, " Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look 
for new heavens and a new earth." God's promise is sure, and we 
expect its accomplishment ; that as the earth has undergone a change 
by water and is to undergo a change by fire in its surface, it will be, 
after all, refined and put in such a state as to be different from what 
it had been, and new to the beholders and enjoyers of it. To 
suppose that the apostle spake of the new heavens and earth in a 
figurative sense, is to destroy the apposition between it and the 
former and present state of the earth ; but the former being literally 
true, so must the latter be understood in a literal sense ; without 
which we have nothing but the fancies of men to ground our faith 
upon. I am aware many difficulties attend the Doctor's ideas, but 
if more attend the contrary view the balance is in his favour. 

D. K. 

Norwich, August 27th, 1793. 
Dear Fatheb and Mother, 

I think your remarks on 2 Pet. iii, very ingenious, 

but my difficulty is, if this happy state after the general resurrection 

is to take place on earth, what or where is heaven ? The apostle 

John seems to point out the last state of things in the two last 

chapters. 



EMIGRATION TO AMERICA. 231 

« 

I have lately been giving the subject of the atonement a review, 
I think with advantage. I have taken separate texts for each 
sermon, which I think is the best way when we wish to treat a 
subject largely. 

We have here an American gentleman of some consequence in his 
own country. I have had some conversation with him last night 
and this morning. He is very intelligent, very communicative, gives 
flattering accounts of the state of things there. There is a partiality 
to home, a rising country is always in credit, the object a man has 
obtained by his " sword and by his bow " he loves, human nature 
is apt to exaggerate, &c., &c. On these accounts I receive his 
statements eum grano salts. But when all these exceptions are made, 
a man who possesses a little property and a little ability certainly 
stands there a much better chance than he does here, though such 
men as are mere adventurers, like David's discontented army, run 
the risk of difficulties there as well as at home. Last week twenty- 
seven or twenty-nine, I know not which, went from the neighboiir- 
hood of Worstead to America; a clergyman, wife, and nine children; 
a baptist, wife, and eight children; another man, wife, and three 
children, and one or two more. The clergyman has had enough of 
the establishment ; a serious man, of a different cast from the many, 
but he had not enough to support him, not having preferment, and 
not being able to obtain curacies ; some time ago he was asked by 
a clergyman in the neighbourhood where he lived, to preach for him, 
he went — the churchwarden ordered the church doors to be shut 
against him; his reason was, he said, "he would have no Jesus 
Christ man there," this is rcpoi*ted in I^orwich ! Thus difficulted 
on every side, and persecuted because he preached Jesus Clirist, ho 
gathered together his property, about £800, and his nine children, 
and is gone 1 The others are gone with him. Dr. Priestley, I am 
told by the gentleman referred to, has bought some estates, and is 
going ; part of his family is gone. This gentleman, whose name is 
Edwards, expressed his great wish that he had known of the clergy- 
man's going, as he had it in his power much to befriend him, and 
means to write to-day, in hopes a letter may catch him before the 
ship leaves London. This is the talk of the day with us. 

J. K. 

Norwich, October 22nd, 1793. 

Since your last I was invited to drink tea, &c., 

with a company of young gentlemen of this city, who meet once a 

week at each other's houses, and discuss a proposed question. The 

question was, " whether natural religion was sufficient to lead them 



232 LIFE OP JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

to virtue and happiness." A former qaestion on tiie eyidence of 
Christianity had been debated the week before, and it was expected 
this question would involve the same subject. I believe the reason 
of my being invited was to support the cause of Christianity, fop 
several of the gentlemen were professed deists, and had pleaded the 
cause of deism. After tea we got round the table, the moderator fop 
the evening called to business, read the question, and the debate 
began, several spoke on one side and on the other. One gentleman 
at last took up the subject, discussed it a long time, displayed a 
great deal of first-rate ability, and wanted to turn everything to the 
disadvantage of Christianity. To this speech I found it was expected 
I should reply. A nod was given me in the middle of it, which 
was observed by the rest, so that at the close it was supposed I 
should rise and answer it. I did so ; I took up several parts of hia 
argument and endeavoured to show its inconsistency and fedsehood, 
to disprove the representations he had made of the Christian religion 
where I thought them wrong, and when they were right to turn 
them upon himself. I endeavoured to prove that the Christian 
religion had the advantage in point of evidence and motive ; that 
natural religion did not discover and could not prove the most excel-* 
lent parts of Cluistianity ; that what is called natural religion was 
stolen &om Christianity in the best parts of it, because philosophers 
never had nor taught many things, now called natural religion, till 
after the spread of the gospel. That, besides, if natural religion 
could prove religious truth equally well with revelation, still men 
ought to abide by revealed religion, because it was delivered by the 
immediate authority of God, showed God's love, laid men under 
greater obligations than otherwise they could suppose possible, and 
was every way calculated to produce a higher eflfect. 

I also defended the character of God in destroying the Amalekites, 
(in which he had been called barbarous) by turning the objection on 
themselves, that if they allowed a God at all, they had these things 
to account for on their system ; for, while war and bloodshed de- 
populated nations, it was as difficult for them to say why the God of 
natural religion permitted these things to take place in his dominions, 
as why the God of Israel did so, and even more so, &c. I spoke 
half an hour, and was attended to very closely. My speech had 
several compliments paid it ; little argument passed afterwards. I 
was glad to have an opportunity of defending the gospel, of which I 
need not be ashamed, and thankful for being able to defend it as 
well as I did, though I wish I could have done it better. 

I have begun since the commencement of this month to attend to 



DEBATING SOCIETY. 233 

Hebrew, and I mean to be through the Book of Psalms by Christ- 
mas, Deo Vblente ; then I think the greatest difficulty will be over. 
Dr. Priestley has replied to Evanson's Dissonance. I have read 
his reply, and am somewhat disappointed ; I think there is room for 
another. Some of the same things which would set aside Evanson's 
arguments will also apply against Dr. Priestley, and against Socinian- 
ism at large ; it is a pity the only defenders of Christianity should 
be Socinians. Surely there are others can do it. However, as I am 
not red hot about it, I shall only think of doing it if I find some- 
thing worth publishing, and even then, perhaps, not without the 
advice of others. 

J. K. 

The debating society of which Mr. Kinghom gives an ac- 
count in the above letter was continued for several years; 
many of the most eminent men in Norwich took part in it. 
It is highly probable that the young man whom Mr. King- 
hom answered on the occasion just mentioned was William 
Taylor, who was one of the most remarkable characters in the 
city for nearly half a century, and with whom Mr. Kinghom 
maintained a literary friendship during the remainder of his 
life; but as we shall have occasion to mention these meetings 
more fiilly hereafter, we wiQ defer a more extended notice of 
them till a future page. 

Mr. Richards, in a note to Mr. BLinghom at this time, 
mentions the " History of the Church of Christ," by Milner, 
of Hull, ''which,'^ he says, " has lately made its appearance ; " 
and Mr. Kinghom, in reply, speaks of Milner in the following 
terms: — 

You have considerably raised my curiosity by mentioning Milner's 
History, as I have seen the author, and heard him preach. It excites 
some attention when one hears of such a person becoming author ; 
besides, the idea he gave of his plan in a little piece some time ago, 
led me to think it would be a curious work, if it be executed accord- 
ing to his first design, provided the high church clergyman has not 
taken place of the historian. If that be the case his History is 
worth nothing. 

Hespecting Evanson, Mr. Kinghom wrote to his friend 
Richards to help him with materials, and then asked advice 



234 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHOBN. 

of a London friend, Samuel Favell, Esq., as to the expediency 
of publishing; to which that gentleman returned the follow- 
ing answer : — 

London, December 23rd, 1793. 
Deab Sib, 

In answer to your favoiir of the 12th inst., I 
have made the necessary inquiries agreeable to your request, the 
result of which I shall lay before you. I have first taken the 
opinion of a literary friend respecting your design : this gentleman is 
extremely conversant with men and books, and he thinks you would 
certainly lose ten or twenty guineas by the publication ; he instanced 
several authors of celebrity who had paid very dear for giving their 
opinions to the public. Mr. Fell, whose answer to Farmer upon the 
demoniacs had much celebrity, lost forty pounds by it ; he says Dr, 
Priestley is generally a loser by his theological publications. He 
suggested a method of publishing your sentiments on Mr. Evanson's 
book in some of the Magazines, provided you should finally abandon 
yoiu: other plan ; you would undoubtedly secure a large number of 
readers by that method, without risk ; however, of that you are ftdly 
competent to decide ^vithout my information. Having no personal 
knowledge of Johnson, I got a Mend to make application respecting 
your queries. To the first he says, Mr. Evanson's publication has 
excited a good deal of attention ; to the second he says. Dr. Priest- 
ley's answer has been sufiiciently read, he thinks, to pay its expense j 
to the third, he is of opinion you should publish both parts together, 
to save expense of advertising, &c. ; to the fourth he replies, that 
two hundred and fifty copies would be enough to print at first, and 
he thinks that if you confined yourself to that number your probable 
loss could not exceed ten guineas ; this, Sir, is the substance of my 
intelligence, and should you have occasion for further inquiries I 
shall be happy to render you my best services. Considering thai 
Johnson, as a bookseller, must be partial to your design of publish- 
ing, I think his answers agree very nearly with my friend's opinion* 
I am perfectly of your opinion respecting Dr. Priestley's books ; I 
am sure it is a very unsatisfactory reply for us orthodox, and I 
should be exceeding glad to see your thoughts upon the subject 
made public, especially as great indolence prevails amongst our 
orthodox ministers upon modem theological controversy : it seems 
to mo as if they cared for none of these things. 
I am, respectfully yours, 

Samuel Favbll. 



OBIOINAL SIN. 235 

A long and carefol discussion on original sin and on the 
atonement^ which extended also to the origin of evil and the 
freedom of man's will^ having been the subject of corres- 
pondence for several months^ it is interesting to observe the 
necessity Mr. Einghom saw of resting content in the assu- 
rance that, "What we know not here we shall know here- 
after;'' and the utter impossibility he felt of fathoming the 
depths of the secret things which belong unto Gk)d. He 
expresses his sentiments in the following manner : — 

I expect to find in a future world many of our reasonings 
dissipated by the clear light of truth, though here we must reason 
in the best way we can, and then leave it. Where the link is to 
be found which connects the certainty that sin will be committed, 
with the freedom of the creature, I cannot tell. Such a link there 
surely is, for the sinful actions of creatures are certain, yet free, but 
how these two can consiBt together, is the question. 

David Kinghom's letters of the year 1794, commenced 
with the following pleasant address to his son, on his 28th 
birthday. 

Deab Sok, 

May grace, peace, health, and every needful blessing 
be multiplied unto you, with the addition of many years, and much 
comfortable enjoyment of the gracious presence of GK)d, to sweeten 
all your labours, and to guide you through this dark vale of life, 
and lead you to the perfect day of endless felicity, where we shall 
see as we are seen, and know as we are known, and ignorance and 
error be no more. We always receive and read your letters with 
pleasure, and even such of them as have given us painful sensations 
have been pleasing to us, as leading us to sympathize with you 
under your afflictions. December 31st, ult., I spent ten hours in 
sorting and reading yours of 89, 90, 91, and some few of former 
years, by which we had a scene of providential dispensations so full 
in view as naturally led us to admire the good hand of God, in 
conducting you through such a variety of changing scenes. 

The following advertisement respecting a minister whom 
we have mentioned in an earlier part of the work, is quoted 



236 LIFE OP JOSEPH KINGHOBN. 

in the same letter^ and we insert it^ together with the recep- 
tion it met with at Cossey, for amusement's sake. 

ITuU Packet, January 2l8ty (Marriages.) At Bridlington, on 
Tuesday last, aged 79, the Rev. Joseph Gawkrodger, Baptist 
Minister, to Mrs. Tettle, aged 49, widow of the late Mr. Thomas 
Tettlo, of Hunmanby. 

Dkar Fathxb, 

A few days before I received yours, at Cossey, 
one evening, I took up the London English Chronicle, and there 
found among the marriages exactly the article you copied from the 
HhH P^M. I related some circumstances about Mr. Gawkrodger, 
Had told Mr. and Mrs. Wilkin of our being at Bridlington together; 
that we thought the poor old man on his last legs, almost super- 
annuated, and that at the funend of a child, what he said in matter 
and manner was so curious that even you laughed; which was 
admitteil to bo full evidence that it was not conducted with pro- 
priety. When lo ! the next thing is, he takes a wife ! We, whose 
riidhlo musi»los are apt to be moved at trifles, you will easily sup- 
jHv$e, had a hearty laugh, and Mr. Wilkin proposed, after supper, 
that wo sJiould drink the bride and bridegroom's health, which was 
iusliuitly agriHHl to, imd done with a good deal of glee. 

In tho same letter occurs a remarkable passage firom Joseph 
Rin^hom to his father respecting mixed communion^ on 
whioh it seemed likely that some discussion might arise in 
the olmn*h. 

I am appreheni^vo we shall have the question about mixed 
wwuwuwiou agitiUeil in our ohurch. For my part, I know not what 
K* think alH>ut tlie subject. There are many argumente for it I 
0(Muu>t an»wor« osptvially those drawn finom the ground of the good 
^^l^uivm wo haT\^ of the piety of many pedobaptists, and the per- 
nwHAivxn >vo ha>v» that thoir path to heaven is as straight as our own, 
MU\( if >\o unite in hojH\ why not in commemorating the object and 
«iuth\^ of our hv*\v? Thi* I can never got over in my own mind; 
^^^ on tho other hand» I K^lievo with all my heart Uiat the apostles 
woiN^ ^V^w#*» Mh in prinoiple and practice ; that the |Hrimitive 
ohvuvh \\«* K^{^ti*t thr^^xi^ijhout : thai infant sprinkling and transub- 
alHUtu4i\s^ ^M^^ \^vttY much alike, the one being as well supported 
«l« lUo othorv I thvak tho Ba|>tisls are the prederrexs of om institu- 



MIXED COMMUNION. 237 

tion of Christ, which has been neglected and despised, and that they 
ought to consider it lies on them to endeavour to preserve it, for 
they seem left to defend it. "When I look at both sides, and con- 
sider them as each calling for attention, I feel myself like Issachar, 
'' an ass crouching down between two burdens." 

A somewhat lengthened reply was given by David King- 
horn on the pointy touching arguments on both sides^ but on 
the whole against the practice of mixed communion^ con- 
cluding: — 

May the Lord so guide and direct you and your church, as that 
you and they may so act as shall be for his glory and the peace of 
the church. As I do not wish you to set up my judgment or 
opinion as a standard either to you or to them, I have given you 
my opinion with some difficulties which occurred, and leave you to 
judge for yourself. I hope the Lord will help you off with your 
biurdens. Cast them on him, and he will sustain both you and 
them. 

The subject is kept up in Joseph Kinghom's reply, fipom 
which we give an extract : — 

I was much pleased with your remarks on my inquiries respecting 
mixed communion, though in reality you have lefk me where I was. 
The affair is not mentioned yet; I believe my being undecided 
stopped it. Your observations on both sides are very strong. I 
have really thought of taking your plan and enlarging upon it, by 
collecting all the arguments I could meet with, so as to canvass the 
subject as well as I could, as this might be a means of my under- 
standing it better. One thing which has a good deal of force, I 
think you have paid little regard to, viz., that it was conforming to 
the opinions and practices of men in opposition to the plain institu- 
tion of Gk)d that brought in infant baptism, exsufflation, crism, &c., 
&c., &c., which have so disguised the ordinance, that it could. not be 
known as an institution of Christ. Whereas, had the first Christians, 
in opposition to paganized professors and accommodating Christians, 
resolutely set their faces against alterations of the primitive mode 
and subject, and stuck to the pattern shown them in the gospel, 
infant baptism would not have obtained, and the evils attendant 
even to this day would have been in measure avoided. 



238 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

Another extract on the same subject occurs in Joseph 
Kinghom's next letter. 

April 8th, 1794. 
The controversy about mixed communion is still 
on hand ; you have noticed ray observations, you lean to charity, but 
argue for strictness, which is all fair. There are two extremes; 
that which is called the liberal plan, if followed up close, will 
lead to the reception of every moral man one step above an in- 
fidel ; for if a man will only acknowledge Jesus Christ ia the Son 
of God, and sent as a divine messenger from heaven, and live 
according to his precepts, he must be received to communion, be his 
sentiments what they may, and if so, we receive those as Christians 
whose sentiments are very contrary to what we think the religion 
of the apostles ; and how can we help ourselves ? 

The father in another letter gives, in his usual clear and 
forcible manner, kind caution to his son against excess in his 
pursuits, however laudable. 

Bishop Burton, August 23rd, 1794. 

Deab Son, 

I am fully persuaded that Fuller's manner of 
reasoning has the greatest tendency to fix wavering minds, which 
might be unsettled by readiug Socinian books. If this is done 
there is a great point gained, though no Socinian be convinced of 
his errors. 

I have lately been thinking on the folly and danger of excess. 
Let the object be what it may that is pursued to excess, it destroys 
all our other comforts, and renders us unfit for the performance of 
many of tbe duties incumbent on us. I do not mean to run into 
particulars, only drop a hint that may caution you against pursuing 
study, or indulging ease to excess. The first will ruin the health, 
the last unfit for the immediate duties of your calling; and the first 
will do it effectually, though, perhaps, not so immediately. Too 
much reading, like a river always running, runs out as it runs in ; 
too little leaves the mind empty. Ideas (like food) well disgcsted, 
feed the mind and enrich it with useful knowledge, but undigested 
ideas are a confused chaos. Controversy, except on a few subjects, 
if pursued, eats out the vitals of religion ; happy tliey who steadily 
pursue the path of duty marked out to them by Divine providence, 
and leave wrangling, as not worthy of their attention. 



A NUTTING EXCURSION. 239 

September 4th, 1794. 
Deab Father and Mother, 

Since my last, I have procured for you Poole's 
"Annotations," which I hope you will receive by the hands of Mr. 
Thomas Gregson, in due time, (though I cannot ascertain when,) 
unless, unfortunately, a French privateer should intercept them and 
carry them off: and if that should be the case, never mind, a little 
good instruction respecting the Bible will not hurt the French, 
many of them evidently want it ; however, I hope the volumes will 
have a good voyage, and I wish you may like them. 

Your remarks on excess as applied to care and reading, I observe. 
Truly, I read very little, and have not written much since I came 
home, and yet I am not willing to be called idle; a few worda 
would write all I have done,, though in doing it I have looked at 
many hundreds. My reading has been almost confined to the 
Hebrew Psalms ; I have not much to boast of in my acquirements, 
but, as I hope to be through them before the end of this week, I 
may, perhaps, be exculpated from mere idleness. It has been slow 
work, and tiresome, but I believe I have now broken the neck of the 
language, and am not much afraid of completing the victory in time. 
I mean to read them through again, and then go to some other part, 
either Isaiah, with Lowth's translation by me, or the Pentateuch, 
I know not which ; and I do not mean to indulge in reading much 
besides Hebrew till Christmas, by which time I expect I shall be 
able to go on with pleasure, and perhaps I shall not be blamed here 
for excess. 

Yours in duty and affection, J. K. 

Norwich, October 7th, 1794. 
Dear Father and Mother, 

The day the cart-load of nutters were driven by 

S. G. to the wood, I, too, was nutting, and perhaps in an easier way. 

I had been at Aylsham the evening before, (Mr. S. "Wilkin was with 

me,) we slept about three miles off, at the house of a farmer, who 

is one of his tenants; the next morning (Friday) we went into the 

garden, there were nuts in abundance, we cracked till we were 

tired, the farmer came to help us more liberally ; however, instead 

of cracking more, we three fell to work to gather up what were 

fallen from the trees upon the ground, and they lay about in such 

profusion, that in a little time we gathered a basket full: after 

dinner we rode home. 

I go on with Hebrew ; since I wrote last I finished the Psalms, 



240 LIFl OF J08BPH KINOHORK. 

rc^ftd them aU through again, and having finished ihem a second 
tinus hogon the Pentateuch. I have got t» Genesis xxvu, I hope 




Undon catalogue, and unless any one he Jcwishly disposed, and bo 

buy it, thon^ it may U^ these twelve months. I shidl not piomiae 

t,/pursuo « coum^ of llabbinic^ reading, yet I thmk ^t ^ot mcely 

that l>r UiU hiis gathered all the useful mfonnation the Babbles 

affonl. Ircadbstweckacapitalbookonthe-Plaguesof^V 

bv Jacob Bnant, (just published) ; Mr. Biyant has made Mythology 

a^particular^tudy, and is as well acquainted with the names of 

Jupiter, Jun.v *c. ^ sR thar history m aU nations, as you are 

with the name* rf T'^ neighbours. 'Tis an odd disposition that 

^ ^ -^ Miinvel the mysteries and the histories of heathen 

le>ad5 a man w iiiu»»*» •/ ^ ^ 

) ijigdtt whose worship was frequently ftill of impurities, 

tT ^ j^A^^^"" ^^'^ scandalous ; yet in this instance it tams 
^''^V* ^tfMBt; he traced the gods of Greece to Egypt, proved the 
^ ^'^^^^ Ae particular object of an Egyptian's adoration, that it was 

*!1j nmipr^ "^^ ^** ^^^^ ^^^ ^^ ^ Greece of Venus rising 
]SJ\*^ i0S» was taken from Egypt and the deity of the Nile ; that 
^*TV-^ tiiis river, the source of all their prosperity, into blood, 
*tj^ was in their eyes of the most defiling nature, was to debase 
^^ |Pod, and show how far they were wrong in their worship. 
^ lo the frogs, he observes, God plagued them with them in another 

y • a fi^g was the object of an Egyptian's reverence, God sent them 
I* 0iich abundance that they could not stir for them ; afterwards he 
Affwed them the folly of making a filthy reptile the object of super- 
glltions attention, for when the frogs died, they had to gather them 
together, and the land stank. He pursues his remarks on the rest, 
0iideavouring, and I think successfully, to show the wisdom of God 
]ji bis judgments, ''so that he executed judgment against all the 
gods of Egypt : " Exod. xii, 2. These things have rather given my 
mind a turn, and I feol disposed to pay more attention to the Old 
Testament than formerly, and to investigate its cvidenco and nature, 
and having endeavoured to make myself acquainted with the 
evidences of the mission of Christ, to look now at those of Moses, 
who spake of him. The Old Testament is very little understood by 
Christians in general, I apprehend it requires much learning and 
labour to come at a proper knowledge of it, I would be content to 



MAY CHBI8TIAN8 FIGHT? 241 

study seven years to understand the Pentateuch, if then I could 
obtain my wish. 

Since I wrote lost I have had my mind a little engaged about a 
political question, very far remote from the hot-headed politics of 
the present day, both aristocratic and democratic ; viz., whether a 
Christian can engage in war, and, if he can, whether he ought to 
engage in it on account of religious liberty ? I read what I could 
meet with in Grotius " de Jure Belli ao Pacis " on this subject ; 
bis opinion amounted to this : — Christians as Christians could not 
resist oppression, they could only endeavour to escape from it. The 
editor of the edition which I read did not like the notion, and 
opposed it strenuously in a long note. Strong things were said on 
both sides, but with me sub judic$ lis est. Whether Christians had 
any business to meddle in the mischiefs in our kingdom about 
Charles, Cromwell, &c., is to me undecided, and I query whether 
in the civil wars of France two centuries ago, the Huguenots did 
themselves any good by drawing the sword ; notwithstanding it will 
be said, if they had not shown themselves formidable, they would 
not have obtained the Edict of I^antes. This may be true, but if as 
many had suffered by persecution as fell in war, perhaps they would 
have been in a better state, and have excited more pit}- from the 
people, and obtained as much from the government. It will be said 
this gives up everything to the hand of the civil governor, and puts 
it in his power to exercise any species of injustice over Christians, 
even on their own principles ; and on this plan, if good men were by 
far the majority, a wicked prince might tyrannize over them though 
they had sufficient power in their hands to obtain ample redress. 
This has force in it, and I should not know what to reply. But if 
it be allowed in this case, we must either confine their exertions to 
a defensive war, or if we allow them to do hurt to the enemy as 
well as to defend themselves, the principle will be inferred, and 
there will be no denying it, that a Christian may draw the sword at 
any time in the cause of justice, and may assist a desolating system 

without gmlt. 

J. K. 

Deab Son, 

Your political question I answer in the negative ; 

what you have quoted from Grotius has long been my fixed opinion. 

The editor who opposes it reasons as every carnal heart will do. 

The law of God was certainly just which commanded the infliction 

of that punishment, an " eye for an eye," &c., as a rule to civil 

R 



242 LIFE OP JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

magistrates : Exod. xxi, 24 ; Lev. xxiv, 20. But our Lord for- 
bids it in express words : Matt, v, 38, 39 ; so does the apostle : 
Bom. xii, 19, 20, 21; 1 Thess. v, 15. No kind of reasoning has 
any weight with me which opposes the plain dictates of Christ and 
his apostles, and I am glad that you are of the same mind. It is 
all a farce to talk of fighting for religion, they who talk at that rate, 
whether Papists or Protestants, have something else in view than 
religion ; they only make it a stalking-horse to conceal their worldly 
motives from the people, and to engage those who are religious to 
espouse the same cause. We often read of the faith and patience of 
the saints, and of exhortations to patience in suffering, but never 
once in the New Testament have we a hint about fighting but what 
condemns it: Matt, xxvi, 52. "From whence come wars and fight- 
ing ? — from your lusts :*' James iv, 1. 

I have read Smalley's two discourses on man's duty, inability, &c., 
to embrace the gospel, but do not think he has removed all the 
difficulty attending the subject. 

D. K. 

Norwich, NoTcmber 4th, 1794. 
Deab Father and Motheb, 

Sm alley' 8 Sermons I read some time ago. I re- 
collect he took great pains in reasoning away some ideas ; and I 
thought, though he had managed his cause well on the whole, he 
was not a whit more free from the main difficulty when he had done, 
than when he began. He is certainly a man of abilities, but what 
human penetration ever yet saw through the difficulties of that sub- 
ject ? No mortal, I believe, is more fast than I am' in the midst of 
them. I feel with a great deal of force the truth of the apostle's 
words, " "We know but in part." I hope the future world will be 
a world of light, where we shall know infinitely more than we can 
know here. The plain road of Scripture will guide good men to 
heaven. But as to the intricacies that attend every system of reli- 
gion, the philosopher and the way-faring man, who is a fool, are 
alike ; that is, they neither of them know anything. 

As to America, I think pretty much as you do, only I am more 
favourable to it. There a man with a large family may live by 
labour or agriculture. Here the labouring part of mankind find 
themselves very much put to it. But to embrace the advantages of 
America we must have a man wiUing to live only one remove fiv)m 
a savage state — far from society — no books, no neighbours, no Chris- 
tians at hand (perhaps) with whom he could take sweet counsel, no 



AMERICAN BMIORATIOX. 243 

church to which he could lead his family, or where he could himself 
enjoy the solace of religion, hut hy a journey attended hy fatigue, 
loss of time, &c., &c. If persecution should hreak out at home even 
9a/vage America, not to say the polished part of it, might be compa- 
ratively an Eden ; but while peace can be enjoyed at home I shall 
want some considerable inducement to go there. For my part, I 
consider Europe as the place of information, and I could ill brook the 
idea of going to a place where I could reap no advantage from the 
researches of the learned. 

In the progress of his Hebrew studies^ Mr. Kinghom at 
this time began to think of reading the works of the Jewish 
Babbies ; but^ after mentioning it in the above letter^ goes on 
to say : — 

I have neither time nor constitution to study 
hard ; I have so much preaching, am obliged to allow so much time 
to refit fatigued nature, and some to the pleasing calls of Mends, 
that my best days of study do not amount to more than six hours, 
when the usual interruptions are deducted. But what I do is by 
regularity ; at home or abroad the Hebrew is read daily, and if I 
creep, I find it is progress. I am likely to see additions to our 
church, and to the few at Aylsham; five more there have made 
application for baptism. At home, other five have applied, and will 
be, I doubt not, received. These things have filled my head and 
hands, and sometimes my heart too; I rejoice, but it is with 
trembling. Through mercy I am tolerably well, though I have 
rather suffered from fatigue lately. 

J. K. 

Norwich, Dec. 2nd, 1794. 
Some accounts have been transmitted from India 
from Mr. Carey and Mr. Thomas, who have begun their work in 
some degree. Mr. Carey is making rapid progress in the language, 
and thinks the difficulties not so great as are generally supposed. 
It is astonishing what a taste for Indian literature is now prevailing 
in this kingdom. Many things relating to the religion and manners 
of India are published; some at Calcutta, some in London. It 
appears from what I have heard, that there are such traces of Scrip- 
ture history in their antiquities as evidently prove their ideas and 
those of the Jews had one common origin, and this is one great blow 

R 2 



244 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

to infidelity. I am ready to hope we shall deriye some additional 
knowledge (which may he of nse in reading the Old Testament) from 
that source, and it is not surprising that, while curiosity is leading 
some men to make the literature of India more known, God should 
spirit up some to go and preach Christ among them. And there 
may he reason in future time for the swarthy sons of the Peninsula 
to bless Ood that Europeans were ever drawn to visit them, even 
though lust of riches and territory was the motive. Thus good may 
come out of evil, for surely European nations are guilty of vile 
iniquity in the sight of Grod for their conduct in India. 

Bichcno's two pamphlets I have by me to read the first oppor- 
tunity ; I have also a new commentary on the Eevelation to look 
over, by Dr. Bryce Johnson, a Scotchman. 

J.K. 

Norwich, Dec 29th, 1794. 
I have finished the Pentateuch, and have now 
begun the prophets ; my progress is, for many reasons, not rapid, 
yet I creep on. Isaiah is very crabbed in many places, but I hope, 
by labouring through him, to do myself good. Lowth lies always 
before me, and he oft helps me to understand what I read, as well 
as to see now critical remarks on the text. 

On Christmas day I went to Aylsham, and, for the first time, 
administered the Lord's Supper there. There is but little prospect 
before them, but a few serious people who wish to keep together 
deserve encouragement, especially as they meet with much of the 
ridicule of the world. 

I should like to canvass a little the doctrine oi final perseverance. 
It has occasionally been a matter of thought with me. I think I 
shall read Whitby against it. The way to get information is to see 
on what side you are attacked, and how; this I have uniformly 
found true. 

Wishing you the return of many years, with the mercies of God 
new every morning, 

I remain, yours in duty and affection, 

Joseph Xinohorn. 



CHAPTER XIV. 
1796—1796. ^T. 29—30. 

A Severe Winter — Roman Catholic Sermon — Venema^e Eecleeiastioal 
History — False Prophets — James Hinton and the Woodstock Riots 
— Baptism for the Dead — The Stennett Family — Reply to Fetor 
Edwards — Meteoric Stotie — Yorkshire Visit — Storm at Sea — 
Rabbinical Hebrew. 

The year 1795 opened with a winter of unusual severity, of 
which w^ find several notices in the correspondence ; February 
7th, Mr. David Kinghom says : — 

We have for a long time had the earth covered with snow, to such 
a depth as I do not remember to have seen before. It b^^ 
January 15th, and continued with few interruptions nine or ten 
days, either small hail or snow. Monday, 25th, a rapid thaw began, 
and continued till Tuesday evening, since which we have had a 
great deal more snow : the first snow rose so high as not to admit 
the casement to open in our parlour window. All the labourers 
were employed some days shoveling the road between Bishop Burton 
and Weighton, fifty or sixty men are employed now. The mail 
coach was stopped some days, and a chaise with six horses has run 
once a day instead of the Diligence ; the mail bags, carried on horse- 
back, came £rom Weighton, the day your letter came, at nine instead 
of five o'clock, by elcTen we received it. The fix)st was so intense 
that the water which dropped off my hands whilst washing them froze 
on the side of the basin, not only once, but several times, and cream 
in a tea-cup became a solid lump. We remembered the 17th as usual. 

March 7th. The snow melted so much yesterday as to give 
us the first sight, since the 15th of January, of a few of the turnips 
beside your apple tree. 

The severity of the* weather seems to have been as keenly 



246 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

felt in Norfolk as in the Norths for Mr. Kingliom^ writing to 
his father, January 27th, says — 

The extreme severity of the weather has been very trying to 
many ; at present we have a rapid thaw : we have had a considerable 
quantity of snow, and intense frosts, I was prevented from going to 
Aylsham by the weather, as I really thought it not safe to venture, 
and was advised by my friends not to go, as it snowed very heavily 
all the day, and the snow lay very deep on the ground. 

On entering his 30th year, we find Mr. Kinghom again 
addressing his Heavenly Father in accents of thanksgiving 
and prayer; lamenting his imperfections and infirmities, he 
exclaims — 

Let thy pardoning mercy be upon me, Lord, through Jesus 
Christ. Purify my heart, make me more earnest about the things 
of true godliness, that I may be impressed with them myself, and 
sanctified by them. May I seek to promote the salvation of others 
by knowing the joy of thy salvation in my heart, that whenever I 
speak to others, I may speak what I know, and testify what I have 
felt of the power of godliness, and in the end save myself and those 
that hear me. 

He then asks divine direction in the choice of his studies 
and the manner of prosecuting them, that he might be " in 
some measure an advantage to God's people, and the means 
of answering some good end among them,'' and especially 
intreats that he might not act from pride, and fit)m a desire 
to gain applause, " but fixjm the wish to do good and glorify 
God." 

The correspondence of 1795 contains a series of discussions 
on several important subjects, such as the final perseverance 
of the saints, and the imputation of Christ's righteousness to 
the believer; the latter subject is followed closely and care- 
fully through several letters. These discussions are in- 
teresting principally as showing the training, so to speak, of 
Mr. Kinghorn's mind, and the great anxiety he felt to under- 
stand all sides of every subject that attracted his notice; they 
show also his father's imtiring energy and remarkable acuteness 
in controversy, and his carefulness in Answering minntdy aU 



ROMAN CATHOLIC SERMON. 247 

the questions and arguments advanced by his son, but they 
are too long to be admitted into the present work. 

In the spring of the year, Mr. W. W. Wilkin going to Bath> 
passed through Oxford, and visited Mr. Kinghom's old friend 
and fellow-student, James Hinton ; he writes thus from Bath : 

April 16th, 1795. 
Dear Kinohobn, 

At Oxford we spent twenty-two hours, three or 
four of which were enlivened by the company of Mr. Hinton ; you 
will hear from him before long, he is very glad you have renewed 
the correspondence, and has sent you, by me, a copy of his " Defence 
of the Dissenters of Oxford." Some he has also presented me. 
"We think him very lively, agreeable, intelligent, and accomplished : 
he seems serious, zealous, and courageous in the cause he is engaged 
in. His studies are not abstruse, but such as render him very 
popular as a preacher, and entertaining as a social friend. 

I know not whether you heard of the Woodstock mob ; Hinton 
with four of his friends nearly fell a sacrifice to it : he read me a 
very interesting account of it in MS., it will shortly appear in a 
shilling pamphlet. It wiU do honour to his feelings and coiurage, 
and will bring some great folks into deserved contempt. 
Yours sincerely, 

W. W. Wilkin. 

In. the next letter Mr. Kinghom gives an account of his 
Good Friday employments. 

Good Friday I spent cmiously. I went to church in the morning 
to see how I liked that ; I heard a sermon, I think a very useless 
one, for to me it appeared to want the warm spirit of Christianity. 
In the afternoon I went among the Roman Catholics to see whether 
I liked them better ; I heard a sermon founded on a very curious 
sentiment : the subject was, the love of Christ. The preacher laid it 
down as a maxim that could not be controverted, that as the 
character of Christ was infinite, every action had infinite value, 
every act of condescension, therefore, was infinite, and consequently, 
by any one act of condescension he could have saved man, because 
in each there was infinite value ; one tear shed by such a being as the 
Son of God would have been sufficient to have washed away the sins 
of the world. He then considered the sufierings of Christ as the effect 
of his love, for though justice did not require so much, yet such was 



248 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

the love of Clirist that he could not be satisfied without giving men 
so wonderM a proof of it ; hence a train of inferences were drawn, 
in perfect unison with the leading idea, but which had nothing to 
do with the love of Christ as perfecting a way of redemption. I 
was struck at hearing how he reasoned away the plain language of 
his Bible, and came from the infinite dignity of Christ to a conclusion 
nearly Socinian ; thus extremes may meet. 

I have received a parcel of books from Hamburg lately, which 
are now binding, from which I expect a great deal of pleasure and 
information ; I was somewhat afraid the French should have laid 
hold of them, and to them they would have been useless; the 
most important is Vencma's "Ecclesiastical History," in seven 
quarto volumes. I had seen a volume or two before I sent for it, 
and I expect I have got a treasure. I have also a curious Hebrew 
Bible, which I much wanted, for mine is very incorrect ; one dis- 
advantage attends it, which is, the type is small, though very dis- 
tinct. They were frozen up a long time at Hamburg, and I assure 
you I was no little pleased when my cargo arrived safe. In addition 
to those, I sent for a German edition of a Latin book, published 
about thirty years ago by Dr. Lowth, which was enriched abroad by 
a great many notes, and consequently is more valuable than tho 
English printed edition. You will laugh at me, I know, for aU this 
joy about the new books, but you know we never mind a joke when 
we have got our wish. 

J. K. 

We can scarcely persuade ourselves to pass by entirely 
another proof of the filial afiection so constantly shown by 
Mr. Kinghom during the whole of Ms life. At the close of the 
letter above quoted he inserted this brief memorandiun (in 
shorthand^ probably lest the letter should be shown to York- 
shire friends), — "Pray are you at all straitened for money? 
Do tell me/^ which was responded to by a memorandum, also 
in shorthand, from his father, — " We are not straitened for 
money, having five guineas.'' 

Bishop Burton, May 2nd, 1795. 
Deab Sosr, 

We are glad to hear your head is better. You 
will readily conclude that at this season, when weather admits, I 
spend some time, and bestow some labour on my garden, which 
tends to the benefit of the body in recruiting health, and the pleasure 



FALSE PROPHETS. 249 

of the mind in seeing a new prospect of a future crop of vegetables, 
the product of my own industry, if they are accompanied with the 
blessing of the sovereign Ruler of the universe. Perhaps you will 
say, I shall be no partaker with you in your pleasures, as I shall 
neither see nor enjoy any of the fruits of your labour this summer; 
no, you will stay at home cracking your brain with heaps of Latin 
books, till every filament and fibre is strained to the state of a fiddle- 
string and sounds Latin, Latin, at every touch ! I know not whether 
you win laugh at my folly or frown at my severity if I say of the 
treasure you have got, that the most I have learned fix)m the 
history of the church, is that the pious and sober were the prey of 
proud priests and kings in aU ages, and that the latter were the 
dupes of the former. 

Your old friend, A. Eobinson, has published a small piece (which 
I doubt not you have seen,) in the same spirit with R. Robinson's, 
of Cambridge, viz., a short history of the persecution of Christians 
by Jews, heathens, and Christians, in which he displays his genius 
as a writer, and as a keen adversary to every species of priestcraft. 

D. K. 

Norwich, May 19th, 1795. 

Deab Father and Mother, 

Your pleasantry on my cargo of Latin books I 
can very well bear, and though history does truly show that men 
have been capable of all wickedness, especially civil rulers and 
priests, yet it is really learning something of importance to learn 
that: however, the advantage of ecclesiastical history is not that 
alone, what little I have studied it for has been for opinions and 
facts, and here, I am persuaded, a knowledge of ecclesiastical history 
keeps the mind from being deluded or shaken. I read A. Robin- 
son's piece long ago ; Paley he justly takes to pieces, though Paley 
is a first-rate writer for clearness and strength, and the world is 
much obliged to him for several pieces, but a churchman defending 
his church cuts but a sorry figure, for no abilities can make him 
look respectable. 

I had much the same idea of Bicheno's piece as you have, and as 
to Brothers and Halhed, we have had such here in great abundance. 
Many prophets spring up, but one, at least, has proved himself a 
prophet of Baal. A Christopher Cotter had a vision, corroborating 
Brothers' prophecies, and fixing the destruction of London to be on 
last Tuesday ! The testimony of this man was only in one of the 
London papers, and perhaps you may not have seen it, but no matter. 



250 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

I told several, when asked an opinion of Brothers, that I knew not 
whether it originated from insanity or possession, but I thought it 
either disease or the devil; and added, sometimes, when people 
seemed frightened, that I was as much afraid of believing a lie, as 
of disbelieving a truth. 

You are surprised at Halhed, so am I ; and if you have not seen 
a late publication of his, will be surprised, perhaps, more by being 
told that he asserts that Richard Brothers is the Lamb, mentioned 
Eev. V. Mr. Halhed appears to me not to want abilities, but cer- 
tainly to want information, such, at least, as to us common folks 
appears necessary for the witness of a prophet, for in some of his 
pieces he has betrayed his ignorance on critical subjects. 

I am going through a short course of doctrinal sermons, taking 
only a few leading things ; I have oft thought the theory of Chris- 
tianity is little imderstood by many, and that it might be placed on 
a basis of Scripture and so far supported by fact and argument, as 
would, at least, not be overturned easily. And little as I have been 
given to doctrinal preaching, I think it now requires attention, for 
if we do not make some vigorous efforts to support what we think 
right, men will forget, and disbelieve, first one thing and then 
another, till even the most serious will hardly know what they 
believe, and this will be so far from being an improvement in the 
religious world, that it wiU only introduce a state of religious bar- 
barism and ignorance. 

We have had the Beverley Buffs here, and now have great num- 
bers of military from the continent. The poor men die very fiast, 
the change from, cold and camps to close quarters, especially after 
80 many hardships, they cannot bear. 

Through mercy I am pretty well ; respects to friends. Though 
I cannot have a share either in the labour, or probably in the fruit 
of your labour, in cultivating your garden, I can wish you much 
pleasure and success, while I may garden a little in a different way 
by planting Hebrew roots. 

J. K. 

Norwich, June 16th, 1796. 
Deab Father and Mother, 

Since my last, Mr. Newton gave notice one Lord's 

day that on the Thursday evening there would be a baptism in 

public, which had not been for many years ; this looked like turning 

out to the world, llie news got amongst us Baptists, we considered 

ourselves as concerned in it, and some of us thought we would go 



PETER EDWARDS. 251 

and hear how we were attacked, and we thought it fair, as the Inde- 
pendents were eager to hear our opinions on baptism, to know how 
they stated the case themselves. Away we went, and heard (a few 
of us) a defence of infant baptiffln. The principal arguments were — 
children were a part of the Jewish church, and not formally ex- 
cluded from the Christian church, ergo they still ought to make a 
part of the church ; — ^the addresses in the Epistles were to children 
as well as parents, wgo they were a part of the church ; — ^the apostle 
says, bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, but 
this could not be done without they received all the advantages of 
the means of Christianity, which includes church ordinances, ergo 
baptize them, and bring them also to the Lord's table, which was 
strenuously pleaded for. 

Baptism itself was defined to be the application of water for a 
religious purpose as a sign the person to whom it was applied was 
devoted to God; this was the skeleton of the argument, but, like 
every other defence of that subject, I think very deficient in point 
of proof, or anything like evidence. 

A very surprising thing has taken place lately — a Mr. Peter 
Edwards, of Portsea, in Hampshire, after having been many years a 
pastor of a Baptist church, has renounced his sentiments as a Baptist, 
and gone over to the pedobaptists, and has published a defence of 
his conduct, and endeavoured to expose and refute the Baptists ; thus 
the debate is likely to come up again. I have not seen Mr. Edwards's 
book, but only a review of it. If Mr. Booth does not take it up, or 
mean to do so, I know who will ; and in a week or two I expect to 
know what our London brethren think about it. It is rumoured 
here, how far it is true I know not, that my zeal when I had any 
to baptize has provoked Mr.. Newton to jealousy, and induced him to 
establish his own people in the faith ; an effect I am not sorry for. 

J. K. 

Mr. Kinghom having, as before mentioned, re-opened his 
correspondence with his early friend, James Hinton, of Oxford^ 
he received from him the following letter, dated 

Ozon, June 30th, 1795. 
Dear Brother Eji^ohorn, 

It was extremely pleasant to me to learn that all 
remembrance of our former friendship had not passed away with the 
lapse of time. Amidst every difficulty my life is happy, I hope not 
useless; my church unanimous. Party rages without, but all is 



252 LIFE OF J08SPH KINGHORN. 

peace within ; an accession of five or six members antinally, some- 
times more, keeps us from declining, and it is with great diffionltf 
our little place contains the hearers. My work, dear Kinghoniy is 
more pleasant every year. I hardly know those pains I once lialt 
lest I should miss the applause of men. I hope I can say I am, in 
some measure, crucified to the world, and the world unto me. I 
meet much of the scornful pride, and some of the respect of Oxford's 
learned, I wish I could say pious, body. On the whole I have nearly 
all the esteem I wish for, and no more persecution than is good /hr 
me. You were kind enough to say that all these things would 
interest you ; so you have them. 

Had you never seen the " Vindication?" The MS. was robbed 
of all its spirit by our timid Mends. The same Mends have hindered 
me from publishing a pamphlet on Woodstock matters, but you will 
see an abridgement of the narrative part, edited in London, and 
published in the ** Protestant Dissenters' Magazine " for this month 
or next. 

Do you correspond with any Bristol Mends ? We have a member 
of our church there ; Ryland is diligent and much beloved ; Hughes 
beloved at the Academy, but not a popidar preacher. He is ex- 
tremely sensible, and, all in all, he is one of our first young men. 

Pearce, of Birmingham, preached for me the other day most excel- 
lently. Our people collected £14 for the Indian Mission. Hall 
preached with amazing applause at Kettering Association. 
I am, affectionately yours, 

Jakes Hihtok. 

In the '^ Protestant Dissenters' Magazine," vol. 2, p. 252, is 
an account (from which we make an abstract) of that which 
Mr. Hinton, in the preceding letter, calls the "Woodstodc 
matters.^' 

"3fay ISth, 1794, Mr. Hinton was requested by the in- 
habitants of Woodstock to preach to them at the house of 
Mr. Bolton. On the preceding day, however, he waited on the 
mayor, because it had been intimated to him that some dis- 
turbances were expected. The mayor most readily promised 
that there should be none. At half-past six the service com- 
menced, and inmiediately after a mob of 300 or 400 assemble, 
rushed in, and used much abusive language, and sticks were 
employed; at length Mr. Hinton dismissed the congr^ation. 



WOODSTOCK RIOTS. 258 

He and his friends^ however^ were roughly handled ; much 
threatening language and vulgar abuse was bestowed^ with 
stones and missiles of various kinds; so that they did not 
effect their escape without serious injury. 

Application was immediately made by the deputies of the 
three denominations to secretary Dimdas^ and a Westminster 
magistrate was sent down to take depositions^ but he died 
soon aft;er^ and the Duke of Portland coming into ofSce^ so it 
fell out that the matter dropped." 

Norwich, July 14th, 1795. 
Beab Fatheb and Motheb, 

I have lately been preaching a few doctrinal 

sermons, in which I stated the evidence of the principal parts of 

the Christian system. It has proved exercise for myself, and I hope 

information (in a degree) for my people. I mean now to give them 

a few practical subjects, which come in with more force, and can be 

urged closer after the foundation has been laid in doctrine, than at 

any other time ; as it keeps people from suspecting you mean to 

undermine the doctrines of religion, and opens the road more wide 

to the heart. 

As to the com trade, it is in such a state now as cannot be de- 
scribed. In our market wheat sold, last Saturday, 908. per quarter, 
some higher. Last week, at Lynn, for £5. Flour I know not the 
price of, some sold, last week, for YOs ; but the rise has been so 
rapid and variable that it can hardly be said to have a price. 

One of my people asked me, a few days ago, what I thought of 
1 Cor. XV, 29 : " What shall they do who are baptized for the deadf 
This led me to think upon it, and I afberwards found among my 
papers a note transcribed from Bowyer*s " Observations on the New 
Testament." The interpretations, however, of commentators are 
endless ; but if anything is to be made out from thinking on the 
connection it is more likely to be right. 

J. K. 

Bishop Burton, Joly 2Sth, 1795. 
DsAB Son, 

Your question on 1 Cor. xv, 29, has puzzled the 
heads of very many. The argument of the apostle is to prove the 
doctrine of the resurrection, ftt)m verse 12 to 18, which he does by 
many consequences, drawn from the denial of it, or the absurdity of 
the apostles preaching and others believing, since all is &lse and 



254 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

yain if there be no resurrection ; but as Christ is certainly risen and 
become the first-fruits of them that slept, then we, or all they that 
are baptized, are baptized in the faith of the resurrection of the dead ; 
else what should they do who are baptized on account of the dead, 
(being raised,) if there be no resurrection ? If they rise not at all, 
baptism is absurd, the end and design of which is to manifest our 
faith in the death and resurrection of Christ from the dead, and is 
an emblem of our own resurrection, as well as of the resurrection of 
all the dead. To suppose an ellipsis (being raised) makes the sense 
easy. Else what shall they do who are baptized because of the dead 
(being raised) if all the dead rise not ; that is, if there be not a 
general resurrection why are they baptized on that account ? It is 
all in vain. 

I quite approve of your plan of preaching a few doctrinal sermons^ 
as it keeps up in the minds of the people a view of those truths on 
which Christianity is founded, in all its practical effects on the heart 
and life. For without the doctrinal part religion sinks into dead 
formality, and without the practical part it dashes on the rocks of 
speculation, and beats itself to pieces in idle disputation : but steers 
a steady course to the haven of eternal rest when grace is the cargo 
in the heart, and truth guides the helm. Having hope as the anchor 
of the soul, the Christian will ride out every storm, and arrive safe 
at last where sin and sorrow are no more. Happy they who are 
thus guided, and happier they who are safe arrived at the realms of 
bliss. 

Com is as dear and scarce here as in any place we hear of, and 
there is a likelihood of a late harvest. But the Lord lives and reigns, 
and is chastising us as a nation for our wantonness in abusing his 
goodness, and seems as if he was measuring to us the measure we 
meet to others. May the Lord open our eyes to see his outstretched 
hand before he strikes a fatal stroke to crush us as a moth. 

D. K. 

Norwich, Sept 8th, 1795. 
Deak Fathek and Motheb, 

I have been delighted lately in reading the pro- 
phecies ; I read them in Hebrew, which was hard work, and required 
the help of translations, &c., but I think I understand them better 
than ever, and mean to turn the attention of my people more to the Old 
Testament. So large and so valuable a part of the Bible ought not 
to be neglected, and I think a little labour in ministers and a little 
attention in the people, would enable them to read to profit what is 



DR. SAMUEL 8TENNETT. 255 

now merely a dead letter ; and as I have been labouring hard to 
learn a little Hebrew, I want to make it turn to a little good account. 
I have not yet accomplished, as I had wished and hoped, the reading 
of the Hebrew Bible, but I am through the difficulties, and have only 
a part of the Hagiographa to read. But, even with the advantage of 
plentiful and rich assistance from books, I have found the Hebrew 
a very difficult language. 

I have had an accoimt from Mr. Fuller, of Kettering, respecting 
the Hindoo missionaries, with a circular letter from them. Thomas 
and Carey have engaged some one there to superintend a manufac- 
tory of indigo for five months in the year. This is not liked by the 
society here ; however, as Thomas and Carey are, by this means, 
independent, and think they can do something themselves, and have 
said the money collected for them might be employed in some other 
mission, Mr. Fuller and others have directed their thoughts to 
Africa, and two young men are going to Sierra Leone. Carey says 
in his letter, (speaking of the Hindoos,) no one can imagine how 
little they think of the evil of cheating, lying, and the like, and 
what low thoughts they have of God and religion, nor can the force 
of our Lord's observation, " after these things do the Gentiles seek," 
be felt unless by those who have acquaintance with Gentiles. He 
says they have many Persian words in use in Bengal, and some Ben- 
galee much like Hebrew. Specimens are given, which are very 
near Hebrew indeed. J. K. 

P.S. — ^You undoubtedly know Dr. Stennett is dead. I find he 
was sixty-eight, which, from the freshness of his appearance a few 
years ago, I should not have supposed. Oct. 6th, 1795. 

Dr. Samuel Stennett^ one of the most eminent and useful 
ministers of his day, died on the 24th August, 1795, leaving 
behind him, as has been well observed, " a good report of all 
men, and of the truth itself.^' Churchmen and dissenters, 
pedobaptists and Baptists, regarded him with esteem and 
afiection ; and the three principal denominations of dissenters 
joined at his funeral in paying honour to his memory. The 
Presbyterians were reptesented by two most eminent men. 
Dr. ^drew Elippis and Dr. Abraham Rees ; the Independents 
by the Rev. Samuel Brewer, of Stepney, and the Rev. Thomas 
Towle, of Aldermanbury; and the Baptists by the Rev. John 




7^ Jbacf^ SoBiBesx w;w aiy a mril to drsw up die address 
:^3ttiagBagCTttiDfc»»y»*.* I^iiig ^^ illiam III, on occagjon 
43^ lii? £K0ivn' of tfce aaBMnndcm plot, and presented it in 
pencK. OB t^9ik of ApriL 1696. being introduced byCharies, 
Ijori yiordsMJoaJL, afterwards Eari <rf P^erborough. On the 
^ apfjanmi fcr pablic diank^iring for the victoiy of 
B^Tihrim Sqpc. Tdu 1704, Mr. Stennett preached fiom the 
tfcWniiy cooehtsion of Deborah's triomphal ode, (Judges v,31,) 
«: So kt ^ thine enemies perish, O Lord ! but let Aem that 
l0fY Aee be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might/' 
A copr of the semKHi was presented to Queen Anne with- 
0al die author's knowledge, and she ordered a present to 
be made to Mr. Stennett finom the privy purse, with her 
^i^estr's thanks. He died in the year 1713, in the prime of 
lile, and kfk many works which perpetuate his memory. One 
of his brothers was also a minister; and his eldest son, Joseph, 
was pastor of a church at Exeter about sixteen years, and was 
then ordained over the church in Little Wild Street, Sept. 16, 
1787. In 1754 "the University of St. Andrew's created him 
P.D., «t the instance and recommendation of his Royal High- 



THB STENNETT FAMILY. 257 

nes8 the Duke of Cumberland^ their chancellor, who con- 
descended to send the diploma to Mr. Stennett by his 
secretary/^ * 

Dr. Joseph Stennett was, like his father and grandfather, a 
Sabbatarian, he was one of the founders of the society for 
promoting religious knowledge among the poor, in 1750, and 
the author of several sermons. He died Feb. 7th, 1758, and 
Dr. Gill preached his funeral sermon. 

Joseph Stennett, the eldest son of the doctor, was pastor 
of the Baptist church at Coate, in Oxfordshire ; and died in 
1769. His brother, 

Samuel Stennett succeeded his father at Little Wild 
Street. He was honoured with the title of D.D., by the 
King's College and University of Aberdeen, in 1763. Like 
his ancestors, he was an author and poet of considerable 
eminence ; and, like them, he left a son in the ministry, viz., 

Joseph Stennett, who is mentioned in Robert Hall's 
Life t as accompanying him to Aberdeen in 1783, and who 
afterwards became pastor of the Baptist church at Calne, in 
Wiltshire. 

Norwich, NoTember 3rd, 1795. 
Beab Fatheb and Mother, 

I have now to tell you a piece of news, viz., that 

I have written a pamphlet on the controversy raised by Edwards ; 

still more, that it is printing, that the last of it is now in the 

press, and to-morrow will be ready for the world. I imagine I see 

the surprise with which you will read this sentence. You will also 

think I have gone contrary to my usual method, in not informing 

you of my proceeding, but the fact is, when I wrote to you last I 

had not an idea of writing ; but I wrote to Mr. Button and Dr. 

Rippon to know whether the controversy was asleep yet, or whether 

there seemed room for another pamphlet. The reply was, the 

controversy is aU alive, vrrite and print by all means, but do it 

directly. My reason for writing the pamphlet was this ; when I read 

Mr. Edwards's book I was struck with it in one direction, that the 

way to answer him would be to grant him the leading parts of his 

argaments, and, meeting him on his own ground, show that he had 

• Ivimey's "History," toL iii, p. 683. 
t R. HaU'8 " Worka," toI. tI, p. 10. 



258 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHOBN. 

either proved nothing or too much ; and bo not trouble ourselves by- 
opposing and controverting all he has said. In this way I have 
attempted a reply to the principal things he has said. My pamphlet 
will be about fifty pages^ duodecimo, sixpence. I will send you a 
few by first Hull ship. 

Though for a week past I have had very hard work, and by 
transcribing and correcting the manuscript for the press, have had 
my hands so full that I have been obliged to labour both early and 
late, yet, through mercy, both spirits and strength were equal to 
the task, and altogether I am quite as well as usual — I think rather 
better. J. K. 

The reception which Mr. Kinghom's first printed work met 
was, on the whole, favourable. In London it had a fair sale; 
and Mr. Booth, it is said, was much pleased with it. One of 
the reviews mentioned it, and spoke as handsomely of it as 
pedobaptists could be expected to do, saying, that to attack 
a man on his own ground was fair and bold ; and that the 
ingenious author had liandled his weapons with considerable 
adroitness. In Norwich the work had a rapid sale, and was 
much praised; and in Yorkshire, as might be expected, it met 
with a hearty and warm reception. His father says, after 
making careful observations on various passages in the work, 
'^ I have nothing more that I noticed in reading it, as it met 
my approbation ; but especially the concluding part, which is 
so moving that I could not read forward, and your mother 
burst into tears." Mucli as Mr. Kinghom might be pleased 
with the approbation expressed by his people, and by his 
friends in general, with the courteous notice of it by his 
pedobaptist brethren, and by the favourable opinion of one of 
such high standing in the denomination as Abraham Bootli ; 
we may easily suppose that to Joseph Kinghom the brief 
notice of the effect it produced at Bishop Burton would be 
far more grateful, and we accordingly find him acknowledging 
that to be the highest panegyric. 

Encouraged probably by the success of his first publication, 
Mr. Kinghom again prepared to enter the lists of polemical 
divinity, but was aftennards deterred from doing so. He says, 
in writing to Bishop Biu^n, Dec. 29th, 1795 : — 



REPLY TO PETER EDWARDS. 259 

Norwich, December 29th, 1795. 
You will in time cease to be surprised when I 
tell you any unexpected thing ; but I am likely to print again, not 
on the subject of Baptism. Tom Paine has published a second part 
of the " Age of Reason," which is not at all political, but an attack 
on the Bible in the grossest way, particulariy on the authority of 
the Old Testament. It has been out some time, but no answer has 
appeared, except one which nobody seems to like. I am writing in 
defence of the law of Moses, and if I like what I have written, when 
it is done, I may, perhaps, throw it into the world. The consideration 
of the subject has been of considerable service to myself, so that it 
is a gain, if nothing more comes of it. I was never before aware 
how strong the internal evidence for the mission of Moses was, and 
I flatter myself I have obtained a line of argument which, if not 
absolutely new, has not been pursued to its extent on this point. 
A little time will determine whether I print or not. 

I remain, wishing you every blessing for time and eternity. 

Yours in duty and affection, J. K. 

I wish you a happy new year in everything. 

In a letter dated January 9th, 1796, Mr. David Kinghom 
quotes from the ^' Hull Advertiser,'* of December 26th, 1795, 
the following passage : — 

"On Sunday last, the 13th inst., at three o'clock in the afternoon, 
the inhabitants of Wold Newton, in the county of York, and the 
villages adjoining for eight miles round, were very much terrified 
by a strange phenomenon : a report was first heard resembling the 
discharge of two large cannons, one following the other, about the 
space of half a minute, and immediately after a rumbling noise, its 
direction seemed to be from east to west ; at the same instant a 
stone fell out of the air, weighing fifty-five pounds, two hundred 
yards from Wold Cottage, near "Wold Newton, the residence of 
Captain Topham, and not more than thirty yards from three of his 
servants, who were amusing themselves in the field at the same 
time. By the velocity of its fall it penetrated the ground eighteen 
inches ; it was warm when it fell, the outside very black, and smelled 
strong of sulphur ; immediately followed a very heavy shower of 
rain. Many neighbouring gentlemen have been to see it, who 
probably by this time may have discovered the reason of so unusual 
a thing ; some people suppose it has been done by art, but most 

8 2 



260 LIFE OF JOSEPH RINGHORN. 

think it to be a phenomenon. It is of the nature of the freestone, 
and has shining particles in it when broken ; it rings, when struck, 
like limestone j and is not in any way different in weight or size to 
our common freestone." 

N.B. — In my map of Yorkshire, and by all the verbal accounts of 
the place, it is in or near the road from Driffield to Scarborough, 
about two miles beyond Foxholes. D. K. 

This meteoric stone is in the British Museum Mineral 
Gallery, said to have fallen on the 13th December, 1795, at 
Thwing, in the East Riding of Yorksliire. 

In the next letter Mr. Kinghorn announces the abandon- 
ment of his intention to answer Paine. lie says ; — 

Norwich, Jan. 26th, 1796. 
I had 'WTittcn and transcribed sixtj' quarto pages 
in opposition to Paine, and in the defence of the truth and justice 
of the law of Moses, when I saw an answer published, which I 
thought superseded mine. And as it was by one who had published 
rather a popular answer to the first part of Paine' s **Age of Reason," 
I thought I did not stand a good chance of disposing of mine. 
The reply is entitled *' Tlie Age of Infidelity, by a Laj-man."* 

I am now ardently wishing I were able to read the Sj-riac 
Testament, (an acquisition I hope to make) for the purpose of 
seeing how that very ancient translation represents the reasoning 
of St. Paul on the doctrines of the gospel ; as it is acknowledged to 
have been so early translated that there is little fear of its being 
waq^ed by the disputes which afterwards arose on religious subjects. 
Before this reaches Bishop Burton I shall probably be able to say I 
have read the Hebrew Bible through, for only three chapters now 
remain. 

Norwich, Feb. 23rd, 1796. 
I remark what you say, that the Syriac wiU be 
followed by the Arabic and Ethiopic. I do not know, perhaps not. 
Learning languages is dry work. But I hope in this not to have 
any very hard labour ; I have a very tolerable idea of the grammar, 
and read a little, and at my last attempt I read twenty verses in 
the space of an hour, which was not owing to any superior powers 
or application in me, but to the close affinity of the language to the 
Hebrew. I hope, ho weaver, I shall not neglect the pulpit, (whilst 
I acquire a little additionid knowledge of words,) especially as the 

« Thomas Williams, the editor of " The Cottage Bible." 



THE SYRIAC NEW TESTAMENT. 261 

leading motive is to consecrate whatever I may gain to the study 
and promotion of Grod's word. 

A new party of people are rising in the religious world in 
London ; I know not well how to describe them, they are a sort of 
Socinian, who intend to meet together and carry on worship, or 
conversation, or something, I hardly know what, without a minister, 
by rising and each speaking their opinions, as they may feel them- 
selves disposed. I do not hear that they pay, or are likely to pay, 
much attention to their Bibles. And I think it probable they will 
want a bond to unite them together. I hear my old friend Anthony 
Robinson is gone to London, and will be one of the number. They 
mean to talk a great deal against priestcraft, and for virtue ; they 
also suppose the most exalted state of society (which will one day 
take place) will be an equality of property, when wealth will not 
be known. If we live a little longer, we shall see them rise ; and, 
if spared a little longer still, we shall likely see them fall. 

J. K. 

Mr. Robinson published in 1792, "A Short History of the 
Persecutions of Christianity;'' and on the publication of 
Robert Hall's Sermon on "Modem Infidelity/' he wrote a 
pamphlet of more than sixty pages, ''An Examination of the 
Sermon," from which it is evident that he had by that time 
become quite an Atheist. See " Baptist Annual Register," 
voL i, p. 471. R. Hall's "Works," vol. vi, p. 63. 

In the early part of the year Mr. Kinghom had been 
invited by Mr. Pendered, who was his intimate friend when 
at Newcastle, to take part with Robert HaU, of Cambridge, 
and Thomas Langdou, of Leeds, in the opening of the new 
meeting in George Street, Hull. This building was erected 
for the use of those who had left the church in Salthouse 
Lane, on account of some diflFerences of opinion with respect 
to the choice of a minister ; and of this new church Mr. 
Pendered was to be the pastor. In anticipation of this visit 
Mr. Kinghom writes to his father thus : — 

Norwich, April 19th, 1796. 
Now then, the journey. If it please God, I set 
off early in May, hy what way I know not. Captain Metcalf, our 



262 LirE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

old friend, is at Yarmouth, he will sail about that time ; if he suits 
me I shall like to come by him, unless you say no. 

Supplies are fixed. A Baptist here, in the city, brings his 
congregation to ours in the morning, an Independent (Mr. Hart's 
successor) preaches in the evening. In the afternoon, a few of our 
people will keep together at the meeting, and the rest go and see 
their neighbours. This plan is convenient, and I hope from present 
appearances will perfectly succeed. On the Wednesday evenings 
our two friends are to supply us alternately. Since I last wrote I 
have been at times but languid, but am better, and hope to be 
benefited by travelling and rest, as I believe my principal com- 
plaints arise from over-exertion. 

J. K. 

Having thus arranged for supplies, Mr. Kinghom went 
firom Norwich to Yarmouth, on Monday, April 25th, and 
after a voyage, as he says, " almost unexampled for pleasant, 
ness,'* arrived at Hull about seven o'clock on Friday morning, 
whence he wrote to his parents, giving them the expectation 
of seeing him on the following day. 

It is not a little amusing to find Mr. Kinghom, during his 
vacation, employed in the somewhat dissimilar occupations of 
preaching at the opening of a chapel, and buying, for his 
business friends in Norwich, figs and black Smymas. AlS 
was his custom in everything, he paid the most careM 
attention to the requests of those friends, and acquitted him- 
self in his commercial negociations as a good and practised 
man of business. The chapel was opened May 18th, Messrs. 
Thomas Langdon and Robert Hall preached in the morning^ 
and Mr. Kinghom in the evening, from 1 Cor. i, 18 : " For 
the preaching of the cross is to them that perish, foolishness ; 
but to us which are saved, it is the power of Grod.'* 

Amongst the Norwich news sent to Mr. Kinghom by his 
friends, Mr. Thomas Hawkins and Mr. W. W. Wilkin, we 
find it mentioned that a red coat parson, a sergeant in the 
Warwickshire Militia, named Burton, had been preaching 
in his regimentals, at the Tabernacle and the Old Meeting, 
with great popularity; also that the popular democratic 
orator, Thelwall, had been lecturing in the city. 



THELWALL AT NORWICH. 263 

"I am going," says Mr. Hawkins, May 24th, "to hear him this 
evening, he is to give us a digression on the Constitution and fate 
of Poland ; I heard him last evening from the leads of Mr. Cozens's 
shop in the market place, he is a most powerfiil speaker, I suppose 
between 4000 and 5000 people heard every word distinctly, and he 
gave "Windham a most severe trimming, every sentence bore hard 
on his antagonist." 

Mr. Kinghom*8 voyage home was very boisterous, and not 
unattended with danger. The following account of it is from 
his letter to Bishop Burton, on his arrival in Norfolk : — 

Angel Inn, Lynn, Jane 4th, 1796. 

Bear Father and Mother, 

I suppose you would learn yesterday that I had 
sailed from Hull, friends having engaged to inform you ; and I wish 
I could have had speedier means of telling you that, at the time 
you received that account, I was actually in Lynn river ; at five in 
the afternoon we were at the end of the town. This was expe- 
dition indeed ! 

A little before five in the morning we got clear of the jetty at 
Hull, and were under weigh, wind north. Before eight we were 
out at sea, the wind veered north-east, and blew harder. It 
gradually rose till it became boisterous, but was quite fair for us. 
The water dashed over the decks, and I was frequently up to the 
ankles, and once midlcg deep in seas that broke aboard, but this I 
did not mind, not being particularly careful to keep out of their 
way, as my good old boots were capable of turning a little water. 
The wind soon raised the sea. It was a very grand sight, to see 
such a body of water rise into hiUs and sink into valleys, while we 
were reeling along, and seemed to fly from billow to billow, 
supported and carried by the very element whose appearance was 
so formidable. I do not suppose it ran what a seaman would call 
mountains high, but I never saw it so before. Happily I felt no 
fear. However, I could not stand it long ; about nine o'clock I 
grew very bad, and the captain, with another passenger not so ill 
as myself, lifted me into bed by main strength. The storm 
increased, and I could hear the sea break over the deck with great 
violence, but when we got into smooth water I fell asleep. When 
we were coming up Lynn river, I thought I understood the 107th 
Psalm better than ever : " that men would praise the Lord for 



2M LIPS OP JOSEPH KIN6HO&N. 

liit goodncsR ! '' I am afraid you hare been xmemsy on aooount of 
tho atorniincBs of the day, and much I wished I could dart along 
iuforniation that I was safe arriyed. I was not struck with this 
fon^ibly till tho pilot told us a yessel had gone from Lynn into the 
riHiila tho day before, and was yesterday driven back to Lynn, 
having |>artod with both her cables. Till then I confess I did not 
think (to nuioh of tho wind. I am very thankfrd the tide and ererj 
othrr ciriHimstaneo favoured us, so that we had not to lie at anchor 
all night. The captain was a very good kind of man, a Methodist. 
Ho hud his wife and two children with him, who had been Yisiting 
»onu' tHends at Hull. There was also a young man, a Methodist^ 
and a militiaman, but conversntion was soon at end when the wind 
rose high. The captain*s wife was ill in bed, and had a child 
♦iltcen months old witli her, but the child was neither sick nor 
Horry, but cheerful tmd merr}' all day long, innocently imitating the 
noises around, iu >vluoh he became a tolerable proficient befc»e 
night, and when I was better I could not help being highly diverted 
with him. J. K. 

From Lynn it seems Mr. Kinghom went to Lesdate^ to 
visit Mr. Timothy Durrant, and thence returned home. 

Xorwifh, JqIt 6tti, 1796. 
DeaB FaTHEB AXD MoTHXBy 

I am reading "Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress," 
which I have not read for many years. It is a very curious, admi- 
rable old book, but I am a little puzzled sometimes to know what 
he refers to. He hits off characters admirably well, and through the 
whole displays most singular ability; even the most experienced 
Christians may read it to advantage, and perhaps they wOl read it 
to more advantage than others. I am also reading "Bobertson's 
History of Charles V, King of Spain, and Emperor of Germany," 
which particularly takes in the period of the fieformation in the 
days of Luther.. I also have by me a new and learned Commentary 
on the Epistles, with a new translation by Br. Mackni^t^ from 
which I hope to gain something. 

I have been congratulated on bringing back an improved appear- 
ance from Yorkshire. The reception I met with from my own 
people, and acquaintance in general of all classes, was exceedingly 
friendly, and we have now frdlen into the old track quite regolariy. 

Yours, &c., 

J. K. 



Walton's polyglot. 265 

Norwich, August 2nd, 1796. 
Deab Fatheb and Motheb, 

I have had Bome conversation with a serious 
young man, whose residence is Birmingham ; he gives a very flatter- 
ing account of the state of religion there, and looks on us in Norwich 
as all asleep. It is true we are low enough, though we have many, 
who, I hope, will bear the test of the great day. But what I men- 
tion this for is, that he says the young people in Dr. Priestley's late 
congregation, with whom he took such pains, and in whom he 
thought he had stores of future pleasure, are many of them turned 
Infidels ! 

As to Macknight on the Eomans, there is in it a great deal of 
learning and thought. His translation is, by little things, varied so 
aa that great consequences follow. He has a system different from 
what is usual among any of the religious parties that I am 
acquainted with, and he supports it with great ability, and whether 
the reader approves or disapproves, he will in some respect or other 
be instructed, for it is evidentiy a work of great labour. 

I am busy reading Livy's *' Roman History," a regular portion 
in a day, and I think it will be useful. I am just now very proud 
of a Polyglot Bible I met with very cheap. It wants a few 
chapters in Job, which was the reason I got it so reasonably. But 
I have what I have often wished, Targums in plenty. No less than 
three on the law, besides one through the whole Old Testament, 
and all furnished with Latin translations. 

J. K. 

In August^ 1796^ Mr. Kinghom applied to the Baptist 
Fund for assistance to the newly-formed church at Aylsham^ 
giving an account of his connection with that people. The 
appeal was responded to by the Fund. 

Referring to his recent purchase of a Polyglot, of which his 
father expresses his fear lest he should be buried under so 
much learned lumber, Mr. Kinghom says : — 

Norwich, August 30th, 1796. 
I observe your remarks on my load of learned 
lumber lately procured, and your admonitions respecting it, which 
are all good. Hitherto I have not been buried ; I have been pre- 
vented from great study by many things. A few hours every day 
I have obtained, but that is all. One, two, or three chapters of the 
Old Testament are read daily the first thing. livy, too, you need 



266 LIFE OF JOSEPH KIN6HORN. 

not fear, for though I seldom omit him when at home, yet I seldom 
read above three folio pages per day. I think I shall, in time, attend 
to your advice in not relying on Latin translations, but comparing 
the Chaldee with the Hebrew, for I want to know what the Jews 
thought of many things, and never had the opportunity till lately. 
Dr. Macknight is both interesting and valuable to me as I have begun 
to comment on the Epistle to the Eomans, and part of my time, 
lately, has been employed in copying his variations from our trans- 
lation, and in taking notes of what I thought new or curious. 
Besides, I am not sure that I shall not write a little piece soon ; a 
few essays on serious religion, in opposition to the cold formality of 
the present day, designed to show that serious religion is not enthu- 
siasm, but the just impression of the gospel which must be so felt, 
when it is believed that the leading doctrines of justification by faith 
and of a divine influence, are not unscriptural nor unreasonable; 
that many considerations justify the theory and tendency of an 
atonement ; that the ITew Testament doctrine concerning Christ is 
not that of a created Being, but that this was an idea in the eastern 
philosophy which the apostles were opponng ; that the tendency of 
this system is thoroughly good in this world, and fits us for a ftirther 
display of God's character and glory in futurity. To conclude by 
sho'wang what a steady activity it ought to produce in professors of 
religion, and with an address to them on the present appearance of 
the decline of godliness. 

I have been out a few days at difi'crent times, and away from my 
regular pursuit. I have taken paper, &c., in my pocket book, and 
in spare hours have put together a few things, so that a kind of plan 
is laid, and a few short-hand pages of outlines written. It will 
principally be a short, serious appeal to the common sense of men 
rather than an attempt at philosophical argument; and if I should 
not like it when it is done it will not be lost ; the seriousness of 
the subject will compensate for the labour, and hitherto it has been 
written at times which were redeemed either from trivial reading 
or from entire trifling. ^ J. K. 

Deab Son, 

Yours we received in due time, and are glad to 
find you enjoy tolerable health, and that you are busy in preparing 
materials for publishing a piece on serious religion ; according to the 
plan you propose, I doubt not that it would be of utility to many, 
providing that people would buy and read it carefully ; but the mis- 
fortune is, books of that kind will have few readers and fewer buyers, 



TRACT ON SERIOUS RELIGION. 267 

80 that there is a danger of labouring in vain on such a subject ; but 
if you will run the risk of the sale of it, I shall be far firom dis- 
couraging you, as I should rejoice to see the fruits of your labour 
in print. D. K. 

Dear Pather and Mother, 

As to my little piece, I have made very little 
addition since I wrote last. I am afraid it would not sell so as to 
clear me, and I cannot afford to lose much ; however, I shall go on 
gradually, though perhaps slowly, providing materials. When I 
consider the present state of men's minds, I think such a piece 
might, perhaps, have its use. But when I recollect how little they 
are affected by argument, or anjrthing else, I despair. My only hopes 
are in the serious young people. To convince them that serious 
religion is reasonable, is a great object. Those who have gone aside, 
or lost their zeal for God or his truth, I know not what can reclaim. 

Since I received* yours I have procured the Mishnah, with the 
various commentaries, and have begun to read rabbinical Hebrew ; 
and did I not possess better help than a common Hebrew Lexicon 
I could not get forward ; but I think I shall do very well (with 
labour.) One lesson I have learned from the little I have read, that 
there is no hope of converting the Jews till they give up their wise 
men, as they call them, for their rules of judging true prophets 
from false ones are such as will never admit of their acknowledging 
Christ as a Prophet, till they give up their old teachers. " In vain 
do ye worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." 
Their religion is superstitious, their vanity enormous ; but I think 
their writings will be of use in understanding the New Testament 
as weU as the Old. J. K. 



CHAPTER XV. 

1797. MT. 31. 

Home pursiiiU — Buonaparte and the Pope — David Kinghom*% Vmnm 
on the Anniversary of hie Wedding — Joseph Kinghom^e r^fiecUom 
on hie own solitariness — Riot at Norwich — WHberfores an Chrii- 
tianity — Geddes on the Old Testament — Dyer^e Life of BMn$on — 
Death of Dr, Unfield—*' Speculative Society *'^Brief 8kei4fh ofOs 
Members. 

From the following extracts we see a little of Mr. Kinghom's 
daily occupations ; he says in writing home^ February 14th, 
1797:— 

Tlic truth is, I study steadily, but not closely ; my habits are 
rt^gular. My mornings arc spent at home till twelve o'clock, then I 
walk out, either to the public library, the booksellers, or the fields. 
I drink tea from home about tlirec afternoons in the week, the other 
three 1 am at home. Tlius my application is not severe, and regu- 
lated as I iind strengtli. The first thing done is daily to read a 
part of the Hehrew Bible, after that other things as they are 
wanted. 

A young man yesterday drank tea with us at Mr. Hawkins's, who 
comes from London. Tlie Jews became the subject of conversation. 
The lecture at Berry Street was mentioned, he said a few Jews 
attended, but only a few ; but the High Priest had issued an edict 
that those who frequented such lectures should be put out of the 
s}'nagogue. Tlie llabbies hold up both hands against every- 
tliiiig of the kind, and while their influence continues, the Jews 
will, as a body, do as they have done. 

It has been much expected lately that Buonaparte would rout 
the Pope, take Home, and abolish the Popedom ; when things were 
at the worst with the Pope, I told a few friends 1 thought he would 
make it up. His lease was not yet expired. One replied he thought 



INVITATION TO GEORGE STREET^ HULL. 269 

he was, howevery in the last year of his term. But peace is made, 
and though he was completely in the power of his enemies, they 
had reasons for not touching him. 

In another letter Mr. Kinghom mentions the receipt of a 
communication from the deacons of the church meeting in 
George Street, HuD, which he says thoroughly surprised him, 
informing him that Mr. Pendered was leaving the church at 
George Street, and entreating him if he knew a minister at 
liberty, likely to suit them, to send them his name, adding also 
that if he were himself removeable, they knew of no one who 
would be more acceptable. He remarks to his father in 
speaking of it : — 

Norwich, April 10th, 1797. 
I replied I could not conscientiously accept the invi- 
tation. !No doubt the Hull people thought the vicinity of Hull to 
Bishop Burton, and the effect of early friendships with a few there 
would have their weight with me, and so they would, were I at 
liberty to attend to such circumstances solely, but I cannot think I 
should be justified in leaving Norwich. "We have a great deal of 
quietness here, and much personal respect is shown me. J. E. 

With respect to his son^s conscientious determination to 
stay with the church over which the Lord had made him 
overseer, Mr. David Kinghom remarks : — 

Bishop Burton, April 22nd, 1797. 
Conscience is a faithfiil monitor, and a severe reprover ; to attend to 
its dictates in our dealings with men is the greatest wisdom, and is 
infinitely better than gold or rubies, could they be obtained at the 
expense of a conflict with it. You will, perhaps, think it strange 
that I should be the first to supply at George Street after Mr. Pen- 
dered has removed. Last Lord's day I preached to them from John 
xvii, 26. D. K. 

P.S. This day thirty-two years ago we were married. See the 
scribble on the edge hastily written. 

^' The scribble'' here referred to is the following amnaing 



270 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHOftN. 

little poetic efiiision^ written by David Ejnghom in memofry 
of his nuptials. 

In social bliss 'midst cares and fears 
We'Tc Uved two-and-thirty years ; 
In Taurus Sol again ascends, 
ReriTing spring fresh vigour senda ; 
Trees, plants, and birds again seem gay, 
Summer's approach fresh hopes display,! 
While time thus rolling on so fast, 
Our days and strength perpetual waste. 

In reference to this Mr. Kinghom makes the following 
interesting remarks : — 

I was struck with your relation of the anniversary 
of thirty- two years marriage. May that day often find you both in 
health and happiness. There is a solitariness in single life : the 
heart wants a companion, a friend to whom aU can be told is not to 
be met with in our common intercourse. I dare say if I had a wife 
I loved, and who loved me, I should tell what now lies buried till 
it is forgotten, ^liat are generally called friends are very valuable. 
I own it, and I have many I esteem, yet there is an intercourse of 
sentiment of a higher kind, and which it seems impossible to enjoy 
but where the interest and happiness of two are completely made 
one. You will by this time suspect that I am at least half in love, 
perhaps courting, &c. No; but I could not help saying what I 
have, from the circumstance you mention. 

A riot happening at Norwich at this time^ by reason of a 
party of Enniskillen dragoons attacking two public houses 
where the democrats were wont to assemble^ Mr. Kinghom^ 
with his usual attentive kindness^ wrote to his parents on 
purpose to give them an account of it^ lest they might read it 
in the newspapers and be alarmed. The disturbance was 
occasioned by ThelwalVs giving notice of a public lecture^ 
but it was soon quelled and order restored; the ringleaders of 
the attack ran off to avoid punishment. 

In a subsequent letter he mentions the publication of 
William Wilberforce's work on Christianity. He says : — 

Wilbcrforcc, member for your county, has published, 1 hear, a 
Viry fanatical book, it quite raises a hue-and-cry ; and I begin to 



WILBERFOBCE^S BOOK. 271 

imagme by what I hear, and what I see in the reviews, that I shall 
like it in part, at least, for there are a set of people whose outcry 
is nearly a recommendation. 

In the same letter Mr. Kinghom also adverts to the dip- 
loma of D.D. having been sent by the College at New Jersey, 
to Andrew Fuller a few days after Rhode Island College had 
conferred on him the honorary degree of Master of Arts ; but 
Mr. David Kinghom formed a right estimate of his character 
when he said in reply, ^' I should think he would be ready to 
say, as David of the armour, ^ I cannot go with these, for I 
have not proved them.'*' Andrew Fuller never used his 
titles, and in this he acted in the same way as did Robert 
Hall, Archibald McLean, and others. 

But to return to the correspondence. 

Norwich, July 25th, 1797. 
Deab Fathee and Mother, 

Your last afforded me a sermon. Your observa- 
tions on the difficulties which embarrassed the Jews respecting the 
plainest declarations of the New Testament struck me ; I thought of 
a text, John xii, 37, ** But though he had done so many miracles 
before them, yet believed they not on him; " and I took the leading 
idea from your letter, showing that from what we see of men now, 
we need not wonder that men then did not attend to the clearest 
evidence ; and, I have reason to believe, I have not said anything 
lately that has been more acceptable. I told you, some time ago, 
oiu: meeting was being painted; we inhabited the Bridge Street 
meeting six weeks, and then, as Mr. Newton wanted to go and 
visit his son, and we were from oiu: own place, we agreed to unite 
our congregation to his, that I might preach to both congregations 
in his meeting during his absence. This meeting is a very large 
old place, and holds both societies well, so that I have had a large 
body of people to preach to for three weeks. One Lord's day more 
we shall stay there, and then move homewards. I have also had 
every reason to believe that my services there have been very 
acceptable to Mr. Newton's people. 

My knowledge of the Hebrew increases, for the plain reason that 
I work at it every day, less or more, and I begin to feel my ground. 
I am surprised at finding such a change in the various books and 
pleasiure at being able to discover it, yet I am rather puzzled by the 



272 LIPE or JOSEPH kinghobn. 

inquiry which it excites — ^I observe in the latter part of Prorertw, 
in Solomon's Song, and Ecclesiastes, many Chaldaisms, and seycnl 
words not pure Hebrew — I want to account for these being there ; 
prior to the days of Solomon there was no communication between 
Israel and distant countries ; of course their language could not be 
tinctured in that way. After Solomon's time they extended tibeir 
connections, and in time, their language would necessarily feel t^e 
influence, but it is difficult to say how it could be so affected in t^e 
time of Solomon, that he should depart from the purity of his own 
language, (unless he was ambitious of following foreign phraseology) 
and rather difficult to say what communications there were then 
between Israel and Chaldca. J. K. 

Norwich, August 22nd, 1797. 
Deab Fatheb and Motheb, 

«««««« 

Since my last, I have seen Dr. G^des's second 
volume of his new translation of the Old Testament, from Judges 
to the end of Chronicles. The translation is in many places ad- 
mirable, but in his preface he completely denies the inspiration of 
the historical books of the Old Testament, and places them on a 
level, or rather below the level of good original histories of nations 
written at the time. The argument, as it applies to Moses and the 
prophets, is very different, for their evidences of inspiration are 
more easily discoverable. You are quite right, that one great 
reason why men do not understand the Bible is, that the carnal 
mind is enmity against God, for I have observed in conversation on 
the very subject with some, in other respects highly informed, and 
even wise respecting the externals of religion, that they seem to 
have no idea whatever of the operation it has on the heart and 
conscience, and explain its effects in a manner which excites 
astonishment at seeing how far sensible men can get wrong. 

I cannot agree with you entirely, that " the simplicity of the 
apostles' age is to be seen amongst the Methodists and Baptists who 
have no other learning than their own tongue, and who read little 
besides the Bible." If the simplicity of religion be found among 
them, which I readily allow, yet in point of knowledge they are by 
no means specimens of the simplicity of the apostolic age— their 
circimistances are very different. 

As things stand now, a degree of information, and a good d^;ree 
of thought, are necessary to know the true situation of things in 
the primitive church, that we may properly feel all that was said, 



dyer's LIPE of ROBINSON. 273 

and all tliat is described. A general knowledge of all that is im- 
portant to salvation may be obtained without this, but a comprehen- 
sive acquaintance with the simplicity of divine truth cannot be 
obtained without study. This is clear from fact, for those we have 
most respected as men of knowledge in religion, have acquired 
their knowledge by long and assiduous application. The pride of 
learning in some, is no argument whatever against its utility, 
nor its importance in the knowledge of the Scriptures, for without 
it we should be much worse off than we are. The truth is, litera- 
ture and piety are both of so much consequence, that we cannot do 
that with one which we can do with both. 

Dyer's " life of Bx)binson" is a very entertaining book, but there 
are things in it I am sorry for, I think they will do no good. 
TTia character of Ex)bin8on is not very far from the truth ; at the 
latter part of his life he was in many things quite what he is repre- 
sented, he played for a long time with his former connections and 
friends, and in time they resented it, it broke his heart, or at least 
assisted in shortening his days, and it has left Eobinson as a beacon 
to others, not to depend on their abilities, nor play with their 
friends. But I imagine Dyer has not done justice to some parts of 
his character ; he was a man extremely sensible to obligation, and 
his acknowledgments were on this account thought to be more 
false than they really were ; he uniformly made flattery a test of 
character, those who took it in he flattered continually, those who 
would not he respected. He was always at this game, the conse- 
quence was, his friends apologised for it as a failing, and men in 
common knew not how to reconcile it with honesty. He was a 
great man, and had done much good, yet really his end was not 
with honour. 

Wilberforce's book I am reading. On the question of establish- 
ments we differ widely, for the more I see and think on the subject, 
the more I am persuaded an establishment is not the church of Jesus' 
Christ, nor the best means of promoting his cause. But in other 
things, so far as I have yet read, Mr. "Wilberforce's book is excel- 
lent, and deserves very high praise. He will be called, undoubtedly, 
a Methodist, probably a madman, but I think he speaks the words 
of truth and soberness. ' 

Thanks for your care for me during the hot weather, it was a 
severe trial ; however, the weather is not hot now, and probably we 
shall have little more this summer. Wishing you every blessing for 
time and eternity, I remain, yours in duty and affection, 

T 



274 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

Konridb, Sept. UA. 13;. 
I am reading the " Targmn of Onkelos.*' 1 11101% 
read one chapter per diem^ and I am surprised at seeing hov be 
represents the Memra as the medium of God's commnniratinnt to 
man. If such lang^uage was used in the synagogues of tbe Jcvs» 
they never could imagine that, when the apostles said, ** the w«d 
was made flesh/' anything short of the ascription of a diTine 
character coidd he meant; a Socinian Messiah they must hare 
regarded as an interpretation of the words too absurd to need 
refuting. 

An ohjcction may he started, — that the Memra was an angclie 
being ; but Colossians, chap, i, seems point blank against that notkn. 
I find the Jews consider angels as divided into three daasea — 
class one, (the highest,) seraphim, cherubim, thrones; daas tw% 
dominions, virtues, powers; class three, principalities, arehangds, 
angels. Keeping this in our eye, how evidently does the aposUe 
moan to place Christ far above them, and above all similar heings, so 
that saying he is an angel of a higher order than they, is not 
coming up either to the apostle's language or design. This chapter 
in Colossians has oft l)ecn thought to favour Arianism, I think it 
ruU it up by showing that something like an Arian system arose in 
the days of the apostles which they opposed. 

J. K. 

Oct 14tk, 1797. 
Dkau Fatiiku, 

1 am glad to hear of your being on the whole in 

tolerable health. I biive l>egun a letter on this day just to show I 

wan not inaU4mtivo to a circumstance mentioned in your last, that 

tluH day coniploto<l sixty years with you. May he who has been 

your gtii<lo hitherto not forsake you when strength faUeth. May 

your latt-er dap Iw serene and numerous. May you enjoy uninter- 

niptrtlly ever)* earthly comfort you wish, have the dear use of 

everj* mental fheulty, and with the whole, the light of God's comi- 

t<^nance. May you often see this day return, and ever bring with it 

some now blessing, and, as the life of each of us is both unoeitain 

and limit<Hi, may we, when romovt^ hence, form a family in hesven. 

I thought Mr. Will>erfor(>o and you would agree, except in the 
matt4>r of ostablishment.s &c., whore he and I differed greatly. 

The dclvito al>out garments in Queen Elizabeth's days, has quite 
put me out of temper with the black coat. I wish all badges of 
office by which we socm to claim kindred with the king's deifj 



SAMUEL NEWTON^ THE YOUNGER. 275 

were done away; They are the proper regimentals of the establish- 
ment ; but it is mere superstition that has hung them on our backs. 

The time I hope will come when the prejudices of the people will 
be so lowered as to admit laying them aside, without producing any 
unpleasant effect. However, I have in a former letter acknowledged 
the merit of Mr. Wilberforce's book. 

We have had Mr. Newton, Jun., here lately, he has preached fre- 
quently for me, for Mr. Wilks, for his father. He is one of the 
most serious sensible men I know, very few live so much in the 
light of eternity. There is such a sense of the truth and impor- 
tance of the gospel on that man's mind, as makes him preach in a 
very singular manner, with an unaffected earnestness which strongly 
impresses. I hope his coming has done many of us good ; and so it 
is, that men are struck with those things from a stranger which 
their own ministers might press on them till their hearts ache, 
without the smallest effect. 

J. K. 

• Bishop Burton, Oct 28th, 1797. 

Dear Son, 

Yours of the 17th gave us great satisfaction, 
both in respect to the remarks and prayers on the 14th, and your 
other observations in general ; which not to acknowledge would be 
ungenerous. The account you give of Mr. Newton and his labours 
is pleasing on various considerations. The Lord works, and who 
shall let it ; where, when, by whom, and in what manner, and to 
what degree and end he pleases. Happy they who reap the benefit 
of the additional labours of any of GK)d's servants. 

Your mother sent a basket, with a small pot of honey, a few nuts, 
and apples to be shipped for you, which you will probably receive 
before you write again. Your mother has a sore cold this week, 
but we hope it is going off again, as her cough is abated. Through 
mercy I am tolerably well, we have reason to be thankful that we 
have never been both ill together. 

Whatever changes take place in the world, it is the Christian's 
happiness that the promises of God are all yea and amen in Christ 
Jesus. If we have heart to trust in him, and follow on to know 
the Lord, we shall be sure to find his going forth to be as the morn- 
ing, after the darkest and most stormy night. Life and the com- 
forts of it are never at a stay, but changes of various kinds attend 
us while on earth ; happy they who, beholding as in a glass the 

T 2 



276 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image, from glorj* 
to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. These can look for- 
ward to the last changing scene with a pleasing prospect, and cheer- 
ftil confidence, founded on divine veracity, that when the earthly 
house of this tabernacle is dissolved, they have a building of God, a 
house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. May this be 
our happy lot, whatever crosses or trials we may experience on this 
side the grave. 

. How empty and vain will all those things appear which we are 
BO fond of, and pursue with so much eagerness now, when we are 
summoned away into an eternal state. How shall we then r^rct 
that we have given our hearts no more to him, who is worthy of our 
whole soul, and mind, and strength. That, which it will then give us 
pain to have neglected, ought now to be pursued with pleasure ; well 
may we be ashamed to reflect, how much of our life is spent to so 
little profit to ourselves or others, and how little to the glory of Gk)d- 
No one ever had reason to regret his diligence in the service of God, 
His ways are pleasantness, and his paths are peace. "He will 
satiate the thirsty and satisfy the longing soul." How ftiU the pro- 
mise, how suited to our wants. How gracious is he who bids ub 
" ask and ye shall receive," &c. 

The enjoyment of this is worthy of living for, and worthy of the 
most earnest pursuit wliile here on earth. May these reflections so 
dwell in our minds, that we may live to him who loved and gave 
himself for us. 

D. K. 

The basket mentioned above was duly received, and accom- 
panied by a most affectionate note from Mrs. Kinghom, from 
which we give an extract, 

Oct 3rd, 1797, 
Ht pe^cious Joseph, 

I have sent thee a small pot of honey and a few 
apples and nuts, the produce of our garden ; we have had two or 
three pecks of beautiful apples off thy tree. We hope, my dear 
Joseph, we shall have the pleasure of seeing thee next summer, if, 
the Lord will. Dear Joseph, if there is anything that you would 
wish us to do, or get against you come, mention it when you write 
to your father. May the Lord bless thee and all thy dear flock, and 
may his guardian care be over us through life; may we meet 



DEATH OF DR. ENFIELD. 277 

around his throne, where parting will be no more, is the sincere 
prayer of thy dear mother, 

Elizabeth KnfGHOBsr. 

Norwich, Nov. 14Ui, 1797. 

DeAB FaTHEB and MoTHEBy 

The basket is come this morning. I have examined 
its contents, and read with a most pleasing feeling a mother's letter. 
*Tis few of these I receive, but all I have had are carefully stored up. 
I am much indebted to her for kindness and affection which never 
fails. I hope I shall come next year to visit Bishop Burton again, 
but that we must leave. 

Dr. Enfield is dead, aged fifty-six. I loved the man, and lament 
his death, though on religion we could have little intercourse, for 
he was very far gone in Socinianism. Oh ! what a vapour is life ; 
really, sometimes one is ready to think it is not worth while to do 
anything, life is so short and uncertain ; this is an impulse that will 
not do to act upon, we must be active till it shall please Qtod to call us 
hence. 

Mr. Theobald, who is now in Germany, gives a shocking account 
of the country. The Lord's day evening applied to every species of 
amusement, folly, and vice, far worse than in England. The whole 
state of manners he thinks much more depraved. J. E. 

The death of Dr. Enfield was deeply and widely felt in the 
literary circles of Norwich, where he had been minister of 
the Unitarian congregation, meeting in the " Octagon chapd/' 
for a period of twelve years. He was an elegant scholar^ 
the author of several educational and other works ; one of 
the principal contributors to Dr. Aikin's " Biographical Dic- 
tionary,** and eminent amongst the literary men of whom 
Norwich at this time possessed so large and distinguished a 
circle. One of the principal reunions of these literatiy and 
one in which Dr. Enfield took part up to the very last, was 
the '^ speculative society/** an association which originated 
with William Taylor, (of philological fame,) and was intended 
for the firiendly discussion of questions of all kinds. Of 

* Mr. Kingbom gave an account of one of the early meetings of this or a similar 
ftocictj in a letter dated Oct. 22, 1793. Page 231. 



278 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHO&N. 

these discussions^ Mr. Kinghom has preserved notes during^ 
the close of 1797^ and the beginning of 1798^ as well as some 
in the spring of 1796^ and Dr. Enfield is mentioned as late as 
October 20th^ 1797^ (less than a month before his death,) as 
proposing at one of these meetings, the question, '' by wliai 
means may the art of conversation be improved?'' Yarioua 
were the subjects submitted for discussion at these firiendly 
parties, and no less various the opinions of the persons 
who joined in their consideration. Amongst the most 
distinguished of them we may mention Wm. Taylor, Bevs. 
Dr. Enfield, Stephen Weavers Browne, and Pendleboiy 
Houghton, Unitarians; John Pitchford, Esq., a Roman 
Catholic ; Edward Rigby, M.D., a member of the EstaUiahed 
Church; William Youngman, an Independent; and Joseph 
Kinghom, a Baptist. The first of these, Mr. Taylor, became 
well known in the literary world. Having travelled in early 
life on the continent, he had become conversant with its prin- 
cipal languages, had read the works of the great (jerman 
authors with avidity, and drunk deeply into the theological 
sentiments contained in them, which found, (it is to be feared,) 
but too congenial a soil in the habits of thought and feeling 
early implanted in his mind. During a long period he con- 
tributed largely to the " Monthly Review,^* and other periodi- 
cal works, and here his vast stores of information foimd a 
channel in which to flow. In every subject which he touched 
he seemed to be at home. Poetical, philological, and political 
topics were handled with equal ease, and his readiness in 
composition was fuUy equalled by his conversational talents. 
His principal published works were his '^Survey of Early 
German Poetry ,'' his ^^ Dictionary of Sjrnonymes,*' and some 
biographical particulars prefixed to ^' the Poetical Works *' of 
his firiend Dr. Sayers. 

Rev. Pcndlebury Houghton was for ten years assistant min- 
ister with Dr. Enfield at the Octagon, and afterwards suc- 
ceeded him. His pulpit oratory has been much admired, and 
he has published a volume of sermons. 

John Pitchford, Esq., a most estimable man, a vivacious and 
agreeable companion, and, X am persuaded, a sincere Christian, 



THE SPECULATIVE SOCIETY. 279 

was son of a surgeon of the same name^ eminent as a botanist^ 
of whom Sir J. E. Smith has given an account in his 
" Biographical Memoirs of Norwich Botanists/** 

Dr. Rigby, a celebrated surgeon^ and author of several 
medical works, was grandson of Dr. John Taylor, the author 
of the " Hebrew Concordance/* and was educated by Dr. 
Priestley. He was elected Mayor of Norwich in 1805, and 
died in 1822. His son is now an eminent practitioner in 
London. 

William Youngman was a man of most extensive reading 
and varied information, of vigorous intellect, of great con- 
versational powers, "his sportive fancy, his sparkling wit, 
his quick repartee, who can forget** who had the privilege 
of his acquaintance? I knew him firom childhood, and ever 
remembered him with respect and aflFection. He had resided 
with Mr, Kinghom about nine years, when I first came to 
live with Mr. K. after my father's death. Mr. Young- 
man's father and mother were members of the Independent 
church, under the pastoral care of the Bev. T. Harmer, of 
Wattisfield, in Suffolk, the celebrated author of " Observations 
on Scripture.** While residing with Mr. Kinghom, he was 
strongly advised by him to join himself (being an Independent) 
with the Independent church of Mr. Newton, at the Old 
Meeting, Norwich, which advice he adopted, and remained a 
member and a deacon for many years. He was descended 
from the ancient family of Meadows, to whom were allied 
some of the most distraguished dissenting families of the 
eastern counties — ^the Taylors, the Martineaus, the Woods, 
&c. Mr. Youngman published an edition of "Harmer's 
Miscellaneous Works,** with an Introductory Memoir; a 
translation of " Sismondi*s History of the Albigenses;** a 
pamphlet on "Original Sin;** and a small and excellent 
work on the " Evidences of Divine Revelation.** He survived 
Mr. Kinghom, and died 1836. 

* 'See Transactions of Linniean Society, vol. vii, page 300« 



CHAFTEB XVI. 

1798—1799. MT. 8a— 33. 

TTinfrriifft— m SknnA—Dr. Rmit R yw m% Jmtf k mt EiM^mdiu 
^Jtnwml m Nfm EHflmd^—BMkfkmrtme9 Lifi—ZmtuUr— 

CKKmmium tniJk m AjM^Smm mt Omtey ofemeifir Prmekm§ 
—Wkie'M "IVimike I^uiU'—lkem»$ ^ my fMtr, W. W. 

WiOtim--'TroMe$ m ike Ckmrk €t Buktf Bmim^-D. mmd E. 
Kimgkom rewme to Nerwiek—SuiMfuaU EkUrf rf ik§ Bukop 
BmrUm Ckmrk, 

Kanricfc,JM.9ai,17B& 
Dk4B Faxhmb asp MuMjtK, 

Mr. Winterbotham, who was canfined for preadmig 
what was oofnstrued into seditioii, is now in Norwich. He has 
preached for Mr. Newton, Mr. Wilks, and myself, and all dasKS of 
men have been eager to hear him. I have been at different 1 
in his company, and as far as my powers of obsenratian WQxt, 
not inattentiye to his character or abilities. He is a popular 
preacher, and by that means likely to be a very nsefal one. Kot a 
man of extensive and keen research. TTia subjects are not handled 
in a manner I should call masterly. But you will say I am very 
saucy : perhaps so, many people more happy because less nice, think 
what they have heard quite good and great. I freely allow the 
first, but not the last. 

J. K. 

In a letter received from Dr. Byland about this time, 
respecting a proposed new edition of " Evans's Hynms/' wc 
have the following remark : — 

22nd Jan., 1798. 
It is in every respect a dark and gloomy period 
in which our lot is cast. We need be active and zealous in the 



KNOX AND THE SCOTCH REFORMATION. 281. 

cause of God and truth. I do think the best signs of the times arc 
an increasing concern to propagate the gospel both at home and 
abroad, and some increase of harmony among the disciples of Christ. 
I am much indebted to you for all your good wishes, and would 
pray in return that the greatest success may attend all your labours, 
and that Gt)d may give you many souls to be the crown of your 
rejoicing in the day of Christ Jesus. 

I am, dear Sir, 

Yours cordially, 

John Ktland. 

Through mercy we have a good number of students, and I trust 
they are all heartily engaged in the interest of our Bedeemer. 

Norwich, Feb. Cth, 1798. 
DsAB Father and Mother, 

You have been reading the " Life of John Knox," 
what you say of him is true, yet was he not a persecutor in his 
heart? TVas not the reformation in Scotland carried on with a 
violence which was the effect of the reformers feeling they had 
power, and determining the opposite party should feel it too ? 
Reformations are, I fear, in general carried on in a way by no 
means defensible. The account given by Neal, of what took place 
in Scotland, appeared to me by no means the relation of Christian 
conduct, so blind are men to their own spirit and actions ; and I 
think it will be so in fature. I doubt not the whole anti-christian 
power, including every hierarchy, will come down, but I do not 
think even the worst will be demolished wifiiout injustice. A good 
man acting in character would not destroy the most corrupt church 
on earth, except by convincing those who belonged to it, that they 
were in error, and thus leading them to act for themselves. 

Mr. Theobald, who I told you some time ago was in Germany, 
came home yesterday, after a rough and dangerous passage, and 
being in imminent danger of being taken by a French frigate, who 
lost them through mere awkwardness, when hope seemed almost at 
an end. 

Bespects to all friends, 

J. K. 

In referring again to Knox and the Scottish Reformation^ 
Mr. Kinghom remarks : — 



282 LIPE OP JOSEPH KINOHO&N. 

Korwioh, ICareh 6&, 179S. 
I have sometimeB thought there is a wisdam in 
Ck>d'8 carrying on his designs throiigh fine weather, as well aa 
through storms. "When the gospel is in a storm, there is one clasa 
of ejSbcts produced ; in the fine weather of peaceM timesy quite 
anpthcr. The support it gives, the duties it calls into action, tibe 
state of mind it produces, and often the mode of reasoning are all 
different. By this means also it is viewed on all sides, examined 
and re-examined, its evidence, its nature, the progress it makes in 
the mind and in society, and the circumstances in which it advances 
or declines, are hy this means clearly seen. And perhaps the long 
quiet religion has had, has been designed to bring to view what 
would not be learned in troublous times, the peaceM nature of the 
kingdom of Christ, and to show what the tendency of every possible 
religious opinion is. All this, probably, is designed as a foundation 
for someUiing future in the designs of a wise God. As to prophecy, 
I am at a stand. I have really been pitying the Pope ; though no 
fiiend, as you know, to the vicar of St. Peter, yet it is a pity, a 
poor old man of eighty-five cannot die in peace; he has been a 
harmless character, so far as I know, on the whole, and cannot live 
much longer. But strange as it is, it is true, Qod punishes the 
supporters of a bad system, though they often are better than those 
who have preceded them. What an instance of this are the 
emigrant clergy of France. How the emigrants have had, in every 
country of Europe, to feel the distresses to which their ancestors 
exposed the Protestants. Yet I have some hopes. There is a spirit 
showing itself of a wish to spread the gospel. In Norwich things 
are asleep, but there certainly is on increase in the country about. 

Had Mr. Theobald been taken, I should have lost about twenty 
volumes of books, and it is probable I shall read them more than 
those who would have captured them. 

My studies are now the Hebrew Bible in general, the Jewish 
Law, and the books of the Old Testament, in their antiquity and 
evidence. My progress is not rapid, but I hope I am Tnn.]n>g 
improvement. I find much pleasure in these inquiries, and am 
more confirmed than ever in the divine authority of the dispensation 
of Moses. J. K. 

Norwich, April 3rd, 1798. 
DEiJi Father and Motheb, 

On the fall of the Pope we pretty much agree ; for 
the present, all his temporalities are at on end. The hand of God 



THE PRENCH REPUBLIC. 283 

appears so completely in all this, that I can do little more than say, 
his counsel shall stand, and he will do all his pleasure. If the 
shaking of the nations is to extend to England, it will take place, 
and all the use we can make of any apprehensions we may have, 
is to endeavour to have our minds prepared for what may he Gk)d's 
will. The French are now an awfiil scourge on the continent, hut 
when they have answered their end, as awftilly will they be pun- 
ished. Exaggeration is very common among men, and it is probable 
they are not so black as they are by some described ; but, besides 
their cruelties, which are unequalled by anything lately in Europe, 
there being most of them infidels, and many of them atheists, pro- 
fessedly in all the higher, or (according to present times) the more 
active ranks of society, is, I believe, quite true. I think every ex- 
pectation is cut off from Europe in general, except from Gk)d's pro- 
vidence. All those notions of liberty which the French revolution 
very generally raised a few years ago, are at an end ; they are the 
tyrants, not the deliverers of men. 

There has been some talk of a severer law for the observance of 
the Lord's day, it has occasioned some conversation here. It is 
worthy of being asked, how far do such laws benefit society? Are 
men more moral for them ? In the present state of things, can such 
laws be carried into effect ? These are questions of difficulty. How 
far legislators ought to interfere in enforcing religion, is, to say the 
least, a delicate question, because their interference in one thing is 
nearly allied to their interference in another, and they cannot go far 
without introducing persecution. 

J.K. 

▲I7DBEW FCTLLER TO MR. KINGHORIT. 
(In acknowledging a remittance from Norwich for the Mission.) 
At the outset of the work, I remember it was said, if we could 
but be instrumental in raising one Christian church in that dark part 
of the earth, and of giving them the New Testament in their own 
language, in our day, we should think it an object sufficient to repay 
us for all our toil. I may now add, that we have a reward in the 
very work itself. Those churches among us who have much in- 
terested themselves in this business, have generally been prompted 
by the same principle, to lay themselves out in disseminating the 
gospel in the villages around them, the effect of which has been a 
considerable increase, both in numbers and religious enjoyment. 
We find a foreign mission to resemble a good foreign trade; it in- 



284 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINQHORN. 

crcaseth richeB at home. Please to present my Christian love to 
Mr. TV. Wilkin, also to Mr. Joseph Wilkin, whom I remember with 
some pleasure, though I never saw him but once, and that when I 
was but a youth, twenty-eight years ago ; accept the same yourself 
from your affectionate brother, 

Andrew Fuller. 

The preceding notice of Joseph Wilkin, the brother of my 
grandfather, carries us back to the year 1770, when my family 
resided at Soham, in Cambridgeshire, where Andrew Puller 
was bom, in 1754, and where the pleasant acquaintance above 
mentioned was formed. 

Joseph Wilkin occupied for many years a large farm, at- 
tached to Bowthorpe Hall, near Norwich, where Mr. Kinghom 
was a frequent visitor, and often did my sister and myself 
delight to accompany him in those happy visits. Mr. Wilkin 
was a man of great strength of character, of the warmest 
generosity, and the most sincere piety. He died in 1806. 

Norwich, May Ist, 1798, 

Bear Father asi> Mother, 

We have been quite in a ferment about the late 
new act concerning arming, and a great number in most of our 
parishes have entered into associations to arm and be trained, but a 
great deal of this is that they may avoid as much as possible the 
power of govemmont, by being volunteers, and prescribing, as far as 
thoy can, their oyra terms. However, I have hitherto lived, and I 
hope I shall continue to do so, a man of peace, for public opinion 
seems desirous of protecting black cloth. I am no well-wisher to 
the French, but my constitution and habits are so un-martial, that I 
could do very little to hurt them if they were here. I hope that 
day will never come, but it is surprising how the talk about it has 
worked its way into everything. It has become the condition on 
which many things are suspended, ** if the French do not come.'' 
Even my journey [into Yorkshire] has, by some of my Mends, been 
hung on this pin — " if the French do not come," to which I have 
sometimes replied, that if they do come, the people here will be bo 
busy about other things that I can be the better spared, for they 
would not be disposi'd to mind me. 

If horseback be the plan for my journey, I shall have to spend a 
Lord*8 day on the road, and I should like to do it with some ooQgre- 



ZOROASTER. 285 

gation of ChriBtians in Lincolnshire, incog., going to meeting as a 
traveller, hearing what is provided for them, without heing myself 
known as to character. 

The East Indian missionaries have sent, requesting assistance in 
printing a translation of the New Testament. Mr. Carey has got a 
rough copy, and he and a Pundit are spending their time in going 
over it, and mean to do it several times ere it be printed. The plan 
is to print it at Calcutta : 10,000 copies will cost £3000. 

I have lately met with two singular hooks, viz., Jonathan 
Edwards's account of the revival of religion in New England in his 
time ; and the life of Thos. Halyburton ; and their accoimts have 
the greater weight with me, because they were both very close 
thinking men, who were not to be deceived by appearances, but 
searched ideas to the very bottom. 

May the grace they each described be felt by us, and by many 
more who yet are strangers to it ! Then the world would be much 
happier than at present. 

J. K. 

Norwich, May 29th, 1798. 
I have been lately reading the life and parts of the 
writings of Zoroaster, and shall read some more of them I hope. 
They seem to elucidate many parts of the Old Testament, by show- 
ing how the people of the East thought and felt on various occasions. 
There, also, the doctrine of a resurrection is stated pretty plainly ; 
though I do not find from what source it is derived. This seems a 
strong circumstance in favour of its being believed all through the 
East, even in very early times. Zoroaster was bom near 600 
years a.c, and does not appear to have lived at a time when new 
truths were likely to be explored, especially of this nature. There 
is a wonderful difference between the Bible and all other books 
claiming divine authority, which can only be seen by reading a few 
of them. 

I met with a very ingenious conjecture lately on Jeremiah. There 
is a most perplexing difference between the Septuagint and the 
Hebrew, which no usual difference of copies can account for. Now, 
if Jeremiah gave a copy of his prophecies to his brethren which 
went to Babylon, he might afterwards in Egypt have revised them> 
and arranged them otherwise than before, in short, have published 
a new edition of them ; so it has happened, that the Septuagint was 
translated from one edition, and the Hebrew Bible has preserved the 
other. 



286 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

There is something in this very likely, as it well acoountB for 
what otherwise would he tmaooountahle. 

J.K. 

On the 25th of Aprils Mr. Kingfaom lost one of his very 
oldest friends^ John Beatson, Baptist minister, at Hull, for 
whom, both as a man and a preacher, he entertained the 
highest respect. 

In June Mr. Kinghom paid his usual biennial viait to 
Bishop Burton. While there, he suffered from quinsy to a 
somewhat alarming extent, so much so, indeed, that earnest 
*' prayer was made of the church unto GxmI for him.*' Mr, 
Hawkins, before the congregation separated after service, gave 
notice of Mr. Kinghom's illness. He says : 

September 4th, 179S. 

I felt so much for your welfare, that I coidd not help giving vent 
to my feelings in a public manner, and I hope was the means oi 
engaging the church in earnest prayer on your behalf. There was 
a large assembly at meeting the next evening, and yesterday evening 
we met numerously. Messrs. Newtons and Wilks have been veiy 
kind in sympathising with us, and Mr. Newton, son., has in the 
most friendly manner given us his assistance, and very suitable sub- 
jects has he endeavoured to impress upon our minds since your 
alarming illness ; but of these we will talk, God willing, over my 
fireside. 

I cannot omit informing you, that last Lord's day I had the reso- 
lution after the morning service to desire the members to stop, and 
all of them to fill up their places, as I had no less important pro- 
position to make, than whether we should, imder our present 
circumstances, attend to the Lord's Supper amongst ourselves. When 
met, I requested if any one had any objection, to state it; no 
objection was made. Mr. Watson proposed that I should take the 
first prayer, and break the bread, and pour the wine ; I proposed 
Mr. Theobald should take the second prayer ; also that Mr. Watson 
should give such reasons for our conduct as struck his mind. Each 
willingly took his part, and all, I trust, was done decently and in 
order ; each of our minds seemed impressed with the importance of 
the subject, and for one, I can say it was a happy and solemn coming 

together for the better. 

I remain, yours affectionately, 

T. Hawkuts. 



MARK WILKS. 2^87 

Of Mark Wilks's preaching we have a description in a 
letter from Mr. Theobald. 

The first Lord's day after your departure, Mr. Wilks made an 
excellent sermon from Titus ii, 13, particularly the words — "God 
and our Saviour Jesus Christ.** I never heard the character of 
Christ illustrated and exalted by more forcible remarks, nor more 
appropriate texts of Scripture adduced to support and justify them. 
Mr. Wilks is peculiarly happy in this last particular. I have heard 
very few his equals; he is so striking by an originality of arrange- 
ment, so artful in putting his own remarks in an advantageous form 
as well as in exactly the right place, and so deliberate that he must 
impress ; in short, a most excellent preacher. 

The prayers of the church for their pastor were answered, 
and in the course of the same months he returned to them. 
He wrote home on the 15th, thus : 

Norwich, September 16th, 1798. 
My journey has been safe and prosperous, for which 
I desire to be thankful. I got to Wisbeach on Saturday night, just 
about, or a few minutes after, the going down of the sun. There I. 
met with very friendly entertainment, and stayed till Tuesday, then 
rode to Lynn ; on "Wednesday, to Leziate, Mr. T. Durrant's ; to-day 
home. 

The galloway did very well, and ails nothing, my health has im- 
proved much in travelling — I rode one day thirty-four nules, and 
did not feel distressedly tired. 

My good people here have engaged Mr. "Wilks to preach to-morrow 
morning, on the supposition that once in the day, at first, will be 
enough for me. J. K. 

Norwich, Sept. 25th, 1798. • 

On my journey I was sometimes taken for a 
rider, at other times for a clergyman, and I felt diverted when I 
found how people were mistaken. One gentleman, who thought I 
was a clergyman, introduced a subject on the road about the church, 
to try what I was ; I gave a cool, indifferent kind of answer, from 
which, not knowing what inference to draw, he plainly asked me ; 
I as plainly told him what I was ; he then said, " I thought you 
were a clergyman, and if you had been I would have smoked you." 



288 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

I laughed at his mistake, and told him he had got the wrong man 
to deal with. He disliked the estahlishment much, and thought he 
had an opportunity of showing it pointedly. He told me he had 
heen many years a methodist, hut had now given them up. His 
freedom of inquiry I thought justified my asking him questiona, 
especially as he seemed disposed for conversation. I found he was 
nearly a speculative infidel. We easily got into further conversation, 
and I thought there was too much of a challenge in his manner of 
setting off to justify me in waiving the suhject. TVe fell to it 
heartily, and argued on the evidence and excellency of Christianity. 
I met him on his own ground, I endeavoured to repel his arguments 
and to keep him to the point, till at length he hegged the subject 
might be dropped. I am apprehensive that instead of his smoking 
me, I smoked and, perhaps, singed him. He was an agreeable man, 
good company, and had not lost all the effect his religious connexions 
had produced, even though he had renounced revealed religion. 

J. K. 

m 

October 23rd. 1798. 
I heard a very gratifying thing on my journey, of 
which there seems to be no reason to doubt. A neighbouring 
minister told me himself, he had baptized a man, formerly an inde- 
pendent, a steady man, and who was first led to think on the subject 
by the pamphlet I wrote. 

In writing to his father, Mr. Kinghom proposed the ques- 
tion, What did you think of my people having the Lord's 
Supper among themselves ? This gave rise to much corres- 
pondence ; we give a few extracts : — 

Bishop Burton. 
The only question is, what gives a parson an 
exclusive right to administer the Lord's Supper ? Answer, Chrisfs 
instituting the office of pastor. Who, imdcr Grod, has a right to 
invest him with his office power ? I think you'll say the choice of 
the people gives him his right to execute liis office among them ; 
and their choice and his acceptance is the formal groimd of his 
authority, and his ordination is no more than a public ratification of 
their mutual agreement. If so, the same power by the choice of 
the same body, cither for a time, occasionally, or statedly, may be 
communicated to any member of that body. If it be only occasion- 
ally, the office power ceases with the occasion. 

D. K. 



ROOM OPENED FOR PREACHING AT C0S8EY. 289 

Norwich, Oct. 23rd, 1798. 
Dear Father aub Mother, 

On the question respecting the Lord's Supper I 
like your general statement very much. I had thought on the sub- 
ject a good deal, and ended in supporting the conduct of my people. 
Your arguments in favour of their administering the ordinance are 
very strong, nor are they to be overturned without proving that the 
people have no power at all, and that ministers are quite a distinct 
body of men, like the Levites of old. 

Suppose a church had half a dozen sensible, active, members, and 
the church in general said. We are not likely to suit ourselves with 
a pastor, but, if you will give us your assistance in the word and 
ordinances, we will attend to you ; you will settle among yourselves 
how you are to proceed, who is to preach, &o., and when ; and we 
will pray for you, that the blessing of God may be with you : — 
here is no clerical man, no pastor in the usual sense, but, I think, 
here are six good Christian elders ; and, in this case, utility is 
the leading reason in the choice of the men. Must not something 
of this kind have been the case in the large societies in the primitive 
church ? The difficulty of finding men of talent who will act, and 
act together, prevents the plan from being followed, and leads 
churches to seek one man who may combine talent enough to do the 
whole in an acceptable manner. 

Yesterday and to-day we have had bell-ringing, &c., &c. Sir 
J. B. Warren has caught a fleet sailing from Brest to Ireland ; taken 
one eighty-four and four frigates, and was in pursuit of the rest. 
It really seems as if the French were not to have a ship to stir with. 

J. K. 

Norwich, Dec. 18th, 1798. 
I am dreadfully afraid of priestly power, and, 
therefore, usually lean to the side of the people in church matters. 
Perhaps this may make me think of church forms too slightly, though 
I should not in practice differ much from others. I lately did one 
thing a good deal against my own opinion. Since Mr. Wilks has 
resided at Cosaey, an inhabitant of the village [Mr. William Neale] 
fitted up a part of his house for a place of worship, and Mr. Wilks 
agreed to preach in it. In the late Countess of Huntingdon's con- 
nection here is a gentleman, now preaching for a few months, who 
was physician to the Queen, is a man of fortune, drives his coach, &c. 
His name is Ford. 

Mr. Wilks, to excite the attention of the Cossey people, invited 

u 



290 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

the Doctor to come and open this place, and nothing would serve 
him, also, but I must preach in tlie afternoon. To preach in Cossey 
I had no objection whatever, but I thought it very needless to make 
a parading business about i)reaching in a part of a dwelling-house, 
as if it needed a consecration. I yielded, however, to the entreaty 
of sevend friends, and could not help smiling at the weakness that 
was c^ddent in making a great deal to do about such things. The 
Doctor makes his appearance in a gown, to preach to about sixty 
people, in two rooms thrown into one. What a contrast between the 
Doctor in the morning with his coach and his gown, and poor, plain 
Joseph Kinghom I However, he very politely offered me his gown 
for the afternoon. Tliis tickled me a good deal ; I thanked him, 
told him I had for so many years done without, that I thought it too 
late to begin to use one. The day was spent as pleasantly as such 
a public day could be, but I cannot say I thought there was any 
necessity for it. Many attended from Norwich, and the only good 
thing to be said in its defence is, that the different denominations 
showed a regard to it as a common cause. I think the fact itself, 
that there is preaching there, is very important, and I hope good 
will be done. 

I thank you for the inventory of the cargo shipped for me. Before 
the arrival of yours, I had also sent a basket and a paper parcel to 
Mr. Sedgwick, by Captain Hep worth, for you. The basket contains 
the honey j)ot, filled with a paper parcel contidning some catechisms, 
with and without proofs, which you once intimated you should like 
to have ; also a little pamphlet written against a pamphlet of a Mr. 
Job David, of Frome, in Somersetshire. It is by the late Caleb 
Evans. Mr. David's pamphlet made some noise; was a rude, 
coarsely written piece, and hurt poor Mr. Evans's mind ; however, 
he replied, and I have sent you one of them. You will also find a 
little volume called **The Pocket Magazine," in which are many 
pieces, by many persons, and the whole may, perhaps, amuse you ; 
tell me how you like it. And as the body is apt to be injured by 
too great stress being laid on the mind, and by other manifold causes, 
there will be found, by the side of all this store for the mind, a box 
of pills to keep the body in order. These are of the same kind with 
those Mr. W. gave my motlier, and I begged them of him. lUm, 
in a paper in the basket, but -sWthout the honey pot, you will find 
Simon's Hebrew Bible, with a small dictionary, an explanation of 
the various keris and ketibsy and of the Masoretic notes at the end of 
each book, &c., &c. I shall be much pleased if you like it. lUmf 



LOAN OF BOOKS TO BISHOP BURTON. 291 

in a separate paper parcel you will find Wake's " Primitive Epistles 
of the Apostolic Fathers." This volume will show you how the 
early Christians torote to each other. Reeve's " Apologies of the 
Ancient Fathers," 2 vols. These will show how they defended 
themselves. The ** Apostolic Constitutions/' translated by Whiston, 
and some other things. This will show how they began to organize 
Christianity into form when they got numbers and power ; and, for 
showing the state of things at the time, is a very curious book. But 
Whiston was so fanciful as to give the constitutions an antiquity 
and an authority they do not deserve ; for though the basis of them 
has antiquity, and shows ancient usages, yet in the light of consti- 
tutions of the apostles, they are mere forgeries. You will find, also, 
Owen " On the Spirit," 2 vols. This is an inventory of goods for 
you, shipped in good order, and which, I hope, will arrive at theit 
desired port in safety ; and thus our commerce i» an image of com- 
merce on a larger scale ; each sends what he has, and exchanges the 
articles of which he has the greatest plenty. 

You have Robinson's pamphlet ** On Toleration," you may recol- 
lect I bought it at Hull. I value it as a curious one, though I, 
hitherto, have not believed it all ; you will not part with it, as I 
should like to have one, and cannot obtain one here. I shall be glad 
to know how you like your books. I think I have provided you 
with reading for the rest of the winter. When you are aground 
you may call out for help, and I can, perhaps, do a little more. I 
am got back again to the study of the Old Testament, and of the 
Geography, &c., of the Holy Land. It spends a good deal of time, 
but there is no understanding the Old Testament without it. 

J.K. 

Bishop Barton, December 29th, 1798. 
Deab Sok, 

We could not help laughing at the gentleman 
offering you his gown, at the "consecration" at Cossey : but such is 
the power of prejudice, that it might tend to reconcile different 
parties to Mr. Wilks's preaching there. What a difference there is 
in the spirit and views of men in the present age, and of those who 
lived at the time of reformation from Popery ; then many of the 
clergy were for putting off their gowns, because they had been used 
in the idolatrous worship of the church of Rome ; they thought 
them signs of their adhering to idolatry. When it was argued by 
their opponents that the habits were indifferent things, they then 
replied, that they ought to be left as indifferent, whether they are 

V 2 



292 LIFE OF JOeBPH KINOHOEN. 

used or not ; now they arc come into ro^e by those who knye no 
canonical claim to them ! ! ! I own I am of opinion that it is in- 
different whether a man wears a gown or coat, Uack or red, when 
he preaches the gospel, if only there be no pride in the one, nor a 
spirit of mere opposition in the other. In this I could conform to 
any habit customary in the country where I dwell, if it was at all 
necessary to promote the glory of God, by the peace of the church 
and the good of men. 

I have seen a letter from W. Ward, who is designed as a mission- 
ary to Bengal. He, speaking of Mr. Bobert Hall, who preached 
at Kettering, October 16th, at a missionary meeting, said, "I could 
not help thinking if I were in heaven I should like to sit on some 
green and flowery mount to hear him preach, I had no idea of a 
possibility of receiving greater pleasure ;" the text was, — **To as 
many as received him," &c. This corresponds with your ideas of 
Hall's abilities ; but I cannot help thinking that Mr. Ward has either 
low thoughts of the happiness of heaven, or else he has exaggerated 
in his expressions. 

D. K. 

The year 1799, we shall see, was a year of considerable 
moment in Mr. Kinghom's life. On the 10th of Januaiy he 
lost one of his most intimate and attached friends, W. W. 
Wilkin, somewhat unexpectedly ; and was not only nominated 
one of the executors, but also appointed to be a father to 
his boy. This arrangement was, of course, regarded by 
Mr. Kinghom with some anxiety, placing him, as it did, in a 
new and important relation. He mentions it in his nsoal 
simple manner in nis annual prayer. 

Do thou in the course of thy providence lead me, prepare me for 
every situation and every event that is to befal me, and oh ! prepare 
mc for a new one to which I am now brought. Sanctify the dis- 
pensation of thy providence which has removed a once intimate 
•friend : grant me the prudence and grace to educate his boy in thy 
fear, and oh ! may it t?nd in thy glory. Thou canst help ; help, 
Lord, and may I, while so engaged, be helped not to neglect any 
other duty, but to glorify thee in all that I have to do, and may the 
result be, that he may glorify thy holy name for ever. 

Just at this time some circumstances connected with the 
church at Bishop Burton, rendered Mr. David Kiughom's 



PROVISION OFFERED FOR HIS PARENTS. 298 

position there painful^ and on the first intimation of such 
being the case, his son, ever ready to assist his parents, >vrote 
the following note ; — 

Norwich, January 31st, 1799. 
I am sorry that your situation is so uncomfortable. 
I would not have you be anxious about futurity : I am not able to 
place you in affluence, but now I have the reasonable expectation 
of being able to spare you such an annual sum as will be equal to 
your wants, so that you can live in ease if you choose it, or if you 
had rather be employed in the pulpit, you can act accordingly when 
a situation offers ; and i^ in any future situation, your finances be 
narrow, I can extend them. If you wish to live here in Norfolk, I 
can provide you with a situation, and perhaps with employment, 
and we should have the comfort of seeing each other often. These 
proposals, it is true, depend on the most uncertain tenure of my own 
life, and that of my little ward, yet we may both be spared as long 
as wanted for this purpose. But if even these supplies should be 
cut off, if only we are spared a year or two longer, I shall be able 
to render you important assistance. I have £60 in bank, and hope 
to make it £70 at Lady day ; when I4iave received the first year's 
legacy it will amount to about £160, this, with what you have, 
would form a little annuity for both your lives, which would assist 
you, and I should be only as I was a few years ago, if even the boy 
should be cut off, and I should be spared. I know such consider- 
ations cannot produce peeice of mind, but in such a world as this, 
they have their importance, and therefore I state them, and should 
the " fig-tree not blossom,*' &c., there is still a Grod who has said 
'* the silver is mine and the gold is mine," and he can give it in 
futurity in as singular and unexpected a manner as in times past. 
May God guide you and all concerned, for the glory of his name. 
You may depend on my doing anything I can that will promote 
your happiness, and you have, therefore, only to tell me what and 
where you think that would be : excuse this hasty letter ; wishing 
you every blessing, 

I am, yours in duty and affection, 

J. K. 

Thus simply and unostentatiously did Joseph Kinghom 
offer to give his parents the entire proceeds of his property, 
which, small as it was, would, with their own savings, be a 



294 LIFE or J06BPH KINOHOKM. 

Taloable aMistanoe to them; it was^ however, hoped that 
matters would be so arranged as to render their removal un- 
necessary, and so the proposals were fixr a little time waived. 

Nonrkli, Febniary IMi, 1799. 

Deab Father and Mother, 

YooTB gave me great pleasure, though I find tibat^ 
owing to the state of the roads, both our letters were far longer 
than usual on their way. Here the snow has been great; a saigoon 
who attended in a Tillage four miles off, was kept three days ere he 
could return ; I have been there yesterday and to-day. Yesterday 
the snow was, in places, higher than my horse, where the roads were 
cut, and even then it had settled a good deal. All communication 
nearly stopped, carts and coaches dug out of the snow : many honrs 
spent in going a few miles, and some few lives lost, though happily 
not so many as reported ; I came home safe : last week I was at 
8axlingham, (I go to preach there once a month,) the roads were very 
had truly, but passable ; for a large party of soldiers were sent on 
that road to cut it for a considerable way. On the Saturday morn- 
ing I did not know what to think of it, it blew and snowed hard, 
however, I was not detained, but went through with Mr. Watson 
in his chaise. The Lord^s day previous he had tried to oome 
through, but could not. Not one of our country friends were with 
ns that day but Mr. Durrant, who stopped in Norwich on the 
Saturday night. The snow b^an on the 31st ult., continued on 
the Ist and 2nd, this snow filled one side of the road in many places, 
yet left a passage, but in the night between the 2nd and 3rd the 
wind altered, so that it filled the other side, and, as much snow fell, 
it drifted up every hollow place, and wherever the position of the 
hedges opposed its passage. This stopped everything; now a great 
deal of it is gone, yet much remains. 

I do not think there is any need for anxiety about my talriTig 
Simon, he is likely to be no trouble for a long time, what he may 
be when he grows up, and begins to think himself a gentleman, 
there is no saying, but sufficient for the day is the evil thereof, at 
present he is a very pleasing boy, he will need government but is 
governable ; he is a little fellow, very volatile, or what might still 
better characterize him, he is a great monkey ; his powers are con- 
siderable, and I hope we shall do very well together. The confine- 
ment need not be to me more than I please. 

J. K. 



CLOSE OP D. KINOHORN's PASTORATE. 295 

The above was written in answer to the fears expressed by 
Mrs. Kinghom^ lest her son's new charge might "oppress 
his mind^ or be too much a confinement for him.'^ 

As the year rolled on, it became more and more apparent 
that Mr. and Mrs. Kinghom must remove firom Bishop Biur- 
ton, and the following letter narrates Mr. Einghom^s dismis- 
sion jfrom the church, over which he had presided for nearly 
thirty years. In this very sorrowful communication he 
freely expresses his affectionate sense of his son's constant 
kindness ; we present an extract : — 

It has often been a consolation to us, that Grod in his providence 
has put it in your power to befriend us, and has given you a heart 
to Bympathiso so with us in all oiu* distresses. I can truly say, 
(and I doubt not that you remember having heard me often speak 
to that effect,) that my dependence for outward support, and for 
your future welfare, when you were young, was on divine provi- 
dence ordering our and your lot, and supplying our needs, when we 
had no visible prospect of outward prosperity before us ; and to the 
honour of his name, we may say that he hath not failed nor for- 
saken us, though we have had some little trials to exercise our 
dependence on him. 

In the course of the letter a copy of the dismission is 
given, the original of which is in my possession. It is signed 
by nine persons, four of whose names were appended to the 
invitation of David Kinghom to the pastorate twenty-nine 
years previously. Under such circumstances, the following 
very excellent letter from the son who had been so long 
their happiness and comfort, must have been peculiarly 
acceptable. 

Cossey, June 18th, 1799. 
Dear Father and Mother, 

Your letter which I received yesterday gave me 

serious concern, because the event it relates seems to sit heavy on 

both your minds. I own it is impossible to reason away every im- 

pleasant impression which arises in such cases. But there is 

nothing which need much distress you. Your mind is quite 

relieved respecting the issue of things. Your path so far is clear. 

Your God still lives. You know the kindness of his providence ; 



296 LIFE OP JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

and the wisdom of his dispensations oft appears in unlikely crents. 
And now that it is come to this, endeavour to leave the consequenoe 
to God. He is able to overrule it for great good and great peaoe. 
You have now the option set before you by providence, of spending 
the evening of your days in the manner you may best approve. 
You can consider yourself as having a choice of situation which 
provid(?nce never gave you before, and may you not consider this as 
a rowanl for former services? God is able to give you much more 
than you now sacrifice, in every sense. 

Few know better than you the resources of religion ; they are 
still open to you. Severe trials often await the children of Gkid. 
Our imperfections render them necessary, but God overrules them 
for our pood. Perhaps it is better they should be short, though 
severe, than long-continued, though less sharp. Leave the event as 
much as you can to God. Hope in him, you may yet see reason for 
praise. Do not fret at having the furniture of your house to dis- 
turb. Dispose of just so much as you wish, and as we have water 
carriage quite up to Norwich, I think you had better send every- 
thing you have a fancy for ; they shall be taken care of till it is 
determined where they go. As to yourselves, let no comfort, accom- 
modation, or assistance that money will procure be unenjoyed, 
neither while you stay, nor on the road. I would not have you 
come by water, at least no fartlier than Lynn. Perhaps even this 
would not at all agree with you. The roads by land you know. 
Travel as you plea'^e. Make it as little fatigue as you can. If you 
want any assistimce I will send you any sum you need. 

Be not long in writing, indeed, write very soon if convenience 
8er\'es. May God's grace and assistance ever be with you. May 
you find that goodness and meny still are following you. 
Yours in duty and affection, 

J. K. 

Bishop Burton, July 7th, 1799. 
Deab Son, 

This week has been spent in packing up, and 
selling most articles of furniture to our neighbours ; we did not call 
a sale, people came, and some bought one thing, some another, till 
nearly all is sold, a few articles we shall bring with us. Next week, 
if the Lord permit, by Tuesday or Wednesday, we expect to go to 
Hull on our way to Norwich, but Mrs. Beatson desired we would 
stay some time at her house before we set off. It is probable we 
may stay over Lord's day, 14th, if longer we shall let you know. 



REMOVAL TO NORWICH. 297 

Your affectionate letter we received, for which we return you 
thanks, as you therein express your tender regard for us in our pre- 
sent state of affliction, in body, mind, and estate. 

As our times are in the hand of God, if he orders all things for 
our good at last these ruffles will pass over. Everyone seems sorry at 
our leaving Bishop Burton, but say they think it will be for our 
good, but this must be left to the wise, disposing hand of God. If 
he blesses we shall be blessed. Without his blessing, all the world 
cannot make us comfortable in time, nor happy in eternity. May 
we have that divine wisdom given to us to improve the short remains 
of life to the honour of his holy name, that we may study to glorify 
God in our bodies and spirits which arc his. I rest, praying that 
the blessing of God may ever attend you and all your connection. 

D. K. 

On Tuesday, July 9th, 1799, Mr. and Mrs. Kinghom left 
Bishop Burton for Hull, thence to go on to Norwich. Their 
arrival in that city has been noticed at some length in our in- 
troductory chapter, and, therefore, all that remains to be 
added here is just by way of supplement, to say that at Easter, 
1800, Mordaunt Cracherode, who for some time had preached 
at Mr. Beatson^s church at Hull, was ordained pastor at 
Bishop Burton. He had formerly been pastor of the Inde- 
pendent church at Oravesend, and had been baptized by Dr. 
Rippon, July 15th, 1798. 

Mr. Cracherode remained at Bishop Burton two or three 
years, after which time the church was supplied by several 
persons, till in June, 1813, Abraham Berry, from the west of 
Yorkshire, became the pastor, and continued in the office 
until April 16th, 1843, when he resigned. The church, during 
some parts of Mr. Berry^s thirty years pastorate, was greatly 
blessed. There were thirteen members when he became pas- 
tor, and about fifty-five when he left. Since his removal the 
church has experienced many changes. 

The present pastor, George Taylor, who has kindly fur- 
nish^ us with the above particulars, commenced his labours, 
April 11th, 1852. 



CHAPTEB XTIL 

IMX)— 1S09. xf. a*— 13. 

ar^e of the 0^rt*pmlnk£€ h^tv^em Fttlker mmd Som — Dr. Ifylmti: 
JTi4 At^^mt of BrUtoi A^demy—'' PMic JTenAip Commieni 
and Enfor^'sd" — T^tt^ ff^jm Dunn, m Awteric* — Inriimtiom UiU 
Pr€*\denfy of 'A* yortKem B^ffUf A<md^wtf — IjiUnfrwm Mm 
Fntjr^ftt and other i re^p^ctiny it — Fimal DftUnncn hy Jfi*. Smf- 
horn—OffT^j^pon^^fnce viik Dr. Roland amd Andrew FktOtr m Ut 
Dnine G^remment — Joseph Hu^He^ — Tritet and BMe Saeieiitt^ 
AyUham RioU and Trial— 'Tlni to Camhridf^—Dr. Eaa — LdUn 
tc a Toung Friend — John Totmtend. 

With David Kinghom's remoral to Xonridi terminjitei the 
long course of correspondence between &ther and son, a oor- 
lespondenoe which was, donbtless, of the greatest benefit to 
Joseph Kinghom, assisting him, as it did, to form those habiti 
of close isTestigation, which so much distinguished him. 

These letters have afforded the principal materials for the 
compilation of onr narrative thus far ; and on their cessatioiii 
the correspondence assumes an entirelv different charader, 
consisting principally of letters firom contemponuy ministen 
on various subjects of interest in the religious world, and 
especially, of course, in connection with the denomination to 
which Mr. Kinghom belonged. At first, however, the letten 
are ''few and far between,^' and only now and then do we 
meet with one worthy of insertion, especially as they are 
written not by but to Mr. Kinghom. 

The events on which we have lately dwelt are thus refei red 
to in his annual reflection : — 

Norwich, Jan. 17th, 1800. 
Grod, the father of all my mercies ! I would 
■mUy praise thee for all the mercies of my life ; and particularly 
Bba last year. I praise thee for giving me ability to attend to 



THE BRISTOL ACADEMY. 299 

the case of my father and mother, and to make thus far their old 
age comfortable in the midst of all their sorrows. 

I praise thee for peace in the church, and for all thy goodness to 
my people at large. Assist me to speak both to sinners and to 
saints, that both may have their proper portion. May I in these 
labours be successful ; may I pursue them with a genuine spirit of 
humility ; and be willing ever to ascribe all the glory to thee. 

Grant, God, that thy blessing may attend my boy; that he 
may have thy grace, and live to honour thy name. Lead me for 
this end into the right way ; and what I know not, do thou teach 
me. 

grant also that thy blessing may be upon my dear father and 
mother. May they long live in peace and comfort. May we rejoice 
together in the hope of the common salvation. 

May I be enabled to render them comfortable, and may we 
together glorify thy name. 

Joseph Kinqhokn. 

One letter in the correspondence of 1800 may be interest- 
ing to some^ at leasts of our readers^ as giving an accoimt of 
the state of the Academy at Bristol^ from the pen of its 
worthy principal^ Dr. Byland ; and we therefore insert an 
extract. 

North Street, Bristol, October 31st, 1800. 

Deab Sie, 

I am glad that I can inform you I have generally 
had considerable satisfaction in our young men ever since I came to 
Bristol, and we never had a better set than at present. They are 
godly, diligent men, of promising abilities ; some will make con- 
siderable scholars, and I hope all will make useful ministers of the 
gospel of Christ. 

We had eighteen last year, but several were unexpectedly called 
away at the vacation, so that we have at present but twelve. Three 
applications have been received for admission within these ten days, 
in favour of young men well recommended. 

The church is in peace, we had two proposed this week, and 
expect more soon. We have much friendly intercourse among 
different denominations in Bristol. May the Lord prosper you more 
and more. Mr. Flint has great success at Horsley. I do not know 
another congregation so large in the kingdom. A singular work of 
grace is now going forward at Clipstone. Mr. Hall^ of Cambridge, 




'1 zz- 5rr -=:=£- 3- 



Lr -ill ..^r- > nrfin. "Tir*!- "H^c IL "SIS TaT Itr. KixtfiMn 

1".::.:. t-h. ::u: :r-2L 1 r i ?anr inxif xz fc Xcr^v «Sb 

uui '. -•!.• .' .•-:=iii ..iin i.iii te •nit;:^: xi:c» cjie tarn 

u'/ '-•:.■..' r .-i^^zTa:*! *.i " •' 1 >.!i:n:r' i^y . litfT sat ^oc b 

y.:-r Ties. ;mB Ifta^ :<*L 

. ■. •• v_."- -.:.».-. -. r . n_rr x-ji- :...:!i .: -Ji.-ni itur-. _!:r tt ^viwd 

1 .-•% '.^ t -.i-"-**-. ;.-i---. . l: zriT^c: l:ri.i ziire v.*" 'Jiiz s.a:f.d£is2 ^ 

/.•vt'. t.--.: -*. ->:z.i. -? liir.:. I: :* i..: 1^: r. -iltCt. iL*: »£>» aAc 
".'..^ •«•» ;_t* ', .nr*i -ili ".i: Br-iiih. I*lf*. A— erica will lc-^ bar 



BURNING OF MR. KINOHORN's TRACT. 301 

The yellow fever has been a sore scourge to most of our large cities 
for some years past, but measures are now taking to render them 
more healthful. We retire into the country two or three months 
every summer, and multitudes do the same, it being a season of 
leisure to persons in the wholesale line. 

The frankness and familiarity of persons of every religious de- 
nomination, of Judges, Generals, and Bishops, with every class of 
citizens, is very pleasing and gratifying to the native equality and 
dignity of man. 

By my letter to Mr. Wilkin you will perceive that the spirit of 
emigration is again revived, and that this country affords a very 
desirable asylum from the persecutions and wars of Europe. 

T. Dunn. 

New Yoii[, June 14th, 1801. 
My DEAR Friend, 

About five months since we had a new President. 
He is much of a philosopher, and a man very friendly to liberty. 
Under the reign of John Adams, our late President, from his not 
being very friendly to foreigners, but few strangers visited us. 
But now they are again pouring in by hundreds. 

This week two ships arrived, one with seventy, and the other 
with over five hundred passengers. 

T. Dunn. 
To Joseph Wilkin, Esq., Bowthorpe Hall, near Norwich. 

About this time Mr. Kinghom published a small tract 
entitled, "Arguments, chiefly fix)m Scripture, against the 
Roman Catholic Doctrine.'^ It was intended for circulation 
principally among the inhabitants of Cossey, a village which 
had always been largely under Roman Catholic influences ; 
the manorial property having been presented by Henry VIII. 
to his daughter, Queen Mary, who gave it to her Master of 
the Household, Sir Henry Jemegan, (since Jemingham) in 
whose family it has ever since remained. It is said the 
pamphlet had the honour of being burnt in the village, after 
being read, judged, and condemned by a family party of 
Catholics. 

In the Spring of 1804, several persons in the North of 
England, anxioiis to provide for young men who might be 
desirous of entering into the Christian ministry, additional 



302 LIFE OF JOSEPH RIXGHORN. 

facilities for acquiring knowledge^ conyened a meeting at 
Hebdenbridge^ on the 24th of May^ to consider the subject. 
The result was^ that those then present formed themselves 
into a society, imder the designation of the "Northern Edu- 
cation Society, for the purpose of encouraging pious young 
men, recommended, by the churches to which they belong, as 
persons of promising abilities/' 

A subscription was set on foot, and the great question was, 
" Who can be the tutor? ^' But we will give the incidents as 
they were related at the time by those concerned. 

In enclosing a circular of the society. Dr. Fawcett wrote 
thus to Mr. Kinghom : — 

Ewood Hall, Halifax, Aug:u8t 2nd, 1804. 
DsiOL Sib, 

I send you the printed letter as a kind of introduction 

to what I am going to lay before you. 

I am just returned from the meeting at Rochdale. Mr. Hall, 
from Cambridge, preached to us ; of his sermon I need not say 
much ; it was every way worthy of himself, and, I hope, to the 
honour of his divine master. I trust it will be printed immediately. 
We assembled in the afternoon; betwixt five and six hundred 
pounds were received, and many came forward as annual subscribers. 
A committee of fifteen were chosen, and several resolutions were 
agreed to. Mr. Hall conmienced a member of the society. The 
choice of a tutor was the most difficult point to be settled. The 
company would have brought forward my name, but my age, infirmi- 
ties, &c., are such, that I begged to be excused. Several peraonB 
mentioned your name, and spoke much in your favour, among whom 
was Mr. HaU, who gave such an account of your talents, disposition, 
&c., as made impression on all present. We inquired whether you 
were moveable ? To this question he would not give a decisive 
answer, but hoped providence might open the way when an object 
of so great importance was in question. I am not designing to urge 
you to give an immediate answer to this letter, but only to lay the 
subject before you, that you may exercise your thoughts upon it, 
and ask counsel of the Almighty. 

Now the matter I wish to lay before you is this, — We apprehend 
that Bradford is the likeliest place for establishing the Academy ; you 
know we have a respectable church and congregation there, in im- 
mediate want of a minister. I am authorised by them to look out 



PRESIDENCY OF BRADFORD OFFERED. 303 

for one, and to assist them by my advice in that weighty concern. 
I am willing as a Mend to do the best I can, but the choice lies 
with themselves. I think it probable you will soon be addressed 
by them, to inquire whether you would be willing to come over 
and supply them two or three weeks. My heart rejoices sincerely 
to see so much zeal discovered for the good cause, as now appears in 
multitudes. I wish you had been with us the two last meetings. 
I once had the pleasure of hearing you at Scarborough, and should 
be glad of another opportunity. 

I am, dear Sir, your affectionate, &c., 

John Fawcett. 

Norwich, Augiut 9th, 1804. 
Dear Sir, 

Yours of the 2nd inst. surprised me much. I thank you 

and those concerned in the l^orthern Education Society, for the 

opinion you have entertained of me, but really, I cannot see that 

I can accept the charge of tutor to the new Academy. 

Of myself I shall say nothing. I wish you may be directed by 

providence to a tutor far better qualified than I either am or 

can be, for such a situation. But such is the state of things here, 

that I do not think I could be at all justified in leaving Norwich. 

I have been here fifteen years, with a people who have shown me 

in many instances their respect and affection, and I hope I am not 

less united to them, than they arc to me. And although I have 

not been blessed with any brilliant success, yet I have reason to be 

thankful, God has not left me to suppose I have been altogether 

labouring in vain. We are in perfect harmony, and do not decline. 

Now sir, you will easily suppose that to break such a connection 

would be bitter work, and only to be justified by the most urgent 

reasons. I know God can provide friends here with a minister far 

preferable in every way to myself, but as we arc obliged to act from 

apparent duty, I should be subject to many anxious thoughts and 

Borrowfdl reflections, if I did not see my way clear before me. 

And God is able also to provide for you another, who will much 

better answer your purpose than I should. For these reasons, besides 

others of less import, I do not wish the Bradford church at all to 

think of me for their minister, nor the society for a tutor to their 

Academy. I am very glad to hear that so many are disposed to 

encourage the plan, and I hope you will be able to establish it on a 

firm basis. It is a very desirable thing to give young ministers the 

means of information. It may be truly said of our connection in 



804 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

some parts of the kingdom, that the harvest is plenteoos Irat the 
well-informed labourers are few, and I sincerely wish all ooncernad 
all the success they can desire. 

I thank you for the friendship shown in your letter. I remember 
well having the pleasure of seeing you at Scarborough, and hearing 
an excellent sermon which you preached at Mr. Hague's, though I 
had not the opportunity of any intercourse with you. We have 
since been separated by distance, but I hope not in our true in- 
terests. May God bless you, and fill your latter days with his 
richest mercies. 

I remain, dear Sir, yours affectionately, 

J. K. 

Ewood Hall, Halifax, August 8ib, 1804. 

Deab Sib, 

I now address you on behalf of the church of Christ 
at Bradford, who earnestly desire you to make them a visit, should 
it be the will of a gracious providence to open your way. 

They are provided for four Sabbaths to come, and would wish yon 
to be with them against the 9th of September. 

There is a considerable church, a fine, spacious meeting-house, 
and a prospect of great usefulness. I hope God will incline your 
heart, and open your way to come. It is to us, who are concerned 
in the Education Society, a very desirable object. 

Should you return a negative answer, it would throw great dark- 
ness and discouragement on the design which is so happily begun. 
I make no doubt but your labours would be acceptable at Bradford, 
if you can see it your duty to accept of this double invitation. To 
multiply arguments and solicitations would be to little purpose ; we 
shall carry the matter to the tlirone of grace, and plead with him 
who has all hearts in his hands, and all events at his disposal. 

That he may graciously guide and direct you to what will be 
most for his glory in this weighty affair, is the sincere desire o^ 
Sir, your affectionate, &c., 

J. Fawcbtt. 

TO MB. FAWCETT. 

Norwich, August I4th, 1804. 
Deab Sib, 

Yours of the 8th I received in course, and you will 

by this time find that my answer to your former letter, and your 

last, passed each other on the road. From that letter you will 

naturally expect what kind of answer I shall return to your last. 

As things arc, I shall not think of visiting Bradford in September, 



DECLINES THE INVITATION TO BRADTOBD. 805 

because, as I do not see that I can leave Norwich, such a visit 
would only produce unpleasant sensations at home ; and I argue 
that if it were the will of God that I should accept of the office 
you wish me to fill, the way would be more open than it is. 

You will, therefore, please to give my Christian respects to the 
church at Bradford, and acquaint them with my resolution, stating 
my reasons in any way you think best, with my thanks for their in- 
vitation. I am perfectly satisfied with your taking the matter to the 
throne of God's grace j his decisions are always right ; and did I 
suppose that it was his will that I should come to Yorkshire, I 
should reply in different language. As you have been long in the 
service of Christ, you know the importance of such subjects, and 
will give these things their due weight. In the meantime, I wish 
you may enjoy the direction of God in choosing a better tutor, and 
his blessing in all your ways. 

I am, dear Sir, yours sincerely, 

J. K. 

P.S. — I have had a letter from Mr. Littlewood, urging me to 
accept the invitation ; I write to him this post. 

FBOH EEV. THOMAS LAKGDON, OF LEEDS. 

Leeds, August 16th, 1804. 
My dear Friend, 

You recollect, no doubt, coming to Leeds some years 
since, to consult me on the propriety of establishing a small Baptist 
Academy in this part of the kingdom. At that time I was con- 
fident that the interest would be most effectually promoted by 
enlarging the Bristol Academy ; but I have long been convinced 
that I was mistaken. Bristol is too distant sufficiently to interest 
the public feelings, nor is there any reason to hope that many of the 
students educated there would settle in this part of the country. 

The subject has lately been taken up with spirit. About £1300 
has been subscribed already, and I have no doubt but much more 
wiU be done. I am delighted with the liberality of my little 
congregation. Indeed, it was high time for something to be done, 
the interest was rapidly sinking into insignificance and contempt. 
You can form no idea of the low state to which it is reduced, with 
respect to the abilities and literary qualifications of ministers. 

At a meeting of the Northern Education Society at Rochdale, on 
the 1st instant, after much conversation on the subject with our 
common friend, Mr. Hall, who preached the most astonishing sennon 

X 



306 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHOBN. 

on the occasion that ever was delivered, I had the honour of pio- 
posing the Bev. J. Kinghom to the Society, as a person well qualified 
for the office of tutor. The proposal was received with the greatest 
cordiality; hut, as in the present infimt state of the institution, it is 
desirable, if not necessary, that the Academy should he oonnectad 
with the care of a congregation, and as the people at Bradford an 
now without a minister, it was thought that it would he a ha^J 
circumstance, should the people at Bradford choose a minister capahla 
of undertaking the care of the Academy. Mr. Kinghom wb% 
therefore, strongly recommended to the Bradford Mends who were 
present, and Mr. Fawcctt was requested to recommend him to tho 
church. I am told that they have unanimously agreed to request 
you to pay them a visit. But as I know not in what manner the 
request has been transmitted to you, I beg leave just to say that the 
subject demands your most serious consideration ; and that I h<^ 
you will on no account refuse, at least, to pay them a visit. The 
respectability', if not the existence of the Baptist interest in this 
part of the kingdom, greatly depends under God on the success of 
our newly-formed Institution, and I can think of no one so wdl 
qualified to manage it as you are. As to other things I could widi 
you to know that the congregation at Bradford is large, and contains 
many persons of considerable property. I dare say they would not 
think of giving a minister less than £100. The Education Society 
is only in its infancy ; but I know that it is the intention of its 
members to make the tutor's situation as respectable as possihle. 
The neighbourhood of Bradford is pleasant and healthy, and I 
believe house-rent and the several articles of housekeeping are lower 
there than in most market towns in the kingdom. The most respect^ 
able part of the congregation ardently wish for a person of education, 
and whose views are liberal and moderate, for their minister. 

I hope my dear friend will forgive my troubling him with this 
hasty scrawl, and favour me with a line in reply. If you come to 
Bradford, contrive to spend a few days with us in your way. I 
can only add that Mrs. Langdon unites in best respects with 
Your affectionate friend and brother, 

TnoMAS Lanoboit. 

FBOK EEV. THOMAS UTTLEWOOD, OF BOCHDALE. 

Kochdale, October leth, 1804. 
Dear Sib, 

Your obliging letter of the 14th of August came duly. 

I am well persuaded you wrote this in the integrity of your heart, 



LETTERS FROM LANODON AND LITTLEWOOD. 307 

but possibly you might not see all the importance of the step we 
wished you to take. I am directed by the committee of the 
Northern Education Society to recall your attention to it, and to 
request that you will again put this very important affair into the 
balances of the sanctuary, and weigh diligently every circumstance 
relative to it. The people perish for lack of knowledge— rthe ways 
of Zion mourn because her ancient lamps are growing dim by reason 
of age, and no new ones are prepared to supply their places. 

My directions are to urge you to take upon you the office, and to 
suffer none of the considerations you mention to deter you, for we 
think them by no means sufficient. Your objections are only such 
as every man, qualified to fill the office of a tutor, would have to 
offer; if they justify your refusal they would justify that of 
another, and the cause would utterly sink. On that principle, Dr. 
Ryland would still have remained at Northampton, and the Academy 
at Bristol would have lived only in the recollections of the good and 
pious. Consider, my dear Sir, the necessity of the case, for there is 
no other so likely ; consider its importance, for it is to become more 
extensively useful in the church, which is the body of Christ ; con- 
sider the weakness of the motives that keep you back, for many 
have given such-like up before your day ; consider the unanimity 
of the call we give you, for every hand is raised for you, every eye 
looks to you, and every heart wishes you to comply ; above all, con- 
sider him who is King in Zion, for it seems as if providence itself 
was both calling and opening the way for you. 

I inclose a few lines to your church, which you will please pre- 
sent to them ; and may he that rules all hearts and heads direct you 
in his wisdom to that line of conduct, which shall be most conducive 
to his glory, and the general good of the church. 

I am, on behalf of the Committee, dear Sir, 

Yours in the best of bonds, 

Thomas Littlewood, Secretary, . 

The church at Bradford unites in this request. 

to the BAPTIZED CHX7BCH OF CHRIST AT ST. MAEy's, NORWICH. 

Rochdale, October 17th, 1804. 
Dear Brethren, 

I have by this post written to your dear pastor, 
Mr. Joseph Kinghom, to request that he will take upon him the office 
of tutor to the academy about to be established by the Northern 
Education Society. The brethren know his compliance would be 

X 2 



808 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

painful to yon, but onght we not to put self out of the qneBtkA 
when duty calls ? 

We know of no one else bo suitable. Men qualified for toton 
are rarely to bo met with, especially in our denominatian, which 
shows the necessity of the step we are now taking. You will no^ 
we hope, brethren, throw any hindrances in our way, by persnadiiig 
your pastor not to accept of our invitation, bat help him to deCer- 
minc that, in God's name and strength, he will engage in this good 
work ; by so doing you will, I am persuaded, greatly serve the oanie 
of the Redeemer, and perform an act pleasing in his sight. He^ 
with whom is the residue of the Spirit, can, and will give an Eliaha* 
if ho take Elijah from you. 

We t^ike no pleasure, dear brethren, in asking of you that whidi 
will give you pain, we regret that necessity obliges us to do so ; hiit» 
unless you or some other church will make Buch a sacrifice, all wt 
have undertaken will come to nothing. 

We beseech you^ therefore, for Christ^s sake, and for the love of 
the Spirit, that you would, in this instance, imitate the late worthy 
conduct of the church at Northampton, when Dr. Eyland was called 
to the superintendence of the Academy at Bristol. Under Qod, we 
look up to 3'ou with expectation and hope, and waiting your favour- 
able reply, I remain, on behalf of the committee, dear brethren. 
Yours, in our common Lord, 

TnoKAs LiTTLEWooD, SeoteUfy, 

TO THE GEinXEMEN OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE KORTHEBK SDFCATIOff 

SOCIETY. 

Dear Sirs, 

We received your letter inclosed in one to our dear 
pastor, who has kindly communicated to us the whole of the corres- 
pondence relative to the business to which you have called our 
attention. 

On the last lord's day we held a church-meeting, to take it into 
our consideration, when, after having discussed the subject at some 
length, it was agreed to adjourn the meeting for our final decision 
to this day. 

We have seriously and attentively considered your request ; the 
importance of the sacrifice which is requested of us, we consider as 
being no less than our own edification, peace and comfort as a 
church. We are enjoying harmony among ourselves, being most 
happily united in the bonds of Christian affection to each other, and 



LETTER PROM THE CHURCH AT ST. MARY's. 309 

to our worthy pastor. We esteem him very highly, for his work's 
sake, as being our instructor in the truths of our holy religion, and 
for his exemplary conduct both in the church and in the world. 
His labours among us are evidently attended with a divine blessing ; 
several additions have of late been made to our number, and several 
more are at this time desirous of casting in their lot among us, 
being candidates for communion ; besides a considerable number of 
young attentive hearers. 

These we consider both as seals to his ministry and as reasons why 
we cannot give him up. We most severely felt the death of our 
late pastor ; the diversity of opinion on the suitableness of those 
ministers who visited ub, rendered it extremely difficult to procure 
a successor suited to our wishes, indeed, it had nearly broken up our 
church; and it appears to us, that nothing short of the talents, 
amiable disposition, and unexceptionable conduct of Mr. Joseph 
Einghom could have united us. 

Other considerations, if necessary, might be adduced, such as his 
importance to this city and neighbourhood, (as well as to ourselves, 
who are more immediately connected with him,) which is by no 
means inconsiderable ; but we hope enough has been already said to 
convince you that your request cannot be complied with. We 
shall, therefore, only add that we are decidedly and unanimously of 
opinion, it is not our duty as a church of Jesus Christ to advise our 
pastor to relinquish his charge of us ; but, on the contrary, we feel 
ourselves bound, as we regard our own prosperity and the general 
welfare of this part of God's vineyard, to request him to continue 
to labour amongst us in word and doctrine, to the building us up in 
our most holy faith. We conclude with wishing you the blessing 
of God in your important underteiking, and his guidance and direc- 
tion in the choice of a tutor to your academy, where his providence 
opens the way, by giving the minister a disposition to remove, and 
where a separation would not be attended with that pain and un- 
easiness as in the present instance. Signed by us in the presence 
of the whole, and at their request at our church-meeting, held 
:N'ovember 4th, 1804:— 

James Cozens Robert Pi.atpord William Beare 

John AiTNis Thomas Reeve Samuel. Sly 

Samuel Vyer William Miller William Durrant. 



Robert Tooke 



Thomas Hawkins, Deacon. 



310 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

TO THE KEV. THOMAS LITTLEWOOD. 

Norwich, NoTcmber 6tli, ISM. 
Dear Sik, 

Yours of October 16tli I received in course. Its 
contents surprised me much. Your letter to our church I delivered, 
and inclosed you have a reply. On that I shall make no remarks, 
it shall speak for itself. As to myself, I thank you for the opinion 
you have of me in wishing me to take so honourable an office as the 
tutor of an academy ; but I must still beg to refuse it. Hear me 
in a few words. — I acknowledge the value of literature, I wish I 
possessed much more than I do. I know my own stock is but scanty. 
I wish also that all my brethren in the ministry were, in this respect, 
fathers to whom I could look up for instruction. I acknowledge 
ftirther, that mucb is to be done in the service of Christ by the 
tutor of an academy, properly qualified and disposed, which cannot 
be done by any other person. I will not contest the point of my 
Own qualifications with you ; nor urge what would probably prove 
true, that you have overrated my information and ability for com- 
munication. I will not plead the pains and difficulty that would 
attend my separating fix)m many old and valued friends here. I 
thus agree to meet the question in its boldest and plainest form. 
But should I be justified in bursting away from a church who urge 
my stay by such considerations and motives as you find in the in- 
closed letter? If anything unpleasant took plac« here on my 
removing, should I be safe from the recoil of the question, " with 
whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness ? I know 
thy pride and the naughtiness of thy heart.'* We have had lately 
a revival among us. Our hearts and hopes have been much ex- 
panded by some very pleasing incidents. This does not look like a 
direction to go away, especially as the prospect still is fair and 
promising. 

You bid me consider him who is "King in Zion." I hope I do, 
and as all men and all events are in his hands, I cx)nclude he does 
not want me to remove as he sets his people to close up the way. 
This does not look like saying "friend go up higher," it rather 
seems to say, be contented in a humbler sphere, you are not wanted. 
I am thankful for the evidence that Jesus Christ does account me 
worthy to be one of his servants, and I think it will be admitted, 
that it is safer to stay in an old plain path of duty, than to go into 
any new one, unless his direction were very manifest. 

You urge the case of the Northampton church ; perhaps that was 



FINAL D£CIS10>^. 311 

not a parallel to the present. I have looked for precedents, but I 
own I have not found any exactly in point. On the whole, this 
affair has been considered carefully and seriously, and you must 
plainly see that many things are not in this statement supposed, 
which might yet prove great difficulties, both to you as a society, 
and to myself. I have all along wished to make this the first 
inquiry — " What is duty ? " 

I hope you will be more successful elsewhere. God has many 
servants, he often seeth not as man seeth ; there may be one yet in 
reserve for you who may answer your utmost wishes, and whose 
coming may be so marked by God's providence as to satisfy all 
hearts that the hand of the Lord is in it. I am not indifferent to 
your success, although I think duty forbids my complying with 
your request. My Christian respects and thanks to the Bradford 
church, and to all the brethren concerned. 

I remain, dear Sir, 

Yours in the Gospel, 

J. K. 

The day previous to that on which this last letter was 
written, Mr. Langdon addressed another to Mr. Kinghom, 
urging on him more earnestly even than before, the necessity 
of his removal to Bradford, conjuring him in the name of 
everything serious, not to give a negative answer till he 
had weighed the matter most impartially, and assuring him 
that he believed there was no one in the kingdom so suitable 
for the situation. But it was too late, the final determination 
had been made, and was not to be altered. Mr. Kinghom, 
it is evident, did not see it to be his duty to leave the people 
to whom he was strongly attached, and who regarded him 
with a corresponding afiection. If it appeared to some that 
providence was opening the door before him to lead him to 
Bradford; it might be asked by others, where was the evi- 
dence that that providence had shut the door behind him ? 

His preaching, though not of that style which would be 
called popular, was becoming more and more useful ; frequent 
additions were made to the church, and thus his hands were 
strengthened in his work. 

But it vras not to the pulpit alone that Mr. Kinghorn's 



312 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHOEN. 

labours were confined. The study^ the Bchool-ioom, the 
apartments of the sick^ and the houses of the membem of 
his churchy both rich and poor, all shared his attention; and 
his time was so apportioned to the varied duties of his pootioii, 
that each had its proper quota, and all were r^ulated with 
the greatest punctuality. 

He generally rose about seven, and after family worsfaip 
and breakfast, his first employment was to read one or two 
chapters from his Hebrew Bible, which he did critically and 
carefully. 

The pupils, who, together with his protSgi, shared at this 
time his instructions, assembled at nine, and lessons lasted 
till twelve, when they were succeeded by the noontide hoards 
walk, in whicli Mr. Kinghom was almost always accompanied 
by his father and his lx)y. For some years this walk was in 
one direction, namely, for a mile along the Dereham turnpike 
and back, and so great was Mr. Kinghom's punctuality in 
its observance that his appearance served the purpose of a 
clock to a family of cottagers on the road. When he came 
in sight, an order used to be given to '' put in the 'tatoeSy 
here come the tall gentleman.^' This incident was related by 
the cottager to one of the members at St. Mary's. 

In addition to the very diligent and incessant study of the 
Holy Scriptures, Mr. Kinghorn's course of reading was very 
extensive. Besides paying considerable attention to Rabbinical 
literature, and to the works of the early fathers, as well as to 
the Greek and Latin classics, he became conversant with the 
most acute and profound theological writers of modem times. 
His logical turn of mind, and his perfect candour and int^rity 
led him to investigate frankly and fearlessly the most difficult 
questions respecting the moral government of God. While, 
on the one hand, he never flinched from the encoamter of their 
difficulty, yet, on the other, he was ever ready to submit his 
reason implicitly to the obedience of faith in any question in 
which himian imderstanding becomes lost in the difficulties of 
the divine government ; never admitting a thought of sceptical 
doubt or rebellious opposition. 

In Jime, 1807, there occurred a very remarkable oorres- 



QUERIES ON god's SOVEREIGNTY. 813 

pondence on questions of this kind between Mr. Kinghom 
and Dr. Eyland, and between Dr. Ryland and Andrew Fuller; 

There are published^ in Mr. Fuller's " Dialogues^ Letters, 
and Essays/' the following three queries, with an " Answer." 
First. — Since, on the present constitution of things, men 
never had a disopsition to love and serve God, nor can it be 
produced by any circumstance in which they can be placed ; 
how can they be accoimtable for what they never had, and 
without divine influence never can have ? 

Secondly. — If it be said, that man is accountable from his 
powers and constitution, and, therefore, that God requires of 
him perfect obedience and love as the result of his possessing 
a moral nature; still, how is it consistent with the goodness 
of God, to produce accountable beings in circumstances 
wherein their rebellion is certain, and then pimish them for it? 

Thirdly, — K the reply to these diflSculfies be foimded on 
the principle, that from what we see, we cannot conceive of a 
constitution which had not either equal or greater difficulties 
in it ; is it not a confession that we cannot meet the objections 
and answer them in the direct way, but are obliged to ac- 
knowledge that the government of God is too imperfectly 
understood by us to know the principle on which it proceeds ? 

These queries emanated fit)m Mr. Blinghom ; having been 
proposed by him to Dr. Ryland in the course of conversation 
at Norwich, as he wished to have the opinion of a brother 
minister on such difficulties. Dr. Ryland excused himself fit)m 
replying, saying he was not ready at answering difficulties 
immediately, but wished the author of the queries would put 
them on paper, that he might see them. He did so, and 
wrote four: of these one was omitted, which was to this 
effect, " What is the love which God hath for those whom he 
hath not chosen to eternal life ? " ^ 

The three queries which were published, were lollowed by 
observations which showed most evidently that Mr. Fuller 
thought it was to an infidel objector that he was replying — 
although he published with the questions the following 
paragraph, which Mr. Kinghom had appended to them, in 
giving them to Dr. Ryland. 



314 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHOftlV. 

" The above queries are not the eflBsot of any unbdief of Ai 
great leading doctrines of the gospel; bat as every thinking ■■ 
has bis own way of settling snch moral diffleultieay yon will eooftr 
a favour on mc, if you will state how yon meet and anawcr thai 
in your own mind." 

Mr. Puller began by remarking : — 

"If the querist imagines that we pfofess to have emlmoed l 
system which answers all difficulties, he should be reminded tiiat vt 
profess no such thing. If it answers all sober and modest objeotifla% 
that is as much as ought to be expected. The querist wooUL di 
well to consider whether he be not off Christian ground. I re- 
member, wlien a boy of about ten years old, I was bathing with a 
number of other boys near a mill-dam, and the hat of one of nj 
companions fulling into the stream, I had the hardihood, withost 
being able to swim, to attempt to recover it. I went bo deep tint 
the waters began to run into my mouth, and to heave my feet fron 
the ground ; at that instant the millers, seeing my danger, set up a 
loud cry, ' Get back ! get back ! get back ! ' I did so, and thst 
was all. What the millers said to me, modesty, sobriety, and ri^ 
reason say to all such objectors as the above, — get back ! get hadk! 
got back ! you arc beyond your depth." 

Mr. Fuller^ it would seem^ did not directly attempt to 
elucidate^ but rather repelled the questions^ bringing forward 
Paul's celebrated rejoinder to the supposed objector against 
the sovereignty of God : " Nay but, O man, who art thoa 
that rcpliest against God?'' 

** Let the querist," he remarked, " consider whether his objectioDS 
be not of the same family as those which were made to the apostle^ 
and whether they do not admit of the same answer. 

" AVith the united testimony of God, conscience, and common 
sense on ourisidc, we make light of objections, which, as to their 
principle, were repelled by an apostle, and which are retained only 
in the school of metaphysical infidelity." 

On seeing the work, Mr. Kinghom felt himself, moat 
naturally, no little disconcerted, and immediately wrote thus 
to Dr. Ryland :— ' 



FULLER PUBLISHES THEM. 315 

Norwich, June 2nd, 1807. 

Deae Sib, 

A few days ago, I was very much surprised ou 
finding three of the queries which I gave you in Mr. Fuller's 
"Dialogues, Letters, and Essays." According to a copy which I have, 
I gave you four. It is often an unpleasant thing to find papers 
printed that were written with no such intention. It is peculiarly 
80 when they are brought into controversy. 

I cannot have a doubt that Mr. Puller had the queries ultimately 
from you, yet, as I know not the circumstances that might attend 
their communication, and do not wish to entertain an opinion in 
any case that is contrary to fact, I shall esteem it a favour if you 
will inform me, as soon as convenient, whether Mr. Fuller knows 
who wrote the queries ? "Whether you gave him either my paper 
or a copy for the purpose of his printing them ? K not, whether 
you approve of what he has done, and of the reply he has given ? 
Or whether I am to consider Mr. Fuller alone as accountable for 
printing them, and for what he has said about them ? 

Waiting your reply, and wishing you every blessing in the work 
of the Lord, I remain, &c., J. £. 



Mt deab Bbotheb, 

I certainly did send brother Fuller a copy of your four 
queries, but^I believe neither he nor any other person whatever has 
Ihe slightest guess fix)m whence they came. The fourth query he 
thought very distinct from the others, and therefore thought it best 
not to connect it with them, though I think he made some remarks 
upon it. He asked my leave to print the other three, and I con- 
sented ; having forgot, however, that I had put a K — to them. 
I did not suspect that you could be displeased to see what he would 
fiay to them, as you wished to know what I should have said if I 
had found time to write myself. 

If I had not concealed your name, I would not have consented 
to the queries being printed without your consent. As it was, I 
imagined I could not have been displeased with you in the case 
inserted, and I took it for granted, your bushel was as good as my 
own. If I wronged you I will be more careful next time. I 
gratefully remember all your kindness, and feel as your cordial 
brother, 

JoHH Etlaio). 



k=/: I iniTc : i^s-'^ -: yic ry wJj^a sy ftsfiuviedoag it. sad to 
=.7fcli -J—* :'.c !• ZL- r:ax;Lri* a Mr. Fxliir'* z«p2j to the tkne 
'.-^r-i* I ^- 17 rrjz.: 7 • - t^j:: LfeC toi nii, shall I shov them 
^-. Mr F Jl-T. I ^1 ^i i^i-i-e slji y:4 a&Ej. or to j&t odwr. Bsft 
*ri'- I T^i-r ''z-zL JL ttjl: I -Ttf scr^mM. «ai SRSsefove visbed to 
ki.-.-r 'L:-r :1^.7 .i--: :"i-^:t- i»:i:« I j^aftd fiRber of other vbtt 
T>:; :-ii i.--- :: 5fr. 7:ill-.r- I trirfLlikc j-c« whh mj !•« ; bat em 
tr-fir V.ii^ •riz.tci t.i"! - iTic r.*Tt :<iea KCi>c^ by ae, had Aej 
!•<>.: T<-i ..::"!. -7 •• -:.-Tr.:T ct a h£L-£<iL-«=rt- npZy. A* d^ case i^ I 
thlik ::...T :.iT* r^-^[zi'i -vi:i'tr. Y:a v~Z of ecorse strMr.Falkr 
:> &'/. .::!.^>.le ! r :!:?: ^:z.:^*i. r^:;: as ibe ovKspoodaieie opeaed 
»iV:. TV-. jr.rTr.:: =.-. t: sit a few ttiijs «» hiiF xeply. 

Iz. v.'.- £r^: ]^1^> . vLiit v-SLt ctf maietff ^^r m irit^p u tlKxe in &s 
r|*jf.ri'i>r Mr. FTillir ii:tiziiu« tbey wast b-^th. I« it nJSt « 
vr^r.ir to ti^k thliJdi.:; niri. bcv the dificsltic* of &»d*ff goTcnmat 
»thi:<: theni. und L v tLej zneiLt sii.1 msw^r ibem in their own mads? 
I* t}.- rr- aT::rtLi:.z ::: t:.c q::fnt* :La: tmiem^ ihr cwtodiict of God, 
or tLit d'x-?^ n ■: a Irr.it ihc- fiit, while ihij itfk fiv a aohitKa of 
i:.f difS /.ty : T* there ^Lvihing in ibr q"a«i« tha: has nol aiim 
try; k the iriiLN -f tbiiikii:? mtE, and Strl.iBS ma twk. and led 
iLcm t/i a*k. h -w arc thest- thincs rpChjiKilfdr If i3k- qoeiws arr » 
dcT..id of * ibrii TT and m >ioftT as Mr. Fmlksr innmaies, why priit 
them : Whexx^ is the um of cirraLitiiisr them r Peiii^is lose miy 
think difTinntly of them. Sc>me think that viih all their evil 
qnalities they are nr-t answered. WhM Mr. FnDer say* about dM 
mill(i^ callinff on: t-^ him, iTet bat:k ! ptt hack ! get back ! appears to 
me stran^ly ap]iht-d. It lo-tks as if Mr. Fuller wanted to tSkmet 
inquiry. My inquiries were, how are these things to be mwnciled? 
L'w d(» you m«-t them in your own mind: &e. ; professedly acknov* 
led^^Tig the L^ts. a*kinj: only a solution; infstead of which I mcci 
i»-ith nothiDg hut a lecture aliout the fac-t, and which has do meu* 
in?, unle7<> Mr. Fuller meant to in<dnuate either that tiie fret w« 
denied, or that the querist was replying against God ; aad he eoold 
not tell whether thai was or was not the motive in the isquixy. 

The principle of the next paragrajih, I think, wants a gond deal of 
explanation before it can lie admitted ; viz.. '* Thai in matten of 
Q/.knowlc^lired fat't. objections on the gri>und of inconsistency wilh 
the divine perfections are inadmissible.'* In exact proportion as 



MR. kinohorn's objections. 817 

any statement appears fairly inconsistent with the divine perfectionff, 
an objection does and will arise ; and the subject demands consider- 
ation, how ien it is rightly conceived and stated. But tliis is not all. 
I suppose none will deny that since the Eeformation light has been 
thrown on moral questions by investigation. To mention only one 
instance, the researches of Jonathan Edwards. But were not these 
made by the contemplation of difficulties in their full force ? Are 
not all improvements made by adding one thought to another ? and 
thus, by extending the reach of one man's mind by the assistance of 
another ? More than this was neither wanted nor expected ; but 
from such men as you and Mr. Fuller this might have been looked 
for. Mr. Fuller says, the apostle " knew what would be the heart- 
risings of the infidel." Do such inquiries never arise but in the 
hearts of infidels ? Is there any infidelity in asking what can be 
effected by the assistance of talent, information, and Chriatianity ? 

Of the same kind is the concluding sentence, " we make light of 
objections which, as to their principle, were repelled by an apostle, 
and which are retained only in the school of metaphysical infidelity." 
This carries the matter to its highest point. But the question still 
returns; are we to be frightened from investigation by such a 
censure ? 

If he had admitted the truth of the language in the third query 
and in the conclusion, I do not see how such a sentence could have 
escaped him. "Whether Mr. Fuller could answer the queries, I 
know not. But all these things clearly show that he has not. Had 
he been dealing with a professed infidel, this mode of going to work 
would never have made him a believer ; and much less would it 
operate on those who are trying to think aright on the government 
of God, and who know that infidelity is not at the bottom of the 
objection, but who are endeavouring to know the limits of the 
human mind. Many excellent men have tried to lessen the difficul- 
ties that are common to all religious inquiries, and to their own 
sentiments in particular, and surely this is a much better way than 
to treat questions of acknowledged and manifest importance as if 
they were crimes. 

It would be easy to add more, but I will only say that if Mr. 
Fuller meant it to be understood that he thought the limit of the 
human mind was so narrow as to admit of no satisfactory answer to 
such difficulties, there were many better ways of saying so than he 
has adopted. With respect to general ideas of truth, lie and I are 
more nearly agreed than he supposes, though, not being in the habit 



318 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHOEK. 

of bowing to human authority, I would not say that I shovild agree 
with him in all his speculations. 

I acknowledge his talents and piety, and respectiiig both, pay 
him my willing tribute. May ho long continue to earn and enjoy 
the fruit of his labours by his utility, and by the increase of tibe 
approbation of all good men. But something is due to inqoirifli 
that proceed from those who are in comparative obecnrity. 

His not knowing from whom the queries proceeded is no apdlqgy 
for the manner in which he has treated them. 

The above few remarks, and all that is connected with tiiem, I 
completely leave to your discretion, to do as you please witb tliem. 

I shall be always glad to hear from you, and wishing yon ereiy 
degree of success in your important station, 
I remain, dear Sir, 

Yours in the gospel of Christ, 

J. K. 



Aaguit 28tii» 1807. 

Dear Sis, 

At the time when your last letter came, I knew that 
brother Fuller was uncommonly engaged in business of the greatest 
importance to the cause of Christ, in applying to all the East 
India Directors, and other great men, respecting our mission, at 
that time exposed to imminent danger. Since then he came to 
Bristol, to our annual meeting, and stayed three or four days, and 
I gave him a copy of your letter, though still without the 
smallest hint from whom it came, nor has any individual known it 
from me. This afternoon I have received his reply, which I will 
transcribe as fast as I can, though I have scarcely had time to read 
it. Before I begin, I will premise that I was sorry on reflection 
that I did not at first give him some hint from what quarter, or at 
least what sort of a (quarter, the queries came ; and also that I con- 
sented to their being printe<l, without more reflection. 

I should not have been so hast}- and careless if I had been aware 
that I had afilxed a K — to them, but that I forgot, till I saw them 
in print. Now for brother Puller's remarks : — 

'* I answer to the author of the three queries, (whoever he may 
be,) I certainly did consider them as coming from some such 

quarter as the letter you showed me from C , and it was to 

repel such objections that I printed them. Your correspondent 
acknowledges the facts, and asks only for a solution of the difficulties. 



319 

Had I considered him as believing the facts, my answers would 
have been, perhaps, to this effect : — 

"As to query 1, I conceive it is improper to denominate the 
fallen condition in which men are now brought into being * the 
present constitution of things.' As this is supposed to be an ac* 
knowledged truth on all hands, would it not have been less excep- 
tionable to have said — seeing by the original constitution of human 
nature, man having transgressed, his posterity have no disposition, 
&c. Nor do I consider the want of disposition as destroying 
accountability, which is the case with the want of natural power 
and opportunities. It is not only necessary to have had, but at all 
times to have the latter in order to our being accountable creatures ; 
but this is not true of the former. If it be, in proportion aa 
creatures revolt from God they cease to be accountable. Disposition 
is not the rule of obligation, but the very thing we are obliged to. 
* Thou shalt love with all thy strength.* But if disposition be not 
the rule of obligation, whether we ever had it, or not, or whether 
we ever can have it, without divine influence, or not, makes no 
difference as to accountability. 

** As to No. 2, I consider * certainty ' a very different thing from 
physical necessity, or the necessity of compulsion. 

" If we admit the foreknowledge of God, wo must admit that he 
actually did create man in circumstances wherein his rebellion was 
to him ' certain,' and then punished him for it. Nor is this true of 
the first parents of mankind only. The conduct of Pharoah was 
certain to God, and certainly foretold by him, and yet he was 
punished. The same may be said of the conduct of every other 
sinner. I may feel difficulty in reconciling these facts with the 
divine goodness, principally, perhaps, by my measuring his conduct 
to his creatures, by what is my duty to those about me, and supposing 
that it is inconsistent with the goodness of God, not to do all that 
is in his power to make his creatures happy. But while reasoning 
thus, ought I not to ask — is it befitting a worm of the dust, who 
knows next to nothing, to measure his Creator's conduct by his 
own ? Ought I not to take it for granted, that whatever God doth 
is right and best, whether I can perceive it or not ? Many things 
might appear to an angel d priori to be at variance with the per- 
fections of God, which yet actually form a part of his system ! 
[Possibly ; yet a perfectly right spirit would go a great way towards 
forming a right judgment. — J. E.] 

''And thus, though sinners never had a disposition to love and 



330 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

serve God, and no circumstances in which they can be placed will 
produce it, yet, being treated as accountable creatures in the sacred 
Scriptures, God requiring them to love and serve him just as much 
as if they were of opposite dispositions ; every man's conscience 
also concurring with the voice of God, telling him that the want of 
disposition has no tendency to diminish his responsibility; and 
finally, the imiversal practice of mankind in their treatment of one 
another uniting to prove the same thing ; — ought I not to conclude 
that the difficulty which I feel in reconciling it with divine goodness, 
arises from some false principles' which I have somehow imbibed, 
and which have led me, perhapsj to attribute that to the want of 
disposition, which is only attributable to the want of powers and 
opportunities ? 

" If your friend still think the difficulty unremoved, and that I in 
effect * admit that the government of God is too imperfectly im- 
derstood by us to know the principles on which it proceeds,* I 
only say, so be it. I freely acknowledge myself unable to solve 
many difficulties which others of superior judgment mig^t 
solve. But as to those in question, with others relative to the 
origin of evil, I never expect to see such a solution of them as 
shall silence evcrj^ objection which may arise in the human mind; 
and whatever others may do, I feel satisfied in reflecting that Scrip- 
ture, conscience, and the practice of all mankind, concur in treating 
sinners as accountable beings, and that, therefore, it must be in 
harmony with the divine goodness. 

"I was wrong in supposing the querist to have alleged the 
difficulties in order to undermine the facts, but having heard them 
so often where that end was manifestly in view, I paid too little 
regard to his concluding paragraph. 

" Allowing that, * in proportion as any statement appears fidrly 
inconsistent with the divine perfections, an objection does and will 
arise, and that the subject demands consideration how far it is 
rightly conceived and stated,' this does not affect my position, 
which supposes the facts acknowledged, and that they are not mis- 
conceived or mis-stated. If there be any doubt on this subject, 
nothing that I have said objects to its being considered." 

Thus I have given you brother Fuller's replies. I have no time 
to add further remarks. Both I and brother Fuller must immediately 
attend to very important business respecting Jamaica. A most 
horrid ordinance has been enacted, silencing all the negro brethren, 
and even prohibiting social prayer and singing. I had the news 



ANDREW FULLER TO JOSEPH KINOHORN. 321 

from Mr. Swigle, on Tuesday, and have sent off four sheets as full 
as this to London, Olney, Kettering, and to Mr. Wilberforce. We 
mean to send two missionaries next October, but must endeavour to 
get this law set aside first ; or they cannot preach when they get 
tiiither without a fine of £100, and three months' imprisonment. 
Do pray for us. See a paper of mine in "Evangelical Magazine," 
1803, page 54. J. Eyland. 

It is pleasant^ however, to find that the correspondence did 
not remain solely in the hands of Dr. Ryland, but that the 
two parties were introduced to each other, so that it terminated 
in a friendly interchange of thought between Mr. Kinghom 
and Mr. Fuller, the latter sending a careful letter, giving his 
thoughts on the query which was not printed in the " Dia- 
logues, Letters, and Essays ;" a letter, which clearly shows 
that Mr. Fuller took some pains to efface, from the mind of 
his friend and brother, any remaining disquietude; after which 
he proceeds to a free and friendly communication respecting 
the great subject to which he devoted his energies, and at 
length sacrificed his health and life — the mission to India : 
we present extracts. 

You sum up the question in fewer words, by asking, " what is the 
love which God hath for those whom he hath not chosen to eternal 
life?'* I should answer, the goodwill of the Creator, whose tender 
mercies are over all his works. It is that tender regard for the 
work of his hands which nothing but sin could extinguish, and 
which, in the infliction of the most tremendous punishments, is 
alleged in proof of its malignity, and to show how much they were 
against his native goodness ; and that he would not have punished 
the offenders after all, had not the inalienable interests of his 
character and government required it. Such are the ideas conveyed, 
I think, in Gen. vi, "I will destroy man whom I have created, 
from the face of the earth." — ^And Isaiah xxvii, 11, "He that made 
them will not have mercy on them, and he that formed them, will 
show them no favour.'* 

Whether these few hints will afford any satisfaction to your mind, 
I know not ; but be that as it may, you will receive them as they 
are meant, and make what use of them you please. 

I am, respectfully yours, 

A. Fuller. 



822 I^ITB OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

p.S. — ^I have lately received letters firom India. The missioaiaries 
are all well, and going on as well as may be expected, considering 
the opposition made to them by the adversaries of the gospeL Two 
of them, Chater and Felix Carey, are at Eangoon, from whence I 
have received a letter from them. They had been there six week% 
and had received no nnkind treatment. There is now in the press 
a memoir of the translations, drawn up by the missionaries. 

There have been hard struggles for and against the mission, both 
in India and England. I am not greatly in fear but that it will 
stand its ground. 

Kcmember mo aflfcctionately to your father and mother. 

In the dose of the correspondence of 1807, we find an 
interesting letter from Joseph Hughes, which was aent, it 
appears, in reply to some inquiries made by Mr. Kinghom 
respecting Dr. Ward's trust, he being anxious to obtain the 
advantages of it for a young Mend. 

NoTember Sth, 180T. 

Mt deab Sir, 

It is twenty years since I had the pleasure of seeing 
you, but I have often inquired respecting you, and have unifonnly 
received such an account as one friend rejoices to receive of another. 
It seems rather strange that wo have had no interviews since we 
left the academy, more particularly as my lot for eleven years has 
beco cast in the neighbourhood of London, that centre of univensl 
attraction. 

Divine providence has shed on me a profusion of favours, and my 
removal to Battersca has resulted in many advantages, which I 
could not have expected in any country situation. 

Among these advantages, I shall ever reckon the extensive op- 
portunities afforded me of uniting with my fellow-Christians in 
various schemes of public utility. In the year 1799, I was led, in 
concert with a few gentlemen, to frame the Tract Society, an insti- 
tution which continues progressively prosperous. We have lately 
added a class of tracts for hawkers, the sale of which is to be 
described by tens of thousands. 

In the year 1804, I had the happiness to drop a hint, and to 
write an essay, the fruit of which is the British and Foreign Bible 
Society. Here I can co-operate with all classes of Protestants, 



LETTER PROM JOSEPH HUGHES. 323 

from the Athanasian to the Socinian, and from the Bishop to the 
Quaker. 

My congregation, formed in a moral desert, though not large, is, 
on the whole, in an encouraging state. Our plan is that of mixed 
communion. We have sent out two acceptahlo ministers, Mr. 
Saunders, of Frome, and Mr. Waters, now on Dr. Ward's trust. 
But why should I say so much of myself? You have not encouraged 
me, for you have told me nothing relative to your own affairs. 
Free as you are from domestic incumbrances, you might have had 
much to advert to on the score of authorship; surely the manuscripts 
are volimiinous. You have, doubtless, admired the splendid and pro- 
found pages of Foster. He had entered on another work, " The 
Improvement of Time ; " but he has paused, being much engaged 
as a writer in the Eclectic, I esteem him a powerful auxiliary in 
that connection, but am ready to think that if the conductors of the 
work had provided themselves with six such writers, they would 
have been very successful. Cannot you assist the work both as a 
critic and as a circulator ? You may have heard that we are pro- 
jecting a classical school a few miles from London. Mr. Barnard 
frequently met us on the business a few months ago. Mr. Atkinson, 
tutor of the Hoxton academy, is appointed head master. The 
school will open after Christmas. We want pecuniary assistance, as 
our design is to supply the advantages to certain objects, either 
gratuitously or on reduced terms. Sons of ministers are already 
considerably favoured. 

You will give me pleasure by any communication you may think 
proper to make, and would particularly gratify me, should you visit 
town, by coming to Battersea. 

I am, my dear Sir, yours affectionately, 

J. HUOHES. 

I hope to send you a report which I lately drew up as one of a 
deputation to Ireland. 

In a letter from Joseph Gutteridge, Esq., respecting the 
admission of a young man to the benefits of the " Baptist 
Education Society,^' he mentions the proposed establishment 
of another means of usefulness, the Baptist Magazine. 
Mr. Gutteridge remarks : — 

January 7th, 18^8. 
I would also intimate to you, that many of our friends have an 
earnest wish to establish a magazine that might be a denomina- 

Y 2 



324 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

tional, although not a party, work. "Wo think our present situatioii 
requires such an effort; and the prospect of success is considerable, 
if the work be ably conducted. When the prospectus is prepared 
we shall take the liberty of sending one for your approbation^ 
(before it becomes public,) and we entertain a hope that you will 
afford us some literary assistance in prosecution of the design. 
I remain, with Christian respect, truly yours, 

Joseph GuTXEHrDOB. 

In the spring of 1808, outrageous proceedings took place 
against the Aylsham dissenters, on which occasion Mr. King- 
hom was very naturally most zealous in defence of the caiue 
with whose origin he was identified, and over whose early 
years he had watched with steady and persevering zeaL He 
succeeded in inducing the committee of the dissenting de- 
puties to take up their cause by prosecuting the rioters, whose 
trial took place at Norwich, before Sir Vicary Gibbs. Though 
that gentleman was supposed not to have any predilection 
towards dissenters, he treated their case with exemplary 
impartiality and justice; the guilty were condemned, and 
according to their respective and relative criminalities were 
punished. I was deeply interested in witnessing, with Mr. 
Kinghorn, the whole of the proceedings in court. 

In July, 1808, Mr. Kinghorn went to supply at Cambridge, 
after Mr. HalFs removal from that congregation. I accom- 
panied him, and we staid with Ebenezer HoUick, Esq., at 
Whittlesford Lodge. He mentions his visit to Cambridge 
thus in writing home. 

Wliitticsfoi^ Lodge, July 23rd, ISOS. 
Deab Fatheb and Mothkk, 

AVc arrived here yesterday to dinner, and who 
should come but Dr. Recs, the author of the Cyclopaedia ! and with 
him a friend, Mr. Wansey. 

This brings me into the company of a great man, but at the same 
time it puts us rather into a delicate situation. Dr. Rees has often 
preached at C. ; Mr. II. does not wish him to preach to-morrow. 
This, on the whole, he thinks would now bo unfit, so I must do 
as well as I can. 



DR. ABRAHAM REZS. 325 

July 30th, 1808. 

We have seen at Cambridge, colleges, libraries, chapels, paintings, 
&c., &c., till, for my part, I was tired of seeing. We have seen the 
famous Codex Bezse, with his letter by his own hand. Wo have 
seen a manuscript Hebrew Bible, written about the year 846, or 
876, I forget which. We were in Dr. Long's Orrery, which is 
repaired and much improved since I saw it before. We have, on the 
whole, seen the best arguments I have met with for a long time, 
for the establishment, which are the ample provisions made for its 
members; and the impression of which must be great on the minds 
of those whose prejudices and early habits attach them to a church 
which has so many other charms. 

Dr. Rees I found a very pleasant man, possessed (of course) of a 
great deal of information ; yet, if I am right in my conjecture, 
more a man of science in general, particularly mathematical, than a 
theologian. 

It will be a very difficult thing for the people here to get suited 
with a minister fit to follow Eobinson and Hall. 

Yours in duty and affection, 

J. KlXOHORN. 

It was to me, a great enjoyment to meet so celebrated a 
man as Dr. Roes, who had come over with Ins friend, Mr. 
Wansey, to visit Mr. Hollick. The Doctor recognised in me 
the son of an old pupil, and was, therefore, very much pleased 
to see me. He was, indeed, a splendid person, most dignified 
and courteous, yet full of conversation and information. The 
two clericals made much of each other. 

Strong feelings of thankfulness and joy were ever excited 
in Mr. Kinghom's mind, by every fresh evidence among his 
young firiends, that the grace of God had touched their 
hearts. Instances of the kind were, of course, too numerous 
in the course of his long ministry, to be brought at all 
frequently within our limits; but we here insert one, to 
which we are favoured with Mr. Kinghom's answer. 

July 11th, 1808. 
My DEAK Sib, 

Happy has it been for me that you so early discovered 
the change of views, that has, through the goodness of God, taken 



326 LIFE OP JOSEPH K1NGHOR5. 

place in my heart ; a chaDge, which, although it has piodaced very 
many bitter and painful feelings, has at the same time excited othen 
that no earthly consideration should enable me to forego. Too loDg^ 
indeed, has my heart been alienated from God, and my almost CTery 
thought engrossed by the Tain and transitory, but too fascinating 
allurements of the world. But, blessed be God, he has done great 
things for me, may I never cease to thank and praise him for his 
long-suffering towards me, that he has not cut me off in unbelief 
but led me to feel my own unworthiness, and to flee unto Christ as 
my only refuge. 

KEPLT. 

Korwich, July 20, 1808. 
My DKAK Ttltesv, 

I receiTcd yours with great pleasure and thankfulness. 

1 hope God has b^^un a good work, and he will carry it on, PhiL i, 6. 

Your statements have exceedingly gratified me. Whatever has led 

you to Grod you will esteem a mercy; nor will you regret tiie 

bitterness of those tears you were obliged to shed in his presence. 

May joy in the Lord be your strength ! I expect firom you much; 

I hope I shall see you steady and ardent in the ways of the Lord, 

growing in knowledge and in grace. I consider such a ease as 

yours as displaying the power and sovereign grace of God as mudi 

as any. You know that many consider godliness as following of 

course, when any are brought up religiously, and that it is abeniid, 

in such cases, to talk either of conversion or repentance, or anything 

of the kind. They consider the young as becoming Christians, in 

the same way as they become useful members of society, by mat 

exercise in useful habits. 

Alas, my dear friend, how such people are mistaken ! You know 

the difference; and while this sense of the nature of real religion as 

the work of God, turning your heart to seek salvation through the 

atonement of Christ, lives in your soul, every other important 

truth will associate with it. May the Lord direct and bless you, 

and make you grow exceedingly in the knowledge of him. 

Yours sincerely, 

J. K 

The same young friend remarks in a subsequent letter : — 

When you write, I must beg of you to say something on a 
subject which you will recollect has before formed part of our con- 



JOHN TOWNSEND. 327 

Yersation. It is that which relates to addressing our prayers to 
Jesus as distinct from the Father : this is a difficulty with which 
my mind has been a good deal exercised. 

Mr. Kinghom gives tlie following reply : — 

December 14Ui, 1808. 
As to your difficulty, I do not know that I can say anything of 
importance. The general impression of Scripture is, that Christ is 
the way to the Father ; the yisible medium of access to the invisible 
God. He directed his disciples to ask in his name. By him we have 
access by one Spirit imto the Father. The heavenly host worship 
him that sitteth on the throne, and the Lamb. He was the only object 
they saw, and their worship was paid to him that sat on the throne 
who was not seen, and to the medium which they did see, thus 
combining their worship. These things appear to me to lay down 
general rules. But if any serious Christian, without setting aside 
the worship of the Father, or substituting that of Christ, should 
direct prayer to Christ, considering him as a divine and infinite 
friend, I cannot blame it — Stephen did so; and so did Paul, — " I 
besought the Lord thrice," &c. Only when an address is made to 
Christ in a prayer professedly addressed to the Father in his name, 
it breaks the unity of it, and I confess I do not think it comes in 
its proper place. This is the amount of my present sentiment ; tell 
me how this strikes you, and I will say more if I can. 

In the summer of I809,one of the remarkable philanthropists 
of that day, the Rev. John Townsend, came down to Norwich, 
to advocate the claims of the Deaf and Dmnb Asylum, of 
which he was sub-treasurer, and, in few^, the founder. He 
visited Mr. Kinghom, and I had there the pleasure of meeting 
him. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

1810—1812. .ET. 44—46. 

Decease of Mrs. Kinghom — Invitation to St^ney Academy — Dedemum 
of ths same — Sermon to the Jews — SU Mary^s Meeting-house puUed 
down and re-huilt — Joint occupation of ^^ the Old Meeting " by ths 
Independents and Baptists during the re-building — Dr, Newman — 
Lord SidmoutKs Bill — Visit to London to present Petitions — Sermon 
on the Shemhamphorash — Opening of the New Meeting-house— Dr, 
Pye Smith. 

The year 1810 was marked by two events of interest in 
Mr. Kinghom's life — the death of his mother — and the 
pressing invitations sent him, to accept the office of tutor to 
the new academy at Stepney. 

Mrs. Kinghom died January 25th, in the 73rd year of her 
age, after an illness of nearly two years and a half. Her 
death was severely felt, not only by her husband and son, but 
also by a large number of the members of the church and 
other friends. She was regarded by them with the greatest 
respect and affection, and had especially endeared herself to 
the young. 

Thursday, January 25th, 1810. — My dear mother, whose memory 
I shall cherish as long as remembrance can last, departed tliLs life 
about a quarter before twelve at noon, after having given a testimony 
in feeble language, just before the power of speech failed — that she 
had no doubts, was comfortable in her mind, and loved Jesus 
Christ. 

It was in April of the same year, that Mr. Gutteridgc 
first wrote to Mr. Kinghom, respecting the tutorship at 



INVITATION TO STEPNEY ACADEMY. 329 

Stepney, and the matter was not settled till the end of July. 
The correspondence on this occasion having been published 
by Dr. Steane, in his memoir of Mr. Gutteridge, we think it 
unnecessary to introduce the letters here. The same arguments 
were urged on Mr. Kinghom that had been used on a former 
occasion, and the result was the same. It was not, however, 
without the most anxious consideration, ^d the most earnest 
prayer, that Mr. Kinghom determined on finally declining 
the invitation; and it will be interesting to trace the workings 
of his own mind during this momentous affair. We subjoin 
extracts from the memoranda which he wrote at the time. 

The matter being now entirely past, and the principal 
persons engaged in its consideration having passed away also, 
reflections which at the time were private, may now, it is 
thought, fairly be brought to light, when any good result 
is to be anticipated from their perusal. 

April 5th, Returning fix)m Bowthorpe, (Mr. Joseph Wilkin's,) 
found Mr. Gutteridge' b letter respecting the London academy. 

Earnestly desired to know the will of God, without a wish, as 
far as I can discover, to incline to anything contrary to that will. 
Read the letter to my father, and showed it to S. Wilkin. 

April 6th. Still the same impression. In a few words left it in 
the hands of God — begged his direction. 

The following things appear deserving of consideration : — ^Not 
to seek my own glory ; to know what is the will of God in this 
case ; whether, circumstanced as things now are, it is my duty to 
think of leaving Norwich, because, if, on account of the com- 
fortable state of things, I ought not to think of that, there the 
business ends, or, at least, should end ; and, ought I to make an 
inquiry into probable future usefulness an object ? Should I not 
leave that to God, and not move from my present situation unless 
I see my way open ? 

Preached from Prov. iii, 5 — " Trust in the Lord," &c. Not 
pleasant in my own mind, found difficulty in stating the subject ; 
it too nearly concerned my own particular case. Afraid lest it 
should be considered as an apology for going. Yet it was the state- 
ment of my own difficulties concerning it. 

Received a letter from Mr. Gutteridge ; did not open it till I had 
done. More inclined to stay than I ever have been ; to what is 



330 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

this owing ? I feel much more ease in giving it up, more disposttiaa 
to settle quietly at Norwich, and not think about the academy. I 
believe my having preached my sermon conduced to this. I fed 
many imperfections of mind concerning it, which none know but God. 

Sent an answer, April 20th, 1810, and satisfied with it. 

Mat/ 6th. Appli(;ation came back again. 

Lord (fod, who alone canst direct me, to thee I would eanieftlj 
look up ! Give me wisdom to see my duty, and strength to do il^ 
whatever it may bo. 

As the best means of obtaining further infiurmation on 
the subject, and of affording all parties an opportunitj of 
discussing the question, Mr. Kinghom agreed to viait the 
metropolis, on the imderstanding that he was not to give an 
answer in town ; but ^^ to see and hear, and then retom and 
reply.'' 

Accordingly he went to London in the month of July, and 
after his return wrote to Mr. Gutteridge, giving his final 
decision as follows : — 

Norwich, July 23rd, 1810. 
Deae Sis, 

Ever since I left you, my mind has been much engaged 

on the important subject of my visit to liondon ; and aft^^r reviewiog 

it on all sides, taking the most impartial estimate I can of myscH 

and looking at the situation of things here, I am convinced that 

I ought not to remove from Norwich. 

You will present my best regards to the committee, and fhunk 

them for the attention I received from them. I hope I can truly 

say I have sincerely looked up to God for direction ; and whilst I 

believe that, all things considered, it is not his will that I should 

undertake the office of tutor to the academy, I hope he will direct 

you to one who will answer every purpose. 

I thank you, dear sir, for all your kindness to me at CamberwelL 

1 beg to be rei*pectfully remembered to Mrs. and Miss Gutteiidge; 

And remain, with great esteem. 

Yours in the gospel of Christ, 

J. K. 

In December of the same year, Mr. Kinghom again visited 
London; and on the 16tli, preached in the Jews* chapel, 
Spitalfields, firom Haggai i, 7, '^Consider your ways/' For the 



ST. MARY^S MEETING-HOUSE PULLED DOWN. 331 

sermon, a vote of thanks was passed by the committee of the 
London Society for Promoting Christianity among the Jews, 
accompanied by a request that he would favour them with a 
manuscript of the sermon, in order that it might be printed. 
With this request Mr. Kinghom complied, and the sermon 
was published under the title, ^^ Serious Considerations 
addressed to the House of Israel.^^ 

The year 1811 was memorable in the history of Mr. King- 
horn's people. His faithful and intelligent labours for twenty 
years had, under the blessing of God, effected a great increase 
of the church and congregation, so that old "St. Mary's** 
was become too strait, and it was therefore determined to 
enlarge the bounds of our habitation.* 

Having thus determined, the next step was to provide for 
accommodation during the interval of pulling down and 
re-building. In this we were met in the most friendly 
manner by our Independent friends at the Old Meeting,t 
who proposed that the two congregations (Baptists and 
Independents) should assemble together in that venerable 
building. The following notes on the subject passed between 
the two ministers. 



* St. Mary's, so called bosause it is dtaated in St Mary's parish. To show how 
often first intentions are led on, by successiye steps, to the attainment of ultimate pro- 
portions far beyond the original contemplation, I may recall a conyersation which I held 
with onr dear old friend, Mr. Hawkins, as to our first intentions respecting the plan. 
The front of the original meeting-honse was built of bricks and flints, mixed together, 
(as, of old, was the fashion in Norwich). Standing in front, to surrey it, we agreed 
that it would not do to rebuild with such old-fashioned mixture of bricks and flint ; 
but that it might do to use the flints, by placing them all together at the foot of the 
wall, and to carry it up with brick alone ; still, howcTer, pladng the front, as before, 
on a leyel with the street. Plan after plan, howoTer, succeeded, till renovated " St 
Mary's" became what it is; standing back many feet f^m the street, with handsome 
iron palisades and gates ; its imposing front of white bricks, with Grecian portico, on 
an ample flight of stone steps — altogether, both within and without, one of the hand- 
somest Baptist meeting-houses in the kingdom : free, however, I am happy to say, 
from all popery and popish adornments, of Qothic within and Gothic without, as well 
as from all vestiges of popish canonicals ! 

t The Old Meeting, built by the Independents in 1693 ; one of the finest, as well m 
the most ancient places of worship in the kingdom. Its exterior, venerable and 
massive. Its interior, remarkable for its wide aisles, deep galleries, and capacious 
pulpit, (which would hold several ministers at once); the whole fronted with dark 
polished oak, and rwplendait in its evening services with three inunenM chandelien. . 



332 L1F£ UF JOSEPH KINOHOEN. 

Norwieh, Febmary ltt» 1811. 
Mr DEAB Sir, 

The deacons of our church met in the Testry Int 

evening, after the lecture, and after discussing the subjects whieh 

you re<[uested me to propose to their notice, wished that the reraU 

of the conversation should be transmitted to you, as follows : — 

iBt. We have taken into consideration the evening of the joiat 
weekly lecture, and as, upon the whole, it does not appear desirable 
to chan^ the lecture evening in this place permanently, we wiih 
not to do it during the junction. 

2nd. It appears to some of our friends desirable that the prayer 
meeting be held separately, on account of the constraint which some 
persons may feel in exercising before strangers, but if Mr. Kinghom'f 
congregation particularly wish the junction, we shall not object to 
it. Other>vise, any day, after Monday, is at their service. 

«3rd. We think it our duty to state, that it would be meet agree- 
able to us to hold joint fellowship with Mr. Kinghom's church in 
the ordinance of the Lord's Supper, to be administered alternately 
by the respective ministers; but, if thb should not be thought 
uccoptablo, any Lord's day, except the first in the month, will be at 
their service. 

•Ith. We think it best to join the monthly coUectionBy to be 
divided according to the average collections of each congregatioii for 
the past year. 

5th. Wc beg particularly to have it understood that, as our 

motive in accommodating Mr. Kinghom's congregation is entirely 

friendly, wc shall decline accepting any subscriptions on account of 

scats. 

I am, my dear Sir, yours very truly, 

W. Hull.* 

Konrich, Feb. 7th, 181L 
D£AB SiK, 

In reply to your communication respecting the objecti 
of our former conversation : — 

1st. We will meet with you at your lecture on Thursday evening. 
2nd. Wo will keep our weekly prayer-meetings separate, and 
solicit the use of your meeting, for that purpose, on Tuesday 
evenings. 

:\Td. AVe thank you for the opinion you express of the genersl 

• The llov. Samuel Newton, the former i>astor at the Old Meeting, had died, October 
12th, 181U, and had boon suceocded by his co-pastor, the Her. Wm. Hull. 



UNITED SERVICES. 333^ 

body of our church in your third article; but as it appears to us best 
that the communion of the churches should be distinct, we accept 
your offer of a Lord's day, after the first in the month, and probably it 
will be the second. 

4th. We agree to consolidate the collections for the poor, and to 
divide it as you propose. 

6th. We are bound to thank you for your friendly oflfer of accom- 
modation, and for your liberality in reusing subscriptions, and we 
can only say, we earnestly hope nothing will take place which will 
make the junction unpleasing to you. 

I remain, dear Sir, yours sincerely, 

Joseph KijrGHORjr. 

This arrangement having been thus most pleasantly settled, 
Mr. Kinghom, (in the afternoon of the 10th February, 181 1,) 
preached his last sermon in the old St. Mary's, from Zech. 
iv, 10. With what deeply interesting feelings must the con- 
gregation have assembled on that day ! The older members 
would think of those who had formerly sat there, and listened 
with them to the truths of the gospel ; some remembering 
the "river baptisms ^^ of the past, and perhaps even the 
erection of the house about to be demolished, and the tradi- 
tions of the granary worship of their fathers — and they, indeed, 
would feel the appropriateness of the passage selected by their 
pastor for his concluding discourse : "For who hath despised 
the day of small things.^' With deep interest would they 
hear him relate the history of the church, and listen to the 
excellent words of admonition and encouragement with which 
he closed. 

On the following Lord's day, 17th February, the united 
congregation of Baptists and Independents held their first 
assembly in the venerable structure to which they were 
invited; and there they continued, in the utmost cordiality 
and harmony, to worship till the new place was completed, 
conducting their respective services, as arranged by their 
pastors, who occupied the pulpit alternately. 

On the 10th March, 1811, the foundation stone of the new 
meeting-house was laid by Mr. Kinghorn and myself. William 
Taylor happened to be passing by at the moment, and stopped 
to listen. The square of the intended building was occupied 



334* LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

by an immense mound of earth and farickB^ on which the TMt 
congre^tion was assembled, as in an amphitheatre, fluironiid- 
ing the small square area cleared (many feet below the anr&oe) 
for the ceremony of laying the stone. There stood Mr. 
Kinghom's patriarchal figure, addressing the surroundiiig 
concourse, and concluding with uplifted arms in prayer. Mr. 
Taylor was muck struck with the whole, and afterwards toU 
me that the scene strongly reminded him of the ceremony he 
witnessed at Ilomc, on the annual benediction of the people 
by the pope ! 

On the 25th of March, 1811, the Eev. WiUiam Newman, 
pastor of the church at Old Ford, entered upon the office of 
president to the Stepney Academy. Shortly afterwards, Mr. 
Kinghorn sent him, at his request, the following long and 
careful letter of adnce, and thus opened a correspondence 
which lasted during the remainder of their lives. 

After giving various reasons for ad\ising the teaching cf 
Hebrew, tcith points, he goes on to say : — 

I also sliould wish that Fnrklmrst's diould not be the popolir 
lexicon. From my little reading and knowledge of this subject; I 
leuni that decidedly our best Hebrew scholars, at home and abroad, 
have been men familiar with the Oriental languages, and as far M 
my obseivation has gone, they seem to treat such plans as Farkhnnt 
goes upon, just as you would a plan for perpetual motion, as not 
worth the time it would take to refute it. 

I have said more than I intended upon the subject. As to other 
things, perhaps it would be well to endeavour to give some general 
information. I have so often heoi'd young men express a wish for 
this, that I think there is some imi>ortimce in giving it a thought, 
enpecitdly as general information is now extended more than 
foiTuerly. Mere classical knowledge, however good a basis it i^ 
yet is not all a man wants when he comes out of the academy. 

It would be a wry good thing to fonn the students' minds to a 
regard to Scripture criticism ; but, particularly endeavour to repress 
in them an inclimition to appear learned, by quoting scraps of Greek, 
or bringing forward words from the li-amed languages. Let them 
make use of criticism without the parade of it. It seldom can do 
good; it often does hurt ; and ran^ly ctmsists with Cliristion humility. 
A book or sermon may oidently havo been the residt of much 



LETTER OF ADVICE TO DR. NEWMAN. 335 

learned inquiry and skill, without the parade of learning, and 
whenever we see this, we respect the author in our heart. 

One practical difficulty will be respecting Divinity. If you take 
any usual plan, there will be objections raised against it. One will 
be called ineffective, another will cramp free inquiry, and put 
fetters on the mind, &c. Some have thought instruction on these 
subjects best viva-voce. After all, you must have some plan in 
your own mind. It would be worth trying whether the following 
would not be attended with some good effect ; to require a thesis or 
sermon on some important part of the Christian religion, from two 
or three, to be ready against such a day. These would frimish 
room for remarks, and lead you to state your view of the doctrine, 
in its nature, evidences, importance, with illustrations, &c., as the 
subject required. This would exercise the students' powers, and 
bring forth their own store of information. Then direct that a 
thesis or sermon be produced by two or three others, on another 
subject, against an appointed day. Thus, under your direction, the 
most important parts of Christian doctrine would come under review 
in less time than one would suppose. 

You could then go to practical subjects, the evidences of 
Christianity, and whatever might appear necessary to be impressed 
on young men's minds. 

I should hesitate on the plan of reading divinity lectures. But 
you must, nevertheless, have an outline of your own, which wiU 
gradually become enlarged and improved. The prejudice against a 
regular course of instruction in religion, I know, is great, and the 
outcry against it, (as systematic,) is popular. But it is foolish to 
imagine that religion is the only subject in which arrangement docs 
nothing, and that young men who may be capable of preaching an 
acceptable plain sermon, know everything by intuition, and have 
the privilege of despising everything they ascribe to system. Too 
much of this folly, however, does exist. 

You wiU find it necessary to explain the nature of the different 
systems which divide the religious world, and to show how their 
respective abettors reason upon them. It is too much to suppose 
that young men will carefully examine these things, and need no 
assistance ; or, at least, that assistance of this kind will not shorten 
their labour. Those who go out into the world ought not to be ignorant 
of the bearings of the most usual systems, because we know not 
where they may be cast; and they may often fall into situations 
where this ignorance may be discreditable to them. 



336 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINQHORN. 

It will be ncodfbl, also, that yoa endeayour to point out thi 
reasons of dissent, because many men become ministera before thflj 
know anything of any consequence on this subject. Kow, oertaintf, 
a dissenting minister ought to be able to state the gromid of lui 
action with tolerable clearness; otherwise, he will ont a poor figure 
if ever he falls in the way of shrewd churchmen. For the msm 
reason, some pains should be taken with respect to the meet impor- 
tant principles of church government, to show that the fitTOUXite 
high church notion of Episcopacy has not a solid foundation. Thorn 
has been bad reasoning on this subject on both sides. Again, it 
will be needful to guard your students against the system of Ae 
Scotch dissenters, both Baptists and Independents, which we may 
call the republicanism of dissent, which carries matters to an extent 
that will in time prove that it is wrong; but which, during the 
trial, does a great deal of mischief. 

I think it i^dll be of great importance to impress the valae of 
truth on the minds of the young ; and, consequently, to state the 
evidence of what you feel to be of consequence. I know the 
contrary plan has some who plead for it, who say, set before the 
people the nature and evidences of both sides of a system, and let 
them choose for tliemselves. To a certain degree, this is necesseiy; 
but the same reason which says, prove all things, also says, h<M 
fast that which is good. 

For this purpose, the superior force of what you view as truth, 
should peculiarly be impressed, otherwise, the result may be 
deplorable. I believe it is sufficiently plain that very many of 
Dr. Doddridge's students imbibed opinions very contrary to his own; 
and surely this was in part owing to an error in their education. 
If any of our academies should have the same effect as his had, we 
had better go on in the old way. Much as I esteem literature, and 
much as I have seen of the effects of ignorance in our ministers, I 
cannot at all think that any influence of education can be set 
against the evil of a speculating temper, that should fill our churches 
"^ath cold, careless ministers — mere moralizers in their sermons or 
Unitarians in their doctrines. Sometimes a young man falls into 
great perplexities on these points, and these prove his trial ; if he 
escapes, he is improved by his difficulties ; but if not, his usefulness 
is destroyed. Experience has shown the need of tenderness and 
prudence. But the greatest preservative against these dangers is a 
truly serious spirit in the students. If they have not this they will 
be of no value. If they really know the grace of God, in truth, it 



LETTER OF ADVICE TO DE. NEWMAN. 837 

win bring them round, after a variety of difliculties, to the right 
place. This is so essential, that our churches and our tutors should 
endeavour always to keep their eyes upon it. An unconverted 
BDnistry will ruin any denomination. And it has often been a 
matter of complaint, that our academies do not contribute, in the 
Etuouier which is desirable, to the seriousness of the students. A 
number of young men, meeting on an equality, living together at 
ft time of life when the spirits are high, and who, after the usual 
studies, feel their minds relax, with an elasticity which is the 
natural effect of their former tension, are prone to forget themselves. 
It is too much to expect that this ^vill not be the case. There is a 
tendency to levity, to criticism, to sarcasm, or wit, according to 
their respective talents. They want the stimulus of something 
original. They imagine that what is plain is worth nothing. 
They are apt to be lavish and imprudent in their conversation. 
They provoke each other by speculating, to go lengths they never 
thought of before. When their views begin to expand a little, they 
imagine they either do, or caji comprehend all that the human mind 
can attain; and hence, often despise books and men, which they 
afterwards revere. 

Here, my dear sir, will be your most arduous labour. And I know 
not how you can better assist your pupils to escape these great evils, 
than by your earnest prayers, your frequent exhortation, and your 
affectionate counsel. Endeavour to impress upon them the impor- 
tance of cultivating personal godliness. Call their attention to the 
need of humility. Hold up to their view the ends for which the)'" 
entered your house, and the objects which will engage them 
after they have left it. Most of them must retire into situations of 
comparative obscurity, in which much will depend upon their 
seriousness, their zeal, their humility, and their prudence. They 
will often need patience and self-denial when they come into actuid 
service. Their names, their general deportment, their dress, their 
everjrthing, will be narrowly watched both by friends and foes. It 
should, therefore, be their study to cultivate the train of thinking, 
and the habits which they will afterwards need, otherwise the labour 
of unlearning many things will be as great as that of learning any- 
thing you may teach. 

To commit serious errors which will hurt the pious part of a con- 
gregation, and open the mouths of the giddy and irreligious is easy ; 
to repair them is difficult. 

You will counteract many evils by making them part of your 



338 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

family, and living considerably with them ; this will keep order, 
and check many follies which are apt to take place at meals. Yon 
will do well, also, to pay a particular attention to your family wor- 
ship ; not so much that it be long as that it be regular, and con- 
ducted in a manner likely to support a devotional feeling, and a 
sense of its importance. Let it not be broken upon, or treated as a 
matter of mere conveniency. 

But I think, and probably you think, it is high time for me to 
give over. 

May Gk)d in his mercy bless you, and crown your labours with 
abundant success. 

I am, dear Sir, yours in the gospel of Christ, 

J. K. 

Prom Dr. Newmau^s reply we need only give a few extracts. 

Stepney Green, near London, June 28th, 1811. 
Deab Sir, 

I feci myself very much obliged by your letter, and 

hope to profit by several hints contained in it. 

I have been thinking of giving the students a course of lectures 
on The object they have in view — The means of accomplishing 
that object — The spirit and temper in which those means should be 
employed — The advantage of an academical residence — ^The snares 
which frequently accompany it — The common obstacles to pro- 
ficiency — And the decorum which should be regarded in the 
character they already sustain, or expect to sustain. Have found 
time to deliver only the first. Any hints on these topics firom you 
will bo highly acceptable. I am exceedingly pleased with your 
views on lectuinng on divinity. 

With respect to the expediency of teaching Hebrew with the 
points, I am quite of your mind. To prevent their being distracted 
with a multiplicity of pursuits, I have not yet said anything on 
that subject. Before we enter on that, I shall be glad of your 
remarks on Parkhurst's Lexicon more at large. 

Your young friend, the bearer of this, complains heavily of the 
Baptist Magazine ; and certainly we cannot boast of it ; but if you 
and two or three other friends would contribute frequently, it might 
be raised, I think, considerably. 

F. A. Cox is likely to settle at Hackney. Prescott street is still 
destitute. Mr. Dore is in a very delicate state. Pray for us. 
I am, dear Sir, yours affectionately, 

William Newicav. 



339 

In the spring of 1811^ Mr. Kinghom was suddenly called 
to town, with a petition from the Dissenters of Norfolk to 
the House of Lords, against Lord Sidmouth's bill. This bill 
was one which would most seriously have affected the liberties 
of Nonconformists; and all denominations of Dissenters 
joined in taking the most active measures to prevent its 
becoming law. In Mr. Kinghom^s fold of sermon notes, 
instead of the usual carefdl and lengthened outline of the 
Lord^s day sermons, we have the following memoranda. 

The threatening aspect of things respecting the Dissenters this 
week, and some other unavoidable business so filled my hands, that 
I did not make the accustomed preparation for the Lord's day ; 
indeed, the alarm sent from London, received here only on Saturday, 
the 18th, obliged everything to stand still, except the preparation 
of the petition, and the consideration of what was necessary for the 
common good. This was, however, the Lord's work, and in such 
circumstances, as much so as it would have been to prepare a 
sermon. It was for the Lord's people, and for his sake. 

On May 19th, I preached in the morning from 1 Cor. xv. 1, 2; 
in the evening, from Psalm Ivi. 3 — "What time I am afraid I 
will trust in thee." This sermon was accommodated to the present 
state of things, which excited considerable alarm. 

This 19th day of May was a day of bustle, which almost destroyed 
the appearance of its being the day of the Lord. The signing of 
the petition, and the apprehensions occasioned respecting its cause, 
filled every mind and heart. A few names were obtained the next 
morning, and the whole number amounted to 784. 

On the 20th, S. Wilkin and I went with it to London. On the 
2 1st the bill was rejected in the House of Lords, and we returned 
on the 24th to praise God for his goodness, in having given his 
people their wishes respecting the bill, and having preserved us out 
and home in safety. 

The excitement which prevailed in Norwich, was by no 
means singular. In all parts of the kingdom the same 
anxiety was felt, the same enei^ manifested ; for, throughout 
the country, the Dissenters united as one man to protest 
against the obnoxious measure. The metropolis became, of 
course, the central point where all this excitement met, and 

z 2 



340 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

the streets were crowded with vehicles to an extent then 
ahnost unknown, even in the busy thoroughfares of Liondon. 

Omnibuses and cabs, it is true, were not then in use, but 
from all parts of the country, post-chaises and coaches poured 
in throughout the day in continuous succession. 

Having been deputed by the Dissenters of the county to 
present their petition to Lord Holland, I proposed that Mr. 
Kinghom should accompany me, to which he gladly acceded. 
We travelled post, and left ourselves slender time for sleep on 
the road. In the morning, when within twenty miles of 
London, I calculated that we should not be able to reach our 
appointment at Mr. FavelFs counting-house, in St. Mary Axe; 
and said to Mr. Kinghom, we must certainly take four horses 
for the last stage, in order to be in time, which, to his great 
discomfiture, we accordingly did, and just arrived at the hour 
named. We went immediately with Mr. Favell, down to the 
House of Lords, and were introduced by William Smith 
(member for Norwich,) to Lord Holland. I swung out my 
ponderous roll of signatures at full length along the floor, and 
laid the petition before his Lordship. I was struck with his 
careful perusal of it, noting the principal points with his 
finger, and after ten minutes conversation, consigned it to his 
care, and took our leave. As I wished, by all means, to hear 
the debate, it was arranged that I should wait, but that Mr. 
Kinghom should return to Mr. Favell's. Immediately after- 
wards. Dr. Rees joined us with the same object. He and I 
seated ourselves on the stairs of the house, and fell into con- 
versation. Soon after Mr. Kinghom left us, he returned to 
caution me against the night air after a crowded house ; and 
then, again and again, returned to suggest other doubts and 
fears, as to the probable lateness of the hoiur, and difficulty of 
getting home. At length, on seeing him again return, probably 
with some fresh apprehension, I said to Dr. Rees, I see I must 
not allow Mr. Kinghom to go away alone, for he wiD certainly 
be ftdl of anxiety for the rest of the f^vening, on my behalf. I 
then told Mr. Kinghom I should give up the debate, and 
rest content with reading instead of hearing the fight. I 
therefore bid the doctor farewell, and trotted oflF with my dear 
friend^ to his no small contentment. 



SERMON ON THE SHEMHAMPHORASH. , 341 



The excitement wliich prevailed outside the House 
responded to within its walls. The floor was literally covered 
with petitions, and the peers, especially Lords Erskine and 
Holland, were constantly to be seen re-entering the House 
with fresh and fresh bundles of roUs. 

The anxiety was not, however, of long duration, for the Bill 
was rejected, and the measure which was intended to deal to 
the Dissenters a deadly blow, was overruled for their lasting 
good, by showing the extent and influence they possessed. 
Well may we suppose that the numerous visitors to town 
returned to their various spheres of usefulness, no little 
gratified by this result, and thankfrd to the Lord for his 
watchfulness over his servants. 

In August of the same year, Mr. Kinghom again visited 
London, and preached, on the 18th, at the Jews* chapel. In 
the morning his text was John i, 18, "Which were bom, not 
of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, 
but of God ;" and in the evening, John vii, 31, " When Christ 
oometh will he do more miracles than these which this man 
hath done?** The latter was his celebrated sermon to prove 
that the miracles of Jesus were not performed by the power 
of the Shemhamphorash, and was afterwards published. 

In the course of the following week he preached once at 
Poplar and once at the Jews* chapel ; and on the next sabbath 
again delivered two sermons there ; that in the morning from 
Matt, xvi, 26, ^' For what is a man profited if he shall gain 
the whole world and lose his own soul ; or what shall a man 
give in exchange for his soul ?** and that in the evening from 
Matt. XV, 9, " But in vain do they worship me, teaching for 
doctrines the commandments of men.** " This was directed 
against traditions,** he says, " both among Gentiles and Jews, 
particularly against the principal Jewish traditions.** 

We have the following account of his visit in a letter to his 
father. 

August 19th, 1811. 
Dear Father, 

Through the goodness of (>od I arrived here safe, 
and tolerably wcU, on Friday evening. On Saturday I saw a few 
people, and did part of my business, and yesterday proached morning 






• T 






EVILS OP THE THEATRE. 343 

or received the proposed alterations of other critics, we have assigned 
our reasons ; and we hope, on another examination, you will agree 
with us in the text now finally fixed. A second sheet of the 
Hebrew Text is sent you, and the committee anxiously entreat your 
revisal of the same ; deeply sensible, as they are, of the very great 
benefit conferred on them by your carefiil examination of it. 

The committee hope your other engagements will allow you to 
return this second sheet in a month or six weeks, or before, should 
it be in your power. 

I am. Rev. Sir, your obliged and most obedient servant, 

Thos. Fey. 

In the course of the correspondence of 1812, there occurs a 
letter from a young lady, a member of Mr. Kinghom's church, 
in which she informs him of her having once witnessed the 
representation of Shakespeare^s Henry VIII, by Mrs. Siddons 
and John Kemble, in a London theatre. We have been 
obliged by Mr. Kinghom's reply, in which he makes the 
following observations : — 

You tell me you have been to the theatre to 
gratify your taste, while you acknowledge that your judgment dis- 
approves such amusements. You ask my opinion, which I think 
your own statement will anticipate. Sacrifice judgment to taste ? 
" Out of thine own mouth,'* &c. You state that if Shakespeare were 
purified the theatre would afford a refined intellectual gratification. 
Wait till then, and judge as you think &t The general objection 
to the theatre is not to what imagination can picture, but to what 
is. The theatre never can be unexceptionable ; make it so, and it 
would be deserted. There must be that about it, on the whole, 
which will be sufficiently popular to make it answer ; and it, there- 
fore, cannot rise higher than the general level of public taste. I 
do not suppose that you took any personal hurt from anything you 
saw or heard ; choosing your opportunity, you could avoid what 
would be unpleasant. But you cannot avoid having your example 
quoted if those were present who knew and observed you. I could 
name one who, like you, went to gratify her taste, and who was 
seen and known, and her example was quoted, and she was told of 
the fact years after it took place. She told it me, with its circum- 
stances, as showing how careful persons should be of what they do, 
since she was seen in a London theatre by those she never suspected 



.*?!: oy JOSEPH KINOHO&N'. 

V. % ur »,r Vi.- vii evvr nrjul Witherspoon^s "Essay on the 
>* .;• ' * ■ " •' 'i Mvt .,*nri»rtuniiy, reail it. 

vVi V i'< f J^iue, ISl-J, the pleasant services of the 

•. u>i .>-.^-m;'i---"-^ St rho OLl Meetinar terminated, and in 

•v I •.• •.^• -i' vm: ddv i[r. Kin^rhom preached a fareweD 

^" ^*'' "-* iv-^, ^:. -J;!. •• Peace be to the brethren, and 

*• ■' •» • '^ * '"^ 'V. Cf-.H.l the Father and the Lord Jesoi 

V*! . >.*.tx . \* :*:>. jc Jimo, the newly-erected mecting- 

♦ V >* % .. .A- vr \It Kiv^honi preached fix)m the appro- 

'.. . . ,-^ '. V' ?^v.>c. l\sa. xc. 17, " And let the beauty 

•v ' ■ •■ v'-,t: -c u^-^u utf : auJ establish thou thewoik 

,s s.- ♦., V ^ A'ii ;s. \v:i. cao work of our hands estabM 

'. •'. 1-. • • ^ v^.:*.v o£ :ic service* of the day is condensed 
^-..t K \ t I V -.■^•? ot Jdne *i7th, 1812. 

-. - -..:,.: vj- .1,^, Baptists in this city, 

^ \ • ^ • - ^ -'L - ;-.'-.\-.. w;rsl.ip. TIso building is 

• . . • h: r y. r^r*, .in-i iTTwit o:uv has been 

. , V -• - " -C .l^^^^.j^mlnts: the style of 

•■ ■ r: *. '■^:*:. :h.- soars are spacions^ 

■' -^ "'• "r*- """'^1 ^>ntilati^. Mr. 

'^ ^ • ■■--■■■:.*..' .vr^ncitim, in a sennon 

■ ■' ■ ■ y : i*^.-: cv,.7y n.liijious motive 

• ^ - ■ ■"^" "t:::: of h^^ly \%-rit could 

. * .. ".-.>. /.::i ch^. artontion ox- 

. * - : ^^ < : - :. :..'A }v Mr. Hull, the 

• ■ ■^" • c ■::. v. >:. ClcsicriL's. at wb^ 
• . ■ ">■. V'-^"^ V :i ,i::».c,U-d iluring the 



I • *.v- x.vi- *.s: : .'o K.'-. VV.o:-.:.«s Ivlshani had published 
*'^i'v.;'. >v/- V,- /v :^v\: "i- v.V.:n.^f::sy. entitled "A Calm 
K \; ; •> • .,.* .\o <v'. ; .-.re I\v:r.u.* vvr.vvnLiii^ the peison of 
^'>.r-.>: * X'.r K.v^'.vc*-. v.>:A:.:'.y vvr.vr.e'^oed a reply to it, 
»hvh o';.:^\\; !.:< .;.'. ^^v.: ji::..-:;::o:: vr rnjkiiiy mouths. He 
h^.l |^t\>:viy,\ j'Awwi.v, s.;u; ^i^ ;*.i Li;? task, when he aw. 



OPENING OF ST. MARY^S MEETING. 345 

doubtless to his surprise and interest, the following letter in 
the " Evangelical Magazine.*' 

TO THE EDITOB. 
8lK, 

It is now nearly two years ago, since a volume 
of considerable size was given to the world, entitled **A Calm 
Enquiry into the Scriptural Doctrine concerning the person of 
Christ." This work is professedly designed to enter into aU the 
points of the argument, and to put an end to the long-agitated 
question on this important point, and it is regarded by many advo- 
cates of the Socinian Scheme as an opw palmarium. On this account 
it is with so^e surprise and disappointment that I have not been 
able to learn that any reply has been published, or is intended, from 
any quarter. The work appears to me capable of being fairly and 
satisfactorily refuted; but such a refutation would require larger 
scope than the limits of a review or a pamphlet. The principles of 
Mr. Belsham's inquiry should be carefully analyzed; every text 
critically examined; every part of his reasoning sifted; and the latent, 
but primary and extensive sources of fallacy should be detected. 

If any gentleman, to whose notice this may come, has in hand 
such a work, it will materially oblige the writer to be informed of 
it. If no such communication be made within two or three months, 
he wiU, perhaps, feel himself bound to attempt such a work, but 
moat reluctantly, not merely because the daily requirements of a 
laborious station render any new engagement very unwelcome, but 
because he wishes to see the desired work executed in a much more 
able and complete manner than he can hope that his own abilities are 
equal to. * * * * 

Yours, &c. X. Y. 

Mr. Kinghom replied to the above, probably at some 
length, under the signature of Z. Unfortunately, we have not 
this reply, but are enabled, through the kindness of Mr. Pye 
Smith, to give two letters from Mr. Kinghom. The sequel, 
all the world knows, (on the one hand at least,) in the publi- 
cation of Dr. Smith's " Scripture Testimony to the Messiah,^' 
the first volume of which, however, did not appear till 1818, 
On the other hand, Mr. Kinghom's reply to Belsham remains 
in my possession, a manuscript of between four and five 
hundred pages. 



^\4f Lift OF JOSEPH KIXOHOEX. 

Homrtn, MiidbKi, 5ar. Ah, 1811. 



I f(*(;l oblip^ and gratified hy your letter in leplj 
in X. Y. My wiitimonU, as to the mode of executing the wwk 
iliHirnl, nn' iircibiiMy tho name as yours. The object is to ptment 
II cMifn|ilr(«< MaUMiiont of the positive evidence in favour of oar 
diM'Irinr, iind nn ii nulM)nliniito, but most necessary part of the plan, 
to inirniii* tho iirgiimoiito and objections of our adversaries through 
nil Ibrir di'tuiU. and witinfactorily to answer them. 

M V onnu^Ht winhw have boon to see the work executed by anotker, 
for tlio HHWon MixUni in my published letter, under the above 
nimmluns at tho wuno time, I am compelled to state, that seveial 
Hpnhontionn have Ihh?ii made to mc from different and unconnected 
nuarlorm and that thcBC arc urged upon me by consideratioiu of 
nioiv than onlinary importance. 

I Ih'k to nu'iition my friend, Mr. Josiah Conder, as ready to 
i^^unuinu^ato further with you on this business, and I shall be 
happy, personally, to assure you that I am. Rev. Sir, 
Yoiire in Christian bonds, 

To Z. John Pyb Sxith. 

Norwich, Not. 18th, 1812. 

Dkar Sir, 

It is now right to throw off the veil, and openly to 
lU'knowlcdgo to whom you confided your last letter. X. Y. and Z. 
Hn^ conv(*nient expressions (as in algebra) for what is unknown; 
but when they have answered their end they should then be laid 
aHide. I am glad it is you with whom I now conununicate, as you 
HO well know tho subject on which we may now correspond, and 
froju your situation and vieinity to the most active Unitarians, have 
additional advantages of knowing the men, as well as their books. 

Perhaps tho applications made to you, ** from different and 
uncoimected quarters,'' may still lead you to think seriously of doing 
something in the controversy yourself, as these have evidently 
made an impression on your mind. If so, please to inform me. 

The wliolo view wliioh I have been led to take of the case, 
eonvinees me that tlie debate between us and the Unitarians is not 
like those between other classes of professing Christians, for a single 
doetrine, or a statement of one or more particular points, or for a 
rite or i>oint of discipline ; but, like the contest of two nations, for 
cxist*»nce : in fact, everything is connected with it. 

Tho last part of tliis controversy, to which I haver been paying 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH DR. PTE SMITH. 347 

some attention, is that respecting Tertullian's Concession, ode. 
Prax, c, 3. SimpliceSy etc,, qua major semper oredentium pare est. 
You know the passage and all its hearings. I have understood 
that you and Mr. Belsham had some controversy on this and some 
other things, in a publication of yours, which I have not had the 
pleasure yet to see. But from the slight review which I have taken 
of the subject, it does not appear that so much depends on the 
translation of the passage, as on the evidence that the doctrine of 
Praxeas was a new doctrine; that its popularity arose from its 
being then thought to be a discovery that would set all difficulties 
right, and that the impression made on the eimplicee, ne dixerim 
imprudenteSy etc., proved nothing more than that a statement which 
may be both superficial and false, may become very popular. Thus 
it assorts with the impression made on the Galatians in the very 
time of the apostles. If this be correct, no possible mode of 
translation can do the Unitarian cause any service. I mention this, 
as I am engaged in writing to you, and when you may have occasion 
to send me a line, I should like to have your view of the subject. 
I am, Sir, yours in the gospel of Christ, 

Joseph Kikoborn. 

Homerton, Dec. 4th, 1812. 

Dear Sir, 

My long silence, after having received your favour 
of the 19th November, has often excited uneasy feelings, lest you 
should impute it to negligence. The truth has been, that I am 
so constantly pressed upon with regular, and with extraneous duties, 
that I have been constrained to defer, from day to day, tiU the very 
thought has become painftil. 

On another account, also, I feel myself not a little embarrassed. 
"When I wrote the letter signed X. Y. I wrote under the strongest 
impression of the desirableness of the work; but a decided resolution 
to decline, if possible, making the attempt myself. But within the 
last two months, and still more within one month, I have been 
surprised at the number and urgency of the applications made by 
different friends, most of them unconnected with each other, some 
in a remote part of the kingdom, and few of them apparently aware 
that they were writing to X.Y. These circumstances, however, 
would only have the more led me to solicit your prosecution of the 
proposed work, were they not combined with another consideration. 
The report has lately been propagated, that I had embraced the 
system called, by its partizons, XJnitarianism. This very unjust 



348 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHOBN. 

representation has been nsed by some evidently with a design to 
injure the academy in which I have the honour to hold an office. 
Hence it has been very seriously represented to me, by some of the 
most important men amongst our constituents, that I havo not the 
liberty of opinion, and that my duty to the ancient and orthodox 
institution, obliges mo to undertake this task. 

Besides urging my time, already quite occupied, I have aln 
replied that I hod some prospect of the desired work being executed 
by a gentleman, eminently qualified to perform it to the honour and 
great advantage of evangelical truth. But my friends have insisted 
that it is my absolute duty to attempt this service, even if another 
work of the kind, however excellent, were published. 

Thus I have laid open the difficulty of my situation. I consider 
myself as, in a manner, engaged not to attempt the work without t 
permissive approbation on your part ; my published letter, invitiof 
correspondence, seems to me to involve such on obligation. 

I am much obliged by your remark on the passage in Tcrtullian; 
but have not been able to examine it since receiving your favour. 
Sincerely wishing you every divine blessing, and that this a&ir 
may be directed to the glory of our blessed Lord, and the benefit of 
his kingdom, I remain, dear Sir, yours very respectfully, 

JoHK Pye Sacrm. 

The Rev. Josepli Kinghorn. 

Norwich, December Wb., 1812. 
Deab Sib, 

I clearly see the difficulty in which late circumstances 

have placed you, and I would have you, by all moans, pursue the 

plan you think best. I would not have you refrain from writing 

on account of anything that has passed ; and I completely absolve 

you from any obligation you may consider yourself under to me, oa 

account of your letter in the Evangelical Magazine. 

So vagrant a thing is report, that I heard a rumour, like that you 
mention, between my receiving your first and last letters. I was 
happy in saying that I could roundly contradict it. 

Wishing you, in this and all your labours for the church of God, 
the best of his blessings, 

I am, dear Sir, yours sincerely, Joseph Kutqhobv. 

P.S. I ought to have added, that while I thus wish you to 
write, I shall probably pursue my own plan also. It is very 
unlikely that we should take the same track, and, if there be two 
defences, of what is important to aU, it may not be anuss. 



CHAPTER XIX. 
1813—1816. JIT. 47—50. 

Death of John Kinghom of Newcastle — Renewal of the JSast India 
Company's Charter — Letters from Bishop Bathurst and William 
Smithy Member for Norwich — Mr. KinghorrCs visits to Bedford, 
London, and Bristol — French Protestants — Reviewals—^^ Baptism a 
Term of Communion ^^ — Opinions respecting the Work — Ordination 

- of William Hawkins — Correspondence with Rev, E, Biclcersteth 
respecting the " Scripture Help^ 

In January, 1813, Mr. Kinghom received the news of the 
death of his father's only brother, Mr. John Kinghom, of 
Newcastle. The following notice, of his character appeared 
in a contemporary newspaper : — 

Died on Tuesday last, [Jan. 12th, 1813,] in this town, Mr. John 
Kinghom, aged eighty-two. The last sixty-one years of his Kfe 
were spent in the service of Mr. Benjamin Brunton, of the Forth. 
He discharged his different duties in life in a manner which reflects 
honour to his memory. He lived universally beloved, and died 
much lamented. 

The Parliamentary Session of 1813 was distinguished by 
the debate on the renewal of the East India Company^s 
Charter. On the 22nd of March Lord Castlereagh introduced 
such resolutions into the House of Commons as roused the 
Dissenters of England again to combine their energies by 
petitioning Parliament that such provisions might be made 
in the new Charter as should afford facilities for the propa- 
gation of the gospel in our vast Indian dominions by all 
classes of Christians. 

Again the fire of religious zeal spread from city to town, 
and from town to village, throughout the kingdom. Public 




iu9Rti9 w?:v* um 
amAfiirar VTimmmia 
/»;« «i^^ yuia^ nxn lie ^f 

3.\rTri*n wur. if trncvs, liir 
vuv?7 aut r « uir l ime TirMng ti v mis ii ~ibk 
V9ir.inrwn7 Vv 'u* ijifsuirj wad, mm'i.j^ k£ 'atf wnran- 

v^ir.;la itr^i^ v» lO Xjzu^ucl ^mmt ib ti civs. 

T *i ui 3iii OUT' ,Tian:s jl -rw^itf-mf- -ummc I 
j:fc'*» t vk;--i'-'LJr ;u-ii*iir* :a ir^nsnuiir ii "aif Shqk of 

*TV-i* 11***!! 1. iiir t»— ;.« rini'i >* mii iirrniEiuiif nxsmaL of f>af aoB 
^tH K:r»4i '.(f iii» '.*VT 'it'^nJLiir nuzixian&. X 4ksiiziii£ZC ^^ tikdi^I 

v:r UK It US' -k •j.i.':-^': t •»:-tr tiiif- laii itECSprwK ix "liit jB^MSavtf 
ni-r^'nT-: .a Liji j.!r.»a:nzii* vimir Tuofnirr Jtr "auc Lmr whm 

au'r* r^r^^^-'U* tdfr-*.'j:c:» tl>:. arri laucrrr. "p-iaii lire* b c jii d li* 
li7*i* .t-iiJt'v i»-^-.'^t ^-, 




Ti^ yiissifXA to the Haase of CoBium» vav in irmieJ to 
Williauxi .SnmL, Etc., a xzkn&bcr of the Unhniui mniMTtinn, 
tf^ * IDreat friiexid to rdisioas lifaenr, vbo, in vritbi^ to Mr. 
Kiiiicbc^ni, Mikjx/vkadgin^ the recopc cf die Y^^i^tm^ aod 
ixi£jnxiiiA|^ him cf tfaor pffgemaiion, nade ike IblloviDg 
rtanMAM: — 

I: i» sippascti ih&: n>t ks than liOO pelitiaiis 
vij] r^ pr>/6ect£<d, &Dd their effect nmit be g7>eat. Tbe dismmon 
</i tM; 'jUtitfDKA maft be botb fmoas and lolL I sa hap|iT that 



VISIT TO BEDFORD. 351 

the city of Norwich has taken a part generally. There were, I 
observed, the names of several aldermen and many clergy among 
the signatures. I am, dear Sir, on this and every occasion. 

Very truly yours, 

W. Smith. 

On the IStli of May, 1814, Mr. Kinghom visited Bedford, 
to preach at the annual meeting of Ministers usually desig- 
nated the Bedford Union. From Mr. Kinghom^s notes we 
give some particulars. 

Bedfordy May 18M, 1814. Came here for the first time, and 
preached. Shingleton prayed before, and Bull afterwards. 

Mr. A. preached in the evening; "Who is on the Lord's side?" 
Talked with Fuller, he particularly opposed memoriter preaching. 

Struck with a proposal of thanks after dinner for my sermon, 
more from the manner of it than from the thing itself; taken by 
surprise; did not expect it, and made a short reply as well as I 
could. 

Preached on the 19th, Thursday evening, "Ye were sometimes 
darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord." Enjoyed it much. 

On the Friday had a pleasant evening at Mr. T. Kilpin's ; a great 
deal of conversation about Bunyan's excellencies, about the covenant 
of works, &c. 

Saw Mr. Harke, a Moravian Minister, on the 21st, Saturday. 

With this gentleman Mr. Kinghom had some conversation 
as to the history of the Moravians, of which he has left some 
brief notes, the substance of which is as follows : — 

They seem to have descended from the Waldenses, who were 
pure from the principal part of the Catholic errors of the fourth 
century. They came into Bohemia in 1 1 76. Huss and Jerome of 
Prague are said to have belonged to their community. They were 
Protestants before the Reformation, and began to unite together in 
1451, at Lintz. Mr. Harke confessed that they practised infant 
baptism on the authority of the ancient church. 

In the course of his Bedford visit Mr. Kinghom gave much 
pleasure to his friends there by his account of the Benevolent 
Society which had been formed in Norfolk for the relief of 



352 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

the necessitous widows and orphans of Dissenting minigten^ 
and respecting which he had published a pamphlet in 1808. 

We have received from a friend who met Mr. Kingbom on 
this occasion an account of a conversation he held with him 
respecting that very popular publication of the Rev. Legh 
Richmond^ entitled " The Dairyman's Daughter/' He asked 
Mr. Klinghom's opinion of the tract, to which he replied that 
he could not think Mr. Richmond was right in embellishing 
the simple narrative of the peasant girl, and thus making it 
partly hers and partly his own. He thought it stripped the 
narrative of its grand reality, the simple, unadorned truth. 
He was aware that Mr. Richmond had stated the alteratioiis 
to be but slight, but he said although he might think them 
so, others might deem them considerable, and as Mr. Rich* 
mond's design in publishing it was to glorify the grace of God, 
he thought he would have done better to give the facts just as 
the convert herself related them. 

Our friend was subsequently in company with L^h 
Richmond in a large party of episcopal and dissenting 
ministers, one of whom insisted on his relating the conversa- 
tion, which he accordingly did. Mr. Richmond acknowledged 
that he had made some alterations in the original MS.^ which 
was still in his own possession. A lai^ proportion of the 
ministers present, including several clergymen, joined in 
requesting him to publish it as Mr. Kinghom had suggested, 
in its imaltered state, but he declined to comply with this 
request. It is, however, much to Mr. Richmond's credit, 
that, though he adhered to his own opinion that the narrative 
which he had printed did not need to be exchanged for the 
original, he yet met this free conversation in the spirit of a 
Christian and a gentleman ; while, on the other hand, most of 
those present did not cease to lament his determination, still 
thinking that it would have been more for the glory of God 
had the original narrative been given to the world in its native 
simplicity. 

In June, 1814, Mr. Kinghom visited London, and preached 
at Dr. Rippon's on behalf of Stepney Academy; and in 
August of the same year, at Broadmead^ for the Bristol 



LEOH RICHMOND. 353 

Education Society. Both sermons were printed at the written 
request of the students. Amongst the signatures to the 
Bristol letter, we notice those of Jenkin Thomas, afterwards 
of Oxford, and James Coultart, subsequently missionary to 
Jamaica; and amongst the Stepney names, those of S. 
Brawn, now of Loughton, and J. M. Cramp, the president 
of the Theological Seminary at Montreal, Canada. 

We have before mentioned that Mr. Kinghom resided for 
a short time in St. Faith's Lane ; but the title deeds of the 
house he had for so many years inhabited in Pottergate Street, 
being, in the year 1814, presented to him by a firiend, he 
gladly returned thither, and spent there the remainder of his 
days. He thus writes in acknowledgment : — 

Norwich, November 17tli, 1814. 
The deeds of the house, which in your great kindness you have 
given me, came home yesterday, and I take the earliest opportunity of 
acknowledging their receipt, and of thanking you for a gift which 
I consider as so valuable. As property, I acknowledge the obliga- 
tion, for it forms a very serious addition to my little store, and 
makes me feel an independence I once never thought of. But it 
has a value of a diiferent kind, and as a proof of your esteem and 
affection, it bears a stamp which I highly esteem. This cannot be 
expressed by £ 9, d,, but its importance is not the less real and 
impressive. There are a few periods in human life when it pleases 
God to show us that our endeavours have not been in vain, and 
what was done in his fear is cro\nied with marks of his approbation. 
" Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a 
merry heart, for God now accepteth thy works." 

You know that I was always solicitous for your happiness. I 
rejoiced in the view of your having this world's goods, as the means 
of your enjoyment and utility ; and your earthly prosperity always 
gives me pleasure. But there are other things which I feel to be of 
higher consequence to you, and which I therefore ardently wish 
may grow and flourish in your heart, and bring forth fruit to the 
glory of Gk)d. There is an importance in just sentiments respecting 
the gospel ; there is an absolute necessity for divine influence to 
impress them on our hearts, and if we are so happy as to enjoy this, 
there will be not simply occasional powerful impressions, but a 
coarse of habits which will show that " we have -been with Jesus." 

A A 



354 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

May a God of grace fill yoiir heart with his Holy Spirit, that you 
may be entirely his, and consecrate your talents and pursuits, and 
your whole soul to him, so that in all that you do, you may " senre 
the LordCluistI" 

May Grod in his goodness preserve and bless you. 

I am, gratefully and affectionately yours, 

J. K. 

In Mr. Kinghom's common-place book, we find the follow- 
ing memoranda imdcr date April 2nd, 1815, which may 
serve to show how eagerly Mr. Kinghom embraced every 
opportunity of obtaining information. 

Mr. Cobbin and M. Martin, son of M. Martin, of Bourdeaox, 
here, to make a collection for the British and Foreign School Society, 
from whom I collected some accounts of French Protestants. 

In the time of Louis XIV, one-third of the people were Protes- 
tants. Many causes reduced this number, such as the Bevocation 
of the Edict of Nantes, in consequence of which 600,000 families 
left France ; 40,000 came to London. Then the church of Bome 
sought revenge on the remnants of those who had not left the 
country, and the French Protestants were driven to the tops of the 
mountains. The revolution, twenty-two years ago, restored them 
to their parishes ; ministers were called to preach ; the college was 
given them six years ago at Montauban, where about thirty were 
educated together. The countries filled with Catholics, they said, 
were more ignorant than those where Protestants are found. 
Catholics will not give knowledge to their people. In some parts 
of the country, not far from Paris, out of 400 persons not above 
eight or ten could read ; the Protestants are not so ignorant. 

Should Buonaparte return, M. Martin said the Protestants were 
not afraid of the man. 

From Mr. Cobbin and M. Martin I learned that there was no 
discipline in their churches. Every one known to be a Protestant 
came to the Lord's Supper or kept away, as pleased him. Some 
pains were taken with their first communion to instruct them, and 
this was considered as an introduction to Christian communion, after 
which they did as they pleased. Their Consistories are something 
like Presbyteries ; their ministers pensioned by the goyemment — 
but the people have the choice. 

In France there are about 500 Protestant ministers. About 



hall's "terms op commitnion/' 355 

thirty are orthodox; of these ten are orthodox evangelical, but 
without spirit; ten with spirit, but old; ten warm-hearted men, 
sound in doctrine, and experimental preachers; 470 like our English 
clergy in common. Arianism prevails much among them. 

N.B. — Three Protestant ministers in Paris preach each once in 
three weeks ! 



Reviewals became, at this period, more and more constantly 
subjects of Mr. Kinghom's attention. The following are 
amongst the books he was requested to review for the Baptist 
Magazine: — "The Velvet Cushion/' "A New Covering to 
the Velvet Cushion ;" ^^ Doddridge^s Confession of Faith ;" 
'^ The Church of England Controversy on Baptism," between 
Dr. Mant and his opponents, (together with the Reviews of it 
in the " Christian Observer," "Eclectic Review," &c.); and 
"Williams on Christian Liberty," also for the "New Evan- 
gelical Magazine ; Taylor's " Facts and Evidences." 

The proof sheets of the "Hebrew New Testament," he 
also continued to revise; but that which principally occu- 
pied his thoughts about this time, was his reply, published 
in 1816, to Robert Hall's "Terms of Communion," which 
appeared in the preceding year. Mr. Hall expressed point- 
edly, in private, that which, in his works, he did not leave 
unnoticed, his high estimation of Mr. Kinghom's talents> 
learning, and character. This is shown, in a pleasing manner, 
by the following extracts from letters addressed to Mr. 
Kinghorn, by Messrs. William Button and James Hinton, who 
held, it will be remarked, opposite opinions on the subject. 

Deab Sir, 

Since I wrote last, I have spent about twelve days at 
Leicester, with Mr. Hall. I am more than ever attached to him. 
I had the opportunity of perceiving that devotional* spirit, which 
perhaps, few comparatively enjoy. We had some pleasant chat 
about his book, but could not convince each other. He said I must 
be numbered amongst the incurables. Your name came up. I told 
him that he must expect an attack from Norwich. He was pleased 
to say that he could not be replied to by a more respectable man 
than Mr. Kinghorn ; what he would write would be worth reading. 

A A 2 



336 LIFK OP JOSEPH KINOHOBN. 

He further added, that he shotdd pay the utmoBt attentioii to it ; 
and, if Mr. Einghom did not overpower him with argument^ he 
should certainly give him an answer. 

William Bmov. 

Ozon, 30th April, 1816. 
My dear Kixghorn, 

I heartily thank you for your well- written boot 
Mr. Hall says to mc, ** It is probably the best defence of which the 
prevailing practice is capable." 

You are the idol of my stricter brethren. I hope yon will not he 
vain. I wish there were less of the ad hominem in your book. If 
it were true that all Christendom, (a few open Baptists excepted,) 
have admitted, and do admit, your principle, I should not, therefbra^ 
become your convert ; and as to plain Scripture, strange as it may 
appear to you, I think that quite in our favour. 

One excellent fruit will arise from your work — a fruit of righteous- 
ness. My strict brethren will appear to the Christian world, as they 
always have to me, deserving the esteem and love from their fellow- 
Christians which they exercise towards them. 

Mrs. H. unites in cordial regards with your friend, 

James Hiktoh. 

In June, 1816, Mr. Kinghom went down to Portsea^ tothe 
ordination of his pupil, William Hawkins, the son of his old 
friend and deacon, Thomas Hawkins. Mr. Ivimey, of London^ 
and Mr. Giles, of Lymington, assisted at the service. Mr. 
Kinghom gave the charge. 

The earlier part of Mr. Hawkins^ education was conducted 
by Mr. Kinghom. In 1808, he baptized him. In the 
following year Mr. Hawkins was sent, on Dr. Ward's trust, 
to Edinburgh, which he left at the close of 1813. He preached 
immediately afterwards at Lynn and at Godmanchester; 
and in 1814, at Plymouth. Next year he staid a short time 
at Olney, Birmingham, and Newcastle-under-line; and thenoe 
proceeded to the church at Whitens Row, Portsea. 

Mr. Kinghom has left the following notes of his excursicm 
in his book of private short-hand memoranda : — 

J^ney 1816. Went through London, to Portsea, to W. Hawkins's 
ordination. Betumed safely, June 22nd, through the good hand of 
God. 



OPINIONS ON MR. KINGHORN's WORK. 357 

A considerable portion of attention was often directed by those with 
whom I conversed, to the late controversy on mixed communion ; 
and I very unexpectedly received the thanks of many for my reply 
to Mr. Hall. By these means I learned their opinions. 

J. C. told mo that, though my book did not affect his system, 
yet he did not see how a Baptist could answer some things in it, 
on his own principles ; and he distinctly stated that he considered 
few of the Pedobaptists would admit of the communion of those 
who had not recognised, in some way, the law of baptism. 

Mr. Guttoridge said, the only thing to be said for it, he thought, 
was Matt, xii, 1, — ^the disciples eating the ears of com, which was 
not lawful on the Sabbath day; forming an argument on their 
doing that which was not lawful, in consequence of a positive 
command, and yet was allowed by the Lord. 

But, see Deut. xxiii, 25. I think Mr. Gutteridge is wrong. It 
was made unlawful only by the Jewish Rabbles, and not by the 
Lord. See the Mishna — Wboton — Gill. 

James Dore, pleased with what I had written, though himself on 
the side of mixed communion, said he was glad, when Booth and 
Fuller were dead, to find that the Baptists had one to defend them 
still. 

Dyer, of Reading, thanked me for my work, and particularly for 
the temper of it; and 1 was told that one of the Tomkinses, of 
Abingdon, said he thought before that no liberal-minded man 
could maintain strict communion, but he was now convinced that he 
might, and this arose from reading my book. 

Dr. Steadman, of Bradford, thanked me for my book, and said it 
would never be answered while the water ran, and the sun shone; 
and on hearing that Hall said he would grind me to powder, he 
said, " Aye, but he must have his mill, in order to do that." 

It was proposed to me to preach next year at the Missionary 
Meeting, if Dr. Rippon did not accept it, which it was thought right 
to offer him again. And Dr. Ryland also said, that he believed I 
was a humble man, and he would therefore ask me if he might ask 
Dr. Chalmers to come and preach the sermon, and if he came, would 
I excuse it. I told him I would second that motion for next year, 
and would second another for the year succeeding, for seven or 
seventeen years to come, were it necessary. 

W. said this was wrong in them, and blamed me for not 

saying No, and rejecting such an application, as it was, he thought, 
only applying to me in their necessity. I thought this mere pride, 



0^^ LIFT or JOSEPH KI.XGHOKSi. 

&=ii I. :hirt !:•:¥, v»s zkh diaaatiificd ihaX I had put the matter on 
tli^ ^>::iz.-i. I :^ >t;Te I shall lose nothing by this conduct. I am 
n:: edi^r :o c\'>nT. iirwrn^ on soich occasions. 

Pride 15 :ijc iTv:i: sin of human nature, and as much defiles the 
^inis V :' ni^isCc^ dL» any other cLtss of persons whatever. 

In the winter of 1816 and spring of the following year nt 
f nd an interesting corrrspoodence between Mr. Kinghomaad 
Rev. Edward Bioker&teth respecting the third edition of the 
*' Scriptiire Help,"' The former editions were puUiahed 
durir.i: Mr. Bickersteth's residence in Norwich, where his 
acq:iaiiitance with Mr. Kinghom commenced; an acquaintance 
which n|>ent\] iuto that high mutual esteem and waim 
alfeotiou whioh erer alter subsisted between them. They were 
iu the coiistaut habit of visiting each other, and it is evident 
from many allusions in the letters that commnnicatiQni 
similar to those contained in them had taken place between 
the author and his firiend on the aEubject of the fixnncr 
editions of the *'Help." Mr. Bickersteth removed to London 
iu 1810, and on the 23 th of November, Mr. Kinghom wrote 
to him as follows : — 

Nonridi, Not. 25tiL, 1811 
Pear Sir, 

I w;is sorry to hear that you had been unwell firom 
ovor-exortion. 1 hope en* now you are better. Take care; for 
thtre is only a certain quantity of friction which our frames can beor, 
and all Ivyond that prematurely wears out the system. I am also 
(lisjwscd to say another tiling, dictated merely by a regard to yoor 
utility, that I Wk with a little fear at your address, "Church 
Missionary- Hous^,*' &c. Do not misunderstand me; — ^it is no fit of 
joiilousy, eiilier of your church or its mission. But I am eomcwhat 
afraid that residing there in the house, and being practically • 
si^rretary always at hand, you will have your head and time ab- 
sorbed by that kind of business, and not have sufficient spirits left 
to prosecute studies, and make preparation for your congregatioiis. 
Did I not ftdly believe that you consider others as engaged with pu 
in the cause of proclaiming salvation, I should not venture to 
surest any such thing, but you are aware that there are many 
points in which the clergj-man and the dissenting minister have to 
go the same road ; and my experience and observation have 8Ux)ngly 



REV. EDWARD BICRERSTETH. 859 

impressed on my mind the need of a regular portion of time for 
study and preparation, with the mind so far at case as to he ahle to 
look round and notice the hearing of suhjects, and hring out of its 
treasury things new and old. Otherwise we are compelled to take 
what is readiest, and by habitual preaching this stock will soon be 
exhausted; repetition becomes inevitable, (of matter if not of 
sermons,) and congregations either complain or suffer. The mind 
wants food as well as the body; and the minister's mind must have 
time to expatiate, to find, and to view carefully, different subjects, 
in order to bring forward a usefiil variety, or declare anything like 
the whole counsel of God. Do not give this point up. Excuse my 
bluntness. Your respectability as a minister depends on it. I know 
something of it by experience; and it is a sad feeling to come to the 
house of God and offer there only the dregs of the mind. 

I did not intend this sermon when I began. I must now say a 
word or two on another subject. I hope we arc united in one great 
interest, and shall meet at last. I shall rejoice in the success of 
your book ; and though I cannot complain for want of employment, 
I have found means to send you a second half-sheet, aU bespattered 
with alterations, &c., &c., and in this way I shall go on till you say 
stop! provided you have not recalled your plenary indulgence 
which you gave me beforehand, when the first edition was printing, 
and which it was necessary I should have out of self defence, to 
prevent my fault-finding propensities being brought into disgrace. 
Bespects to Mrs. B. 

I am, dear Sir, 

Yours with sincere esteem, 

J. K. 

Church Mission House, Salishurj Square, Nov. 27th, 1816. 
Mt dear Sib, 

I am much obliged by all your kindness, by your 
kind corrections of the " Help," and your kind observations in your 
letter. I fully enter into all you say about preparation for minis- 
terial labours, it is peculiarly important, it b absolutely necessary, 
and my only question is, do I give time enough to it. I generally 
rise at half-past five, and am able to give from seven to nine to 
study and composition of sermons, and as I have only to write one 
in a week, perhaps this may be time enough. I have no other part 
of the day which I can call my own. I have great cause to be truly 
grateful for all your alterations, I do not perceive one for which 
there is not a cause. 



3G0 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHOEN. 

I n-^rrit the diBtuncc that separates us^ that I cannot enjoy the 
pi>n«oziid intert-ourse I used to have witli you. I send the sheets to 
Mr. Sceley as I receive them from you. 

Tours affectionately, 

£. BicxsBSTEnr. 

Norwich, Jan. 2Ut, 1817. 
Dkak Sir, 

I tlmnk you for fifty of your ahridged editiom^ 
1 shall distribute a few of them to-day. I hare sent another hatf- 
shoct. I know I tr}- your patience, but having other things in hand 
I liardly knuw how to help it. I fear that the next half-sheet I 
sliall tr}- it another way. You remember considerable eonversadou 
alM)ut covenants, &c. I lind many expressions which I do not ex- 
art 1y approve now coming forward, and I am the more desirous of 
seeing your work eon-ect, since the popularity of your book is hkitty 
to have great inHuenec, and jdso, I think that some serious mistakes 
now fm[uently made are derived from, or at least strengthened by, 
repH'sentations about law and covenants, which might be amended. 
The doetrinid part of the gospel, in that view of it, often called 
Calvinistie, I eonlially accept ; but certain inferences which Hyper- 
Calvinists derive J'roni the system, I, in common with }-oarBeI( 
n'jeet. It appears to me that tliey set off wnmg, and that they are 
Inipiently not t^p^n^sid at the most important place. They are 
wn^ng in the Wginning of their n^a.^oning: if their first link is 
granted, llu ivst will follow. I was going to give you more on thif 
siilyeil, but 1 will trk" to do it pir next half-sheet. Some of the 
ino>t ton iMe n as^aiing that I know against over-high people, p«^ 
lu uiarly tli.^s*^ who art^ not for having sinners either reasoned with, 
exV.v ::i\l. or K s*»uj:hT to turn to the Lord, depends on this point 
IVar Sir, vour? sincere Iv, 

J. K. 

\ ho'.v b> Yov.r i^txt to htar th,-»t yon are improved in health; 
r;k*' *m:v o: y . urs**:. F-x« rrlo:: iriih lungs in a weak state will noi 
a,^ Ank Mrs. U;. ki Ts:*:h :: thi* is n.^: ivrriv'l ? 

JttVKT XTi^ I6K7. 

1 'rA r>;: a: *" a^^c : :f tot* alterations in the 

v%^'.. Vv,: A-.". ,.v\ /V:.civ, r* y.-:: ::r aH rxir USL^ur. Yon have 

x;,. i .n; '.^, x.iVvvT* :*•' v^,> r.voi\ AS-I Viv,* ^i siwh SK»« Christian 

% \\\ »,'>'.>, v^ : " .: *, .<--'. *.vcviJx:':>A Ar.y joiii^.-c cr altoasion will be 

\v.v\v... .v-i cvo, ^•.:> >vcr V.7>i r^r^issi.-a ic ^d^ or reject. 



THK ^'scripture help/' 861 

upon which, if it appears needful, I should act without scruple, I 
can only heg that you will use the utmost freedom. I feel the 
importance of accurate discrimination on the Calyinistic points. 
There is a great deal about the covenants of which I know nothing, 
and on that account I was so brief in my notice of them. 
Yours very affectionately, 

E. BiCKESSTETH. 

Febmarj Ist. 
My deab Sib, 

Many thanks for the kind labours you have 
bestowed on the "Covenants;" yet you have completely puzzled 
me. I gave several hours yesterday to the subject, but seemed 
only to get more bewildered. I do not know what to say on tho 
subject. So many good men have for so long a time found the view 
which I took of the covenant of works useful to themselves and 
others; it is so embodied in catechisms, tracts, confessions, &c., 
(though I must say not in the Church of England,) that in attempt- 
ing to undermine it, I seem to be pulling an old house about my 
ears. I admit that the Scriptures do not use the terms, but I think 
that something of the idea runs through them. Yet, on the other 
hand, I am very anxious to keep to the simplicity of Scripture, un- 
encumbered, as much as may be, by mere theological terms. I have, 
therefore, in a great measure adopted your alterations, somewhat 
modifying them. 

Ever affectionately yours, 

E. BiCKEBSTETH. 

Norwich, February 8th, 1817. 
Beab Sib, 

I wish I had you here. But in a few words — suppose 

a man comes and says. You ought not to preach the Gospel to sinners, 

for they are under the covenant of works, and therefore it is their 

duty to seek salvation by the covenant under which they are, they 

have no business with the Gospel, which was never designed for 

them as sinners, but only for the elect. 

You do not like this, and begin to reason with the man ; but you 

grant him his principle, and you have then to prove that a man 

ought not to seek salvation by the covenant under which he is 

placed by divine authority, since another covenant is brought 

forward, proposing salvation in another way ; and you have to show 

cause why he may and ought to seek salvation by the (Jospel, 



362 LIF£ OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

rather than keep where ho was, under the law. And smoe you 
cannot prove that any particular man is of the elect of Gk>d, yon 
must prove, either that the covenant is altogether ahrogated, or that 
it becomes so when tlie sinner acquires a certain portion of know- 
ledge and conviction ; you will then get into a difficulty about the 
Grospel being a relief only to sensible sinners, &c., and if you do 
not mind, and your adversary knows what he ia about, you will get 
beaten, or, at least, severely drubbed. 

But if you take the system suggested to you, you hold the enemy 
at bay, and with a little exertion may give him enough of it. For 
if you can succeed in proving that since the fall it never was the 
duty of any man to seek his salvation by the law of works, but 
that all that was ever said on the subject to men proceeded on 
another system, the consequence follows, either that it is not 
man's duty to seek his salvation at all, or that he must seek it in 
one way. And that all that was ever said to men, before as weE 
as since the coming of Christ, was spoken to men in the same 
general situation, as not under the law of works, but under a 
dispensation of grace, though formerly less plainly discovered thm 
now. By this means you cut off all that excuse, that what was 
said to Israel was said to men under the law, «.«., the covenant of 
works, for on examination it proves to be no such thing. And thus 
you bring the whole of divine revelation, since Qen. iii., to bear on 
one point ; and you leave your opponent to digest the inferenoe at 
his leisure. 

Thus no inconsiderable advantage arises, I think, in dear thinking^ 
and certainly in opposing gainsayers ; and however unwilling you 
are to give up old consecrated expressions and reasoning, yet, push 
you into the field of battle and compel you to fight, and you will 
instantly act on the system of which you are now a little afraid; 
and indeed, because you have not anotlier. 

Another advantage arises from it — you face about and meet 
another set of objectors. These say, where is the evidence of a 
covenant of works ? Were men ever asked whether they would 
come into the world on such conditions ? &c. You see the spirit of 
the objection. You reply, is it not the necessary condition of created 
beings, to be bound to obey the Creator ? Thus you, in fact, gain 
all you want, and need not be entangled by phraseology, which you 
would be perplexed to find authority for in Scripture. 

Yours very truly, 
J. K. 



CORRESPONDBNCB WITH REV. E. BICKERSTETH. 868 

February 27tli, 1817. 

My deab Sib, 

Many thanks for all your kindness in preparing 
the account of the Heretics. There must have heen great difficulty 
in simpliiying such a mass of heterogeneous and strange notions. 
I hope it may be useful in giving clear ideas on difficult subjects. 
"We have a little altered the expressions, but not the sentiments. 

The chronology of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther is difficult ; I left 
it out on this account. But if you think the additions on the other 
side are correct, and will be useful, I shall be glad to put them in. 

E. BiCKEBSTETH. 

March 4th, 1817. 

Deab Sib, 

In p. 155, you will find a paper attached which 
you will think about; it relates to a difficult subject, and I thought 
your remarks would rather be taken too wholesale. If I had you 
here I would illustrate my meaning by examples, but merely to set 
you a thinking — ^Richard Baxter, John Owen, John Newton, and 
Dr. GDI, you do not doubt, were, in the best sense of the word, good 
men, taught of God ; yet, in the points of their difference, (and they 
Aix differed from each other,) they could not aU be taught of God. 
What common line, then, will include the whole? You cannot 
elect one and say he was taught, and the rest not. Here is a prac* 
tical difficulty. Take some such view as I have stated, and the 
difficulty ceases. I should not have stated it thus in detail, had I 
not thought from your mode of writing, that you did not view it 
thus — all I ask is a review. 

Now for my old acquaintances, the Heretics. As to authorities, I 
could give you plenty. I did not think of it, because in your book 
it would hardly be looked for. Many things that I have collected 
on that subject, I have derived jfrom very different sources. I have, 
as you perhaps know, been on a track of reading that made a 
thorough good heretic of more importance to me than a better man. 

Yours sincerely, 

J. K. 

Turvey, Bedfordshire, March 12th, 1817. 
Mt deab Sib, 

Your letter, dated March 6th, with sheet con- 
taining the Heretics, &c., I have, through some unfortunate mistake, 
only just received. Many of the corrections I had myself made before 
I returned the sheet to the printer. As soon, however, as I received 



3G4 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHOKN. 

yours yesterday, I sent it off to Buckingfaam, telling the printer, if 
possible, to correct it by the one which I then sent, and to forwaid 
a proof to you. I am in hopes it may yet be in time. 

I have been preaching and speaking for the Society in Bedford- 
shire, with, 1 hope, some success. To-morrow I set off for Oxfofd 
and Hertfordshire, but proof sheets will follow me. I hare to be it 
Bristol on the 23rd, at Plymouth on the 30th, and afterwards in 
Cornwall. It is rather an interruption to all my plans, hot I 
find a constant happiness in being conformed to the will of God, 
wherever that will leads me. Otherwise, nothing is more contraiy 
to my natural inclination than travelling about and public spealdiig. 
I am always, my dear Sir, 

Gratefully and affectionately yours, 

£. BlCKEXSTEZE. 

Church Mission House, London, May 26th, 1817. 
Mt deab Sib, 

I have at last the pleasure of sending yon a dosn 
of the third edition of the '' Scripture Help," which I hope yoa will 
do me the pleasure of accepting. 

2000 copies were printed, and 1500 of them have been -bespokai, 
80 that I suppose another edition ^-ill soon be wanted, if anjilm^ 
should strike you as yet desirable to be altered. And now allow 
mc again to express my grateful acknowledgments for all yoor kind 
labours to make it more worthy of the public attention. I know 
their success will be your greatest reward. 

I had, in my mind's eye, an idea of writing a tract on prayer, 
something in a similar form, and had mado some progress in ths 
tiling, but doubt much whether I can gain time to proceed. What 
think you of the necessity or usefulness of such a work at this 
time ? or of the books that would assist in such a thing ? 
My wife joins me in affectionate remembrances. 

Believe me ever faithfully and affectionately yours, 

£. BiCXJSBSTETH. 



CHAPTER XX. 

1817—1822. At. 51—56. 

Correspondence mth JRev. T, 8. Cri^, on Baptism — Joseph John 
Gumey — Joshua Tinson — Journey to Scotland on behalf of the 
Mission — Bicker stetKs " Treatise on Prayer " — William Innes, of 
Edinburgh — Correspondence with Bichersteth^ respecting his " Trea- 
tise on the Lord's Supper " — Letter from James Feggs^ the Missionary 
— Proposal to form a Baptist Tract Society — John Foster's Lecturer 
at Broadmead. 

In the course of the year 1817, there occurred an interesting 
correspondence on the subject of baptism, between Mr. 
Kinghom and Rev. T. S. Crisp, then pastor of an Indepen- 
dent church at St. Ives, Huntingdonshire, now president of 
the Baptist College, Bristol. Mr. Crisp's views becoming 
decided on this subject, he was baptized by Mr. Kinghom, at 
Norwich, in July, 1817. 

From the closing letters of that correspondence we make 
the following extracts. 

The application I am now about to make to you is 
different from that which you received from me some time ago. My 
mind was then in a state of suspense and hesitation on the subject 
of baptism. That hesitation is now at an end, and convinced — as 
the result of my inquiries, which I hope have been conducted with 
a sincere desire to know the will of Grod, and a humble dependence 
on the aids of his Spirit — that immersion in adult years is the only 
Scriptural mode of baptism, I am desirous of taking that step, 
which, with such a conviction, it becomes my duty to adopt. 

I write, therefore, to ask whether it will be agreeable to you to 
administer to me the rite of Christian baptism ; and if it be so, to 
inform me what time will be the most convenient to you. 



306 LIFE OP JOSEPH KINOHOEN. 

Some remarks follow^ as to sentiments and characteTi 
especiaUy including a simple and candid avowal of Mr. 
Crisp's adoption of the principles of open oommnnion. The 
application was at once accepted^ and in the beginning of 
July^ he was immersed by Mr. Einghom^ as requested. 
July 15th^ he wrote to Mr. Kinghora a letter^ firom which we 
make further extracts. 

I gladly embrace the opportimity of thanking you for the 
Christian kindness and friendship with which the whole of your 
conduct towards me has been marked. I shall always be gratefbl 
for your readiness in affording me the aid I requested, and shall 
always think with pleasure of your deportment towards me, during 
my visit at Norwich. 

In looking back on my baptism, I feel satisfied with what I 
have done. It would be difficult for me to describe the difference 
between the ease my mind now enjoys, and the anxious perplexity 
the subject once occasioned me, but which, I hope, will never be 

^^^^^^- Thos. S. Cbisp. 

The following note &om Joseph John Gumey^ though an 
isolated one, shows the friendly, literary, and bibUco-critical 
intercourse which he maintained with Mr. Kinghom. Un- 
fortunately, however, that intercourse was not perpetuated by 
correspondence, but took place in conversations which fre- 
quently passed both at Earlham and in Norwich. 

We are, therefore, unable to afford our readers the gratifica- 
tion which they might have derived from such correspondence, 
had not these two remarkable persons resided in such dose 
proximity. Often did they submit to each other points of 
diflScult criticism and learned research, especiaUy respecting 
Hebrew literature; and Mr. Gumey's valuable and extensive 
library, rich in works bearing on the study of the word of 
Gt)d, was constantly at his friend's service. Although in 
many respects their religious sentiments differed widely, they 
freely interchanged opinions on controverted points, and 
always regarded each other with the sincerest esteem, and 
the warmest affection. 

Often, too, was Mr. Kinghom welcomed at Earlham, where 
he had the opportunity of intercourse with the lai^ circle of 



JOSEPH JOHN OURNEY. 36/ 

the good and wise who so constantly met there— with Wilber- 
force and Buxton^ Chahners and Simeon^ Elizabeth Fry and 
Amelia Opie, and many others who now have joined the 
assembly and church of the first-bom. 

Earlham, 2nd mo., 24th, 1818. 
Dear Fbiend, 

There is nothing in the HorsB TalmudicsB respecting 

the cr^ftworoxoc to our point. I hope thou wilt be able to find it 

elsewhere. I want some Jewish authorities to prove *'that the 

Scriptures of the Old Testament were universally allowed by the 

Jews to be of divine origin ;" I mean at the Christian Era. One 

can gather this fi:om the New Testament, and from a passage in 

" Josephus contra Apion." 

"Wilt thou be kind enough to direct me to some Jewish writers 
on this subject. 

I am about to leave home for ten days. 

Thine very sincerely, 

J. J. GUBNET. 

Several yonng men shared at this time (as well as both at 
earlier and later periods) Mr. Kinghom^s instructions^ and 
thus a kind of select private academy had taken the place of 
the school which we have noticed in a former place. 

The late Joshua Tinson, for many years missionary in 
Jamaica^ was amongst the number thus committed to Mr. 
Kinghom's care ; and in the commencement of the year 1818^ 
we find a letter firom Rev. John Dyer, ^cretary of the Baptist 
Mission^ requesting Mr. Kinghom to forward to the society 
information respecting him. He remarks^ 

The committee would probably wish to receive as ample informa- 
tion as you have to give, as to his piety, talents, temper, and health. 
I rather think he is not, as yet, fully admitted as a missionary 
student. If I am correct on this point, your report will probably 
decide the committee on that question. 

John Dyeb. 

KEPLT. 

My deab Sib, 

Mr. Tinson is very diligent, and his progress is, 
I think, considerable. He conducts himself to my satisfaction; 



368 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORX. 

and I believe his piety is genuine. His health is pretty good, and 
he bears the fatigue of application welL Should the committee in 
June, on further investigation of his case, see fit to adopt him, it 
appears to me that it would be desirable to give him instructian a 
year or two more, before he leaves the kingdom. He appears to me 
to have a talent for learning languages, and a disposition to improre 
it. I sec no abatement in his desire to be employed as a missioBaiy ; 
and I am convinced that whatever might bo deemed nccessaiy as a 
previous qualification, he would diligently labour to acquire. I 
find, also, ho has an acquaintance with whom he wishes to fonn a 
marriage connection at some future period. 

My earnest prayer is, that you may enjoy the divine blf<w p'v; 
and direction in aU your consultations. 

I remain, dear Sir, yours truly, 

J.K. 

Rey. John Dyer, Beading, Berkshire. 

The principal event which calls for our attention in 1818, 
is the journey which Mr. Kinghom undertook to Scotland 
and the North of England^ on behalf of the Baptist MissicKL 
He was accompanied on that occasion by Rev. Dr. Steadmani 
and the Rev. John Birt. 

During his absence he wrote to his father several times. 

Kilwinning, Ayrshire, Monday, June 29th, 1818. 
Deab Fatheb, 

Through the goodness of God my journey hai 
been safe, and, except tCe fatigue arising from its length, I sufiered 
very little. I preached at LjTin on Monday evening; on tiie 
Tuesday I went to Stamford. It was the race week there, the town 
was full and in confusion, and I was afraid I should not have got a 
bed. The good hand of God, however, provided for me. Next 
morning I proceeded by the mail, and found all the country eager 
to go to York on account of the election, so that many passcngen 
were left beliind who wished to go with us. This justified the pre* 
caution of having a place secured beforehand. When we dined at 
Worksop, in Nottinghamshire, a young man, who was an outside 
passenger, fell into conversation with me, and it turned out that he 
was going to Bowes, and thence to Cothcrstone, and that he was a 
grandson of John Jopling, being the son of his daughter Elizabeth. 
His name is Hutchinson ; this greatly surprised and interested me. 



VISIT TO SCOTLAND. 369 

I told him my name, &c., and told him to tell his Mends that I 
hoped to be over and see them before I retnmed home. 

On Thursday I arrived at Carlisle, and within one hour after 
came in Dr. Steadman. He preached that evening at the Burgher 
meeting-house. The next day we proceeded on our way to Scot- 
land, passed through the famous Gretna Green, a village which 
seemed to be only one street; then forward to DumMes. Here 
we also found friends, and were told that one of us must preach. 
Dr. Steadman put this labour on me ; and while we were at the 
meeting, Mr. Birt came to us. I hoped that our journey was now 
nearly at an end for that week, but it proved not so; we had 
to travel on the Saturday ; Dr. Steadman we left at Kilmarnock, 
sixty miles ftx)m Dumfries. There Mr. Barclay met us, and con- 
ducted Mr. Birt and myself seven miles still further to Irvine; 
where at last we stopped for the night and for the week. This 
made my journey, from the Monday morning, 411 miles. Yes- 
terday morning Mr. Birt preached, and I heard him ; then I was 
sent off to Saltcoats, seven miles distant, a place on the Western 
sea, to preach in the afternoon at the Relief meeting, where I 
addressed a considerable audience; and in the evening preached 
to a crowded congregation in the parish kirk. This morning I 
breakfasted with the clergyman and spent a considerable time with 
him. Prom thence I walked here, a distance of three miles, to 
meet Mr. Barclay, who was gone with Mr. Birt yesterday evening 
to preach at Ajrr, and I write this in his house. 

"We have been received in Scotland in the most friendly manner, 
and have found that the cause of the Baptist Mission is in high 
estimation. Besides the Baptists, the Kirk, the Burghers, and the 
Belief people, patronize it readily ; but the Antiburghers are too 
strictly attached to their own peculiarities to meddle with it. 

J. K. 

Norwich, July 7th, 1818. 
Deab Son, 

I received your welcome letter on Friday, the 3rd, 
and was glad to find that your great fatigue had not impaired your 
health, and that you found some pleasure in the various scenery in 
passing over the hills and glens of which I have so often heard, and, 
I suppose, in view of the zigzag borders of the "West of Scotland with 
the isles adjoining. I was pleased to find the kind reception you 
met with from the differing denominations, and that each seems to be 
interested in spreading the Scriptures to the distant parts of the earth. 

B B 



370 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

Should yoTi have to go to Inverness you will be near CuUoden, 
where the rebels were defeated on the 16th of AjHdl, 1746, a day I 
well remember. 

It was a remarkable providence that you should see a grandson of 
John Jopling. I shall be glad to hear from you when yon airive at 
Edinburgh, and to know when you expect to be at home. May the 
God of all grace be with you and bless you in all your joumeya and 
labours, and make you a blessing unto many. 

So prays your Father, 

D. K. 

Glasgow, Jxdj 14th, 1818. 

Deaji Fathek, 

My last was from Kilwinning; that place was a 
kind of centre for two or three days. On the Tuesday I preached 
at Irvine in the evening and returned to Kilwinning in the morning 
of the Wednesday. On that day I proceeded to Largs, a pUice 
opposite to the Isle of Arran, there I preached in the parish kirk in 
the evening to a large congregation. It was the fast day previous 
to the sacrament, and I got in time to hear the afternoon sermon, 
and saw a child sprinkled. In the morning I went to Greenock, a 
large seaport, where a great deal of business is done in the shipping 
line, particularly with America and the West Indies, and, indeed, 
with the East Indies also. Here Dr. Steadman, Mr. Birt, and 
myself met again, for I had left Dr. Steadman at Kilwinning, who 
was to preach in that neighbourhood, and Mr. Birt was gone to the 
Islands of Cambray and Bute. At Greenock Dr. Steadman and 
myself were received by Mr. Andrew Muir, whose wife is Dr. 
Buchanan's sister. They are Independents, but very friendly with 
all the religious parties around. There I preached to a snudl party 
of Baptists in the morning on the Lord's day, and to a large congre- 
gation at the Relief church in the evening. Dr. Steadman preached 
among . the Independents and Burghers, and in the parish kirk in 
the evening. Mr. Birt went on the Saturday to Paisley and spent 
the Lord's day there, where in the evening he was obliged to preach 
out of doors, for the people came in such crowds that no house would 
hold them. 

On the Tuesday Dr. Steadman went across the Clyde to HellenB- 
burg and Dumbarton, and I went to Port Glasgow, three miles from 
Greenock, to preach in the evening* I returned at night, and on 
the Wednesday came here, where I found Mr. Birt, and on tho 
Thursday came Dr. Steadman, so that a junction of us all was once 



GLASGOW. 371 

more formed. On the Lord's day we were employed pretty tho- 
roughly, Dr. Steadman preached three times, Mr. Birt and myself 
twice each. In the morning I preached at Mr. Wardlaw's, and in 
the evening at Mr. E wing's, to a congregation of vast extent. The 
place will seat 1800 by measurement, and besides the seats, the 
pulpit stairs and the aisles were full ; Mr. Ewing said there were 
about 2000 people present. 

A very unpleasing event took place at this meeting-house. Be- 
tween the afternoon service and the evening it was found that the 
vestry had been broken open, and a bag containing £26 5s, Od. of 
silver, which had been collected for the Mission in the former parts 
of the day, was stolen / This threw the elders into sad dismay, and 
aflTected every one present when the secret was told, after the close 
of the evening service, in the vestry. Mr. Deakin and another 
gentlemen went to the police officers to give information, that they 
might, if possible, discover the thief. We then went home to supper; 
we had just finished, but before the table was cleared one of the 
friends came in and said, the hag is found! and though not the whole 
of the contents, yet only j£3 10«. was missing. This was esteemed 
a great mercy. The thief made his escape. 

As I did not preach in the afternoon, I had the gratification of 
hearing Dr. Chalmers in his own kirk. He is a preacher of great 
powers, but quite a broad Scotchman in his pronunciation, even 
more than many of his countrymen. 

Since I wrote last, we have not been overdone with travelling, as 
our passage has not been more than forty miles, exclusive of our 
lesser excursions ; but, God willing, we must this week do a little 
more. We are to move forward to Stirling, and thence to Inverness, 
from thence to Aberdeen, and then to Edinburgh. Various places 
besides are to be visited, but these form the outline of the route laid 
out for us. 

Of the kindness and hospitality of our friends here, we can speak 
in the highest terms of praise ; but I know not what you will say 
to our hours. We take good care to let the sun be up before we 
rise. Sometimes breakfast is over at ten, sometimes it is half an 
hour later; we profess to dine at four, but it sometimes is five 
o'clock ; other things then follow in proportion ; and in general we 
do not go to bed the same day on which we rise. However, though 
this is different from my usual habits, yet through the goodness of 
God, I am in tolerable health, and though the exertion of preaching 
in large congregations has tried me, I have borne it better than I 

B B 2 



372 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORX. 

expected. YariouB causes have drawn from Scotland oontribati<Mif 
of late ; and in consequence the collections are less than they might 
have been ; we have, however, great reason to be thankful for the 
assistance rendered to our cause, about £350 had been ooUeoted 
before we came to Glasgow ; what has been contributed here and 
what is (according to fair calculation) expected yet to be oontriboted 
will make the amount £200 more. We have three sermons yet to 
preach here. To-night Dr. Steadman and myself are to be engaged, 
and we go, God willing, to-morrow to Stirling. To-morrow night 
Mr. Birt preaches and then follows us. But I must conclude. 

I beg my kind regards to Mr. Hawkins and Mr. Cozens ; I am 
sorry to say that so extcDsive a plan is laid, that I must beg another 
Lord's day, for we cannot get round without six Lord's days instead 
of five. I remonstrated against the extension of the time, yet under 
all the circumstances of the case, I thought it right to give way, as 
also my brethren here have done. I regret the circumstance much, 
but I hope our good friends will give me credit for having done for 
the best ; especially as the important cause of the Mission needs a 
little nursing just now in Scotland; and I hope they will find no 
serious difficulties in finding a supply for one day more. As we 
expect to go North before we go to Edinburgh, we shall, probably, 
not be in that city till about the 29th of this montii. Let me 
hear from you by that time, and direct your letter to me at Bev. C. 
Anderson's, Edinburgh. By the time you receive this, you will be 
looking for Mr. Ivimey. Give my kind respects to him ; I hope his 
visit will be pleasant to himself and to our friends. 

I find that the theft was a little more than first stated, as a few 
shillings in half-pence were gone ; but hauheei are clumsy things, 
and not so fit for carriage as sliillings and sixpences. However, the 
friends here said the Mission must not be the loser, and the amount 
is made up. 

Among other mercies, I have reason to be tiiankful that I have 
been comfortable in preaching here in Scotland; sometimes very 
much 60 ; and though it is on the whole not so good a feeling as that 
which takes place at home when the mind is in tune, yet I esteem 
it as a great mercy on account of the object which is now before us. 
May God preserve and bless you. 

I remain, dear father, yours in duty and affection, 

J. K. 

Mr. Kinghom^B note book shows us, that from Glasgow 
he and his companions proceeded to Perth^ where he preached 



RETURN TO NORWICH. 373 

on July 19th, at the Independent chapel, (Mr. Orme^s,) 
in the morning, and Mr. Birt in the afternoon. From Perth 
they crossed the Highlands to Inverness, ivhere they arrived on 
the 22nd. Dr. Steadman preached at the Methodist meeting, 
firom the text, " Jesus Christ the same yesterday, to-day, and 
for ever;" and Mr. Kinghom at the Chapel-of-Ease, (Rev. 
Donald Martin's,) from the parable of the leaven hid in three 
measures of meal. Aberdeen was the next principal place 
visited, where both the Independent places of worship were 
thrown open to him; and on the 29th July Mr. Kinghom 
arrived safely at Edinbui^h, Newcastle, Barnard Castle, 
Wisbeach, and Lynn, are mentioned as places where 
he preached in his journey home, and in August he 
returned to his own people. During the journey, upwards 
of £1600 were collected for the mission. Thus ended 
his first visit to Scotland, which added considerably to the 
circle of his friends, and consequently to the number of his 
correspondents. 

His pupil, Joshua Tinson, having removed to Bristol 
academy, kept up a correspondence with his former tutor; 
and in these letters he spoke in the strongest terms of the 
kindness and attention shown him while under Mr. Kinghom's 
care. After giving a long account of the tutors, students, and 
arrangements at the academy, he goes on to say. 

You are aware that I have not the privilege of so much personal 
application to my tutors here, as I had when under your direction, 
therefore, if you can give me advice on any subject when you write, 
it will be received with the greatest deference. I trust I shall ever 
adore the disposer of all things for his goodness in placing mo 
beneath your roof, and shall, to the latest period of my existence, 
esteem myself bound to revere you. Do not think that I am using 
flattery, for I abhor it above everjthing, in whatever garb it may 
appear. To hear of your happiness will always be a matter of 
consolation to me. 

J. Tinson. 

We find at this period another note fix)m the Rev. Edward 
Bickersteth, presenting his Mend a copy of his " Treatise on 
Prayer.*' 



374 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

Church Mission Hoiue, Salisbnrj Square, Kor. 30th, 1819. 
My dear Sir, 

I send you a copy of another small work, 

*' A Prayer Help." I hardly dare ask for your remarks on this as 

you favoured me on the " Scripture Help ;" but I should esteem it 

a great kindness to receive any hints and observations from you. 

I know their value hy experience. 

Ever affectionately yours, 

E. BiCKERSTETH. 

In the years 1819 and 1820 occur many long and inter- 
esting letters from friends and supporters of the Baptist 
Missionary Society, respecting the management of its affairs. 
Difficulties of great gravity had arisen both in foreign and 
home affairs, and it was thought necessary to make some 
alteration in the arrangements of the society Mr.Kinghom's 
opinion was solicited in the matter, especially by Dr. Ryland 
and Mr. Dyer. The ultimate results of the agitation were, 
that London was made the centre of the society^ s operations, 
and that Mr. Dyer became principal working secretary. 
Messrs. Gutteridge, Burls, and others, also took an active 
part in the management; and the correspondence of 1820 
closes with a letter from the former, from which we give the 
concluding paragraph : — 

I pray God that success may attend our efforts ; a conviction that 
it is his cause supports our minds ; thus, though often " perplexed, 
we are not in despair.'* Difficulties increase from Serampore and 
Calcutta. Colombo is a source of expense almost unwarrantable. 
Jamaica is stretching out its arms for assistance, and we possess not 
the means of help. We soon expect a reply from Serampore to our 
resolutions of the 3 1st of December last; then we shall have occasion 
to summon together all the wisdom, piety, and prudence of our 
committee, and I hope you will come. "Wishing you every blessing, 

I remain, very truly yours, 

Jos. Gutteridge. 

In the year 1820 Mr. Kinghom brought out his " Defence 
of Baptism a Term of Communion,'' in answer to Mr. Hall's 
'^ Reply." Tliis work extended to some length, because the 



VriLLIAM INNES. 375 

author felt himself called upon to notice and offer a reply to 
every position taken up by his opponent. It will be incumbent 
on us to review the entire controversy, but we shall prefer to 
wait till we can notice Mr. Kinghom^s final work on the 
subject, published in 1827, entitled "Arguments against the 
practice of Mixed Communion," &c. 

Amongst the earliest letters of the year 1821 we find a 
short note from Rev. William Innes, of Edinburgh; from 
which we give an extract : — 

Edinburgh, Feb. 15th, 1821. 
My deae Sik, 

Most readily will I give every facility in my power 

for the circulation of your late publication, as it regards a point on 

which, though I may think differently from you, every one ought to 

to have the means of judging for liimself. I observe what you say 

about Robertson's "Clavis." There can be no harm in your putting 

in it a dedication to the Edinburgh University, though I do not 

know if it will much promote the sale of the work here, as the 

present professor teaches Hebrew without the points. I should 

have written to you by Mr. B., but he went hastily off, and I have 

been much engaged of late, attending my aged father, who died 

on the 3rd instant, in the hope of eternal life, in the eighty-eighth 

year of his age and the sixty-first of his ministry. 

I am, my dear Sir, yours very sincerely, 

William Iniojs. 

In the next place, several letters from Rev. E. Bickersteth 
daim our attention, relating to the publication of his "Treatise 
on the Lord's Supper," which breathe the same kind and 
Christiui spirit as was manifested in the letters already 
quoted. 

Church Mission House, London, Feh. 13th, 1821. 
Mt bear Sir, 

Very many thanks for your kind observations on the 
manuscripts I sent you. I almost wholly concur in all your remarks, 
and will act upon them. 

The Treatises I have read show me that there is much to be 
guarded against on both sides. Some Protestants make it almost a 
Papal Mass, or, at least, a self-nghtcous service ; and others, a mere 
act of remembrance of a deceased friend. I do not know whether I 



376 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

may ask you to look at one or two more chapters, in yMch I have 
felt some difficulties. They are all at present very much in the 
rough. 

My hope is to be a humble instrument of assisting in diffusing 
that scriptural truth, which is God's great means of converting and 
saving immortal souls; and this, I know, is your great aim also, 
and, therefore, however we may differ in lesser things, I rejoice in 
having your aid in these greater things. 

We feel Mr. S.'s case to be a difficult one. Ke is a sensible, intel- 
ligent, and pious man, and such men we are not very willing to lose; 
but under all the circumstances which you mention, unless he could go 
soon, and to a place where learning was not of importance, the 
committee feel they had better decline the offer. They thank you 
for your letter on the subject. 

I am, affectionately yours, 

E. BiCKEBSTETH. 

The closing passage of the above letter relates to a young 
man^ a member of the Church of England^ who was anxious 
to be sent out as a missionary^ and on whose behalf Mr. 
Kinghom had applied to the committee of the Church 
Missionary Society. 

EXTEACT PEOM MR. KINGHORN's REPLY. 

Norwich, Feb. 19th, 1S21. 
My dear Sir, 

On one chapter (the danger of receiving unworthily) 

you will be on difficult ground. You will have to caution the 

presumptuous, and you must take care of the feeble of the flock, 

lest, while you drive away the goats, the poor sheep should run from 

you in a fright. Perhaps you are not aware that I wrote a tract on 

the subject of communion, some years since ; some things in it may 

be a little in your way, I have therefore ventured to send you 

one, though I am aware that you will not approve the whole. 

Probably you are right, that my statement of the term Covenant 
might not come (at least) to your point. I forget how I defined it; 
but a covenant generally supposes two parties, and when God is one 
party, it is rather a dispensation or declaration of meroy and good- 
ness, than an agreement between two parties. 

We live under the New Covenant, or dispensation, whether we 
accept it or not; but we are not partakers of its blessings unless we 



bickebste.th's treatiss on the lord's suppeb. 877 

do accept it. Perhaps this plain observatioii may be applied to 
yonr case. A dispensatioii is that plan of providence on which 
Qod acts towards those who lire nnder it. This, I think, will 
apply to the varions displays which Ood has made of his will from 
Adam to the present time. J. K. 

Feb. 24th, 1821. 

My deab Sib, 

Many thanks for your last kind letter, and the tract 
which accompanied it. I had, indeed, got that as well as your other 
tracts, in which I always find something valaable. 

I am not quite so forward as you seem to think in the Treatise 
on the Lord's Supper, but shall be truly glad to send you, from time 
to time, as I may get them finished, tiiose chapters in which it will 
be material to have your help. 

I can sympathize with you in the state of your excellent father, 
my own being now in a dying state, in Liverpool. 

Mrs. Bickersteth* wishes me to ask, if you could not come and 
stay with us at Islington, while you are in London. You would not 
be two miles from the Baptist Mission House, and you should have 
a study and a bed-room entirely at your service. Our residence is 
Bamsbury Park, Islington. I hope you will come to us. 

Witii kindest regards to your father, 

I am, very affectionately yours, 

E. BiCEEBSTETH. 

Church Mission House, March 16th, 1821. 

My deab Sib, 

I was in hopes we might have had the pleasure of 
seeing you before this, and am somewhat afraid that your father 
may be worse, as you have not come. 

I trouble you now with three additional chapters, and feel it no 
small advantage that I am permitted, by your kindness, to send 
them to you. I am much in danger of a crude way of stating 
things, particularly from the many interruptions in which I write, 
and it is a peculiar privilege to have your remarks. 

I have gladly adopted your remarks on chapter iv, on the New 
Covenant, and have added in the note, extracts from Gill, the clearest 
and best account of the term Covenant that I have met with. 

I do trust you will stiU use the utmost freedom in what I have 

* Mrs. Bickersteth was a Norwich lady, with whose family Mr. Kinghom was 
intioiate. 



*378 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHOBN. 

sent. Between Christian brethren and Christian ministers, haying, 
as we trust, a single eye, there need not be an apology for this. 

Mrs. Bickersteth is somewhat disappointed at not seeing you; she 
unites with me in kind regards. 

Ever aflPectionately yours, 

£. Bickersteth. 

Church Mission House, London, June 'list, 1821. 
Mt dear Sir, 

I should much rejoice to pass a few evenings witii 
you, as you propose. I am afraid you will almost be frightened at 
the load of manuscripts I send you, and begin to repent of your 
kind undertaking to revise, but I trust you will still persevere, (as 
I do consider your remarks very valuable,) and return it by degrees, 
as you are able. 

I purpose to have the Treatise in two parts. The first twelve 
chapters, doctrinal in the main; and four other chapters, devotional. 
Ever affectionately yours, 

£. Bickersteth. 

FROM rev. JAMES PEQGS, MISSIONARY TO INDIA. 

Serampore, Dec. 18th, 1821. 
Dear Brother in Christ, 

Though so many thousand miles from you, and 

surrounded by various things which call for my attention, I cannot 

be unmindful of you, nor inattentive to your request, — that when I 

had been in India some time I would remember you among my 

correspondents. Your friendship was one of the greatest blessings 

I enjoyed while residing in Norwich, and, I feel thankful that I 

have now an opportunity of manifesting my grateful remembrance 

of it. Ve sailed from London, on board the Abberton, Captain 

Gilpin, the 29th of May, and landed at Funchal, Madeira, June 18th. 

There I saw popery in its own element, an element in which a 

Christian finds it difficult to breathe. Even now the remembrance 

of it casts a gloom over my mind, which I know not how to describe. 

Oh, it is the land of darkness, and of the valley and shadow of death ! 

Yet there are a few names even in Madeira, who, I hope, will walk 

with Christ, being found worthy. A merchant named Blackburn 

showed us no small kindness; indeed, Brother Ward and Sister 

Marshman and her daughter were entertained at his house. 

We landed at Madras, Sept. 25th, nothing particular occurring 

on the voyage, except a heavy gale for nearly three days when off 



JAMES PEOGS^ THE MISSIONARY. 879 

i^e Cape. We were detained at Madras nearly three weeks ; and 
Brother Ward, Sister Marshman, her daughter and niece took a 
passage on hoard the Woodford, and sailed for Calcutta some time 
before the rest of our company. The state of religion appears to 
be improving there. I was one evening at a prayer-meeting in the 
house of a respectable gentleman of the Establishment, and a con- 
siderable number of the principal people in the town were present. 
A clergyman opened and closed the opportunity, and Brother Ward 
delivered a very animated and animating address on his favourite 
theme, the outpouring of the Holy Ghost for the salvation of the 
world. We received much attention from the Church, Independent, 
and Methodist Missionaries ; blessed be God for making our way 
prosperous. 

We arrived at Serampore the 15th of November, in the enjoy- 
ment of very good health. Brother Ward and J. Marshman, Jun., 
met us about forty miles up the river. You may suppose my feel- 
ings were not of an ordinaiy nature, at the close of this long and 
eventful voyage. I saw scarcely anything of Calcutta when we 
passed through it, having left the ship very early to get to Serampore 
in one tide, which we happily accomplished. The banks of the 
river Hooghly, for miles, are very delightful. 

Serampore is a delightful place, both for situation and the society 
and labours of those who have served their generation well. The 
Mission premises are large, and the College, with the addition of 
a house presented to it by the King of Denmark, render the whole 
inexpressibly interesting to an intelligent and pious mind. 

Our brethren here unanimously advise our attempting a mission 
in Orissa, and subsequent occurrences have determined us to remove 
to Cuttack as soon as convenient. Brother Peter, who laboured at 
Balasore, in this province, left it about four years since, on account 
of health and his family, and has not returned ; we have, therefore, 
an extensive field, sufficient for the energies of hundreds. Wales, 
with about the same population, is said to have a thousand ministers. 
Oh, what a paucity of Gospel ministers is there in heathen countries ! 
When will the churches of Christ be truly awake to the interests of 
myriads for whose souls no man careth ? 

A Mr. Peach, who has resided at Cuttack nine years, is in Calcutta, 
and returns about Christmas ; he has very kindly invited us to his 
house till we can obtain bungolows, and we feel encouraged by 
these and other similar favourable circumstances, to hope. Surely 
God has called us to preach the gospel to the deluded worshippers of 



380 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

Juggernaut, and to attack hiuiy eren on his own holy ground. We 
are studying Orissa under the old Pundit who has been here fifteen 
years, and is a specimen of the influence of idolatry, extending to 
the most common things. I will give you his name, and the mean- 
ing of it, which I obtained to-day ; it is Fursooram, and mgnififla 
the weapon or battle-axe of Bam. Oh, when shall the light and 
power of the gospel dispel this gross darkness which enydopes the 
minds of so many millions ! Last week I was several days in 
Calcutta, and was highly gratified on Friday, at a meeting at 
Brother Lawson's. It was the second anniversary of the Calcutta 
Institution for the instruction of Bengalee females. In three 
schools there are about seventy scholars, whose significant name^ 
ages, circumstances, history, and progress, were singular and in* 
teresting. Mr. D. Corrie spoke on the occasion, and Brother 
Woodward, an American Missionary of Ceylon, and several others. 
Religion, I hope, prospers in Calcutta. The junior brethren have a 
good chapel in the Circular Eoad, and several Bengalee chapds 
about the city. But I must close. Dear brother, pray for me; 
send me a letter of your wholesome admonitions. Take care of 
my children and friends, and tell them I hope to see them around 
the throne. May we and ours meet there, is the constant prayer of 
yours in the Lord, 

JTaices Pbqos. 
Last night I heard Brother Ward in Mr. Townley's chapel, 
Calcutta. An association of ministers has been held the last three 
days, which, I hope, will prove useM. 

The year 1822 opened in Mr. Kinghom's experience some- 
what in clouds. His aged fisither's infirmities increased^ and 
with them his son's care and attention to him. For some 
time he had resided in his house^ where everything that kind* 
ness could suggest^ was done to render the closing scenes of 
his life as firee as possible from anxiety and trouble. His 
departure is mentioned in Mr. Kinghom's diary in the 
following terms : — 

Febmaiy 18tili, 1823. 

Monday morning, about half-past eight o'clock, my dear father 
departed this life in the eighty-fifth year of his age. 

Feaceful, without agonizing pain. His last days on the whole, 
comfortable. He told me he was so on the day before he died, amongst 



DBATH OF DAYID KINOHORN. 381 

the last things he was able to speak intelligibly. He mentioned two or 
three days ago, in an imperfect manner, the language of Hebrews 
xii, 1, — " Let us lay aside every weight," &c., which was the last 
passage of Scripture I heard him quote ; and that he was hardly 
capable of doing. 

On Lord's day afternoon^ March 3rd, Mr. Kinghom 
preached from the abore words, with those which immediately 
follow them. "Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin 
which doth so easily beset ns ; and let us run with patience 
^e race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus.'' 

The feeling with which Mr. Kinghom was wont to regard 
the responsibilities of the pastoral office, may well be illus- 
trated by the affecting declaration which he addressed to the 
church after his father's decease.* 

I am now loosened from every earthly tie, and have no other 
care but you. Henceforth you, the members of this church, shall 
be my brother and my sister, my father and my mother. 

About this time a proposal was made to establish a Baptist 
Tract Society. Messrs. Ivimey and Newman wrote to Mr. 
Kinghom on the subject, and he in consequence prepared a 
manuscript respecting it, and sketched a list of such tracts as 
might be suitable. 

In our own denomination (he remarks) many excellent persons 
have little acquaintance with our history as Baptists ; nor have 
they a clear and extensive view of the reasons why we dissent from 
the Ecclesiastical Establishment of our country. They seldom hear 
such subjects brought forward, and they spend year after year with- 
out paying them any attention. With a few plain principles they 
rest satisfied, but if they are asked for any account of their religious 
denomination, or to render a reason for their dissent from the 
Established Church, they evidently feel and lament their want of 
information. We hope this deficiency may in measure be supplied 
by useful tracts on these subjects. 

Various objections, however, seem to have arisen, and 
the proposal lay dormant till all these good men had been 

^ See BeT. John Alexander's foneral sennon for Mr. Kinghom. Norwich, 1832, p. 19. 



382 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

removed by death; yet Mr. Kiughom's remarks were not 
without their effect. Nearly twenty years later^ the manuscript 
he had written was one of many circumstances which led to 
the formation^ in 1841, of the present Baptist Tract Society; 
and it is worthy of remark, that Tracts on several of the 
subjects proposed by Mr. Kinghom, have been published by 
the Society. It has continued to increase and prosper ever 
since. Upwards of 150 tracts, and 60 hand-bills, have been 
published; an annual report has been presented to the suc- 
cessive annual meetings which have taken place ; and verf 
gratifying evidences detailed of the good effects which have 
resulted from the Socicty^s labours ; proving that the divine 
blessing has been vouchsafed to reward those who supported it 
In August, 1822, Mr. Kinghom visited Bristol and Bath, 
to preach at the Annual Meeting of the Auxiliary to the 
Baptist Mission. Dr. Ryland^s note, inviting him, contains 
the following notice of John Foster's lectures. 

May 7Ui, 1822. 
Mr. Poster has begun a course of lectures at our 
place, about once a fortnight, which have been well attended, and 
uncommonly interesting; full of original thought. I have some 
hope that he will be prevailed upon to print them. 

Hoping soon to receive a favourable reply to our invitation, 
I remain, your cordial brother, 

Jonir BruiXD. 



CHAPTER XXI. 
1822—1827. ^T. 56—61. 

Second Visit to Scotland for the Mission — Death of William Ward, of 
Serampore — "Clair's Pentateuch*' — Controversy respecting the 
Apocrypha — The Bordeaux New Testament — Life of Rev. Isaac 
Shee — Letter to a friend on her baptism — Letters to R, S, Foster, Esq, 

In October of this year, Mr. Kinghom again undertook a 
journey to Scotland, on behalf of the Mission. The Rev. 
T. S. Crisp, of Bristol, was his colleague on this occasion; 
and he was further accompanied by an intimate Norwich 
Mend, Thomas Brightwell, Esq., from whose private Journal 
of the Tour we have been permitted to make extracts. 

They went via Lynn, Wisbeach, and Peterborough, to 
Stamford, where they took coach to York, and the next day, 
October 9th, 1822, arrived at Newcastle. 

This morning, (says Mr. Kinghom's companion,) the reverend 
has been escorting me about the town. Wo called on his uncle, 
Mr. Jopling,* about seventy years old, a true original, with a fine 
old Scotch face. After some chat, he said, "Aweel, Joyseph, I 
have learnt to play the fiddle since I was sixty-four, and I have a 
tune I play by guess, that I heard from a relation, when seven years 
old ;" and he took his fiddle and played us the tune. He then gave 
us a CTirious and original description of how he felt on recovering 
his hearing, which he did lately. His figure, truly unique, red 
worstead cap, with Scotch handkerchief, and his northern accent, 
very much interested me. 

On the 11th we left Newcastle; breakfasted at Morpeth, and 
thence went to Alnwick ; and while the horses were getting in, we 

* Iiaac, the yoangent son of Joseph Jopling, of Satlej. See «i<pns, p. 9. 



384 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHOBN. 

ran down the town to look at Alnwick Castle, the seat of the Duke 
of ^Northumberland. This castle gives one a most striking and, I 
doubt not, perfect idea of feudal grandeur, and precaution against 
surprise. The keep, the turrets, the courts, the towers, set about 
with odd stone figures of warriors of feudal time, strike the 
imagination, and when you enter the outer court, yon feel it 
difficult to believe it is the splendidly furnished residence of a 
nobleman, surrounded by all the luxurious refinements of modem 
times. We passed some fine scenery about Alnwick, and on to 
Belford, where we dined ; and thence to Berwick over the Tweed. 
Here the tone and manners of the country seemed to change. It 
was evening when we reached Berwick, but just light enough to see 
the long, curious old bridge over the Tweed. We thence posted to 
Einton, and on the way passed the boundary of the two kingdcMus, 
were there are two wretched cottages, used, the driver told us, to 
'* marry folk in, sic as Gretna Ghreen." 

We arrived in the dark at Binton, which is nothing but a great 
stone house, used as an inn. In the morning we went on through 
some fine and even grand sccneiy to Dunbar, and on to Haddington 
and Auld Beckie. 

JSdinhurghy \Uk October, 1822. — Sabbath. We went together 
to St. Giles', the Great Kirk, in the High Street, where we heard 
Mr. Grey. He lectured from Bom. iii, 9 — 19, in a very judicious 
and pious manner, well adapted for practical effect. He is very 
deservedly popular. The service is held from eleven to one ; and 
at two we went to hear Mr. Gordon, at the Wall Church. He is a 
little man, of remarkable energy and depth of mind. I could have 
supposed myself hearing Dr. Chalmers, from the resemblance that 
there appeared to me to be in his style to the doctor's. He preached 
from Gen. i, 3 — ' And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the 
waters.' 

The service of the Kirk is so like our own, that I scarcely felt 
any difference ; and here the churches are all meeting-houses, and 
some of the meeting-houses are churches. They have a custom at 
every place, of having an elder or deacon stand at the kirk door by 
a small table with a gre^it pewter plate on it ; and on his entrance 
every person is expected to put in something. The gift is commonly 
in copper; but the contributions being made at every servioe> 
amount to a considerable sum per year ; and at Mr. Grordon's kirk, 
Mr. Waugh, in whose pew I sat, told me they collected for the 
poor £240 per annum. This evening I have been to Mr. Innes' . 



SCOTCH TOUR, 1822. 885 

chapel, and heard Mr. Einghom. There was a large congregatioiiy 
and Mr. Xinghom gave them a sermon I remember to have heard 
before. Subject : The disciples going to Emmaus. A pretty good 
sermon, but Mr. Kinghom's dialect never appeared to me more 
unique than in this place, nor his little peculiarities more 
strongly marked. The people seemed well pleased. They gathered 
£40 lis. dd. for the mission. All these collections are made before 
the service, at the door, in the same manner as those I mentioned 
for the poor. Thus have I passed my first Sabbath in Scotland. 

Monday f \4th October, Went with Mr. Einghom and two 
fri^ids down a long street, called the Cannongate, to Holyrood 
House. By the way, we passed the residence of that fearless 
champion of tiie truth, the Scottish Luther, John Enox. From the 
palace we proceeded to the Calton Hill and Observatory, and here 
the works of God, in the mighty landscape that spread before us, 
n^duced the works of man to their real littleness. 

Tuesday, \bih Oct, After breakfast I proceeded, with Mr. 
Kinghom, to call on the principal, Dr. Baird, but were disappointed 
to find he would not be in town before Saturday night. 

Thursday, 17th Oct, Breakfasted this morning at the Eev. 
C. Anderson's, where Mr. Crisp is. Met Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Gumey, 
Mr. Einghom, and several ladies. Mr. Innes, Mr. Kinghom' s host, 
suits him, I think, well. 

Friday, \^th Oct, Breakfasted at Mr. Innes's. Mr. Kinghom 
preached at Leith last night, and had 700 or 800 persons to hear 
him. They expect to get £250 for the mission in Edinburgh. 

I dined to-day ^vith Mr. F. Bridges. There was a large organ in 
the drawing-room, and in the evening I got Mrs. B. to play me some 
of HandeFs sacred pieces. I said I should feel such music very 
delightful, and particularly so on a Sabbath evening. Mr. Bridges, 
to my great surprise, said, 'If ever so inclined, we dare not open 
the organ on the Sabbath. The mob would soon be gathered about 
the house. I should be presented to the magistracy for Sabbath 
breaking; and my very servants would refuse to live with me.* 
This is carrying the spirit of reformation and hatred of popery to a 
length I had no idea of. The Scotch, I find, have a peculiar 
abhorrence to an organ, and call churches with organs ''pipe 
houses." 

Saturday, l^th Oct, This was a busy day. In the morning I 
proceeded with Mr. Einghom to Leith, about two miles from the 
centre of Edinburgh, but it is town all the way. Leith is a fniQ 

c c 



386 LIFE OF J08EFH KINOHORN. 

seaport, with a good harbour. We saw some West India ships, one 
huge Greenlander, and a floating chapel, which pleased the reTerend* 
Sunday, October 20th. I was so well pleased with Mr. Qofdon's 
preaching last Sunday, that this morning I accompanied Mr. 
Kinghom to the West Church, or Kirk, were Mr. Gordon officiates. 
The general practice here, is to expound or lecture in the mooming, 
and preach in the afternoon, and Mr. Oordon lectured in an original 
and masterly manner, on Luke ri, 20 — ^26. Mr. £. seemed 
highly pleased with the sermon, and said, '' This, you see, is no 
ordinary man, he is a man of talent and originality." After service^ 
Mr. Waugh, one of the elders, took Mr. K. into ^e Testiy, 
and introduced him to Mr. Gbrdon. I accompanied Mr. JL to 
Dr. Stuart's, near the church, who is a very interesting old man. 
He has much devoted himself to biblical criticism, though of the 
medical profession, and is a great favourite of Mr. Kingdom's. He 
is very infirm, and said in a very affecting manner, when Mr. 
K, asked him some questions about a work lately published, '' My 
mind is a perfect blank, I remember nothing, and I can say 
with Mr. Newton, I have forgotten everything except that I am a 
sinner, and that Christ died to save sinners." He gave me a small 
work on the Atonement, by the late Mr. Hay, of Leeds. 

In the afternoon of this day^ Mr. Kingh(»ii preached at 
Mr. Innes's chapel. Elder Street, firom Matt, xxvi, 8, 8, *'My 
soul is exceeding sorrowful/^ and in the evening at Mr« 
Aikman's, College Street, from Luke xxiii, 39, &c. 

The afternoon sermon is thus mentioned by Dr. Stnart, in 
a letter addressed to Mr. Kinghom, when in Aberdeen. 

I cannot express the satisfaction your discourse on the Lcnd's day 
afternoon gave me and every one I have seen ; perhaps the evening 
one was as acceptable, but I have not seen any of yoor hearers. 
Never did I so enter into the feelings of our blessed Lord when he 
consecrated himself. The man of sorrows and the causes of his 
sorrow you pourtrayed from the original. It was indeed an mntment 
poured forth. I saw nobody who was not refreshed with its odour. 

C. Stuast. 

Mr. Brightwell's diary continued : — 

M(md4H/, Oct. 21 st. This morning, after taking leave of Mr. Lmes 
and other friends, we proceeded to 'New Haven, near Leith, about 



EDINBURGH TO MONTROSE. 887 

two miles from Edinburgh, and embarking there on board a large 
steam vessel, 120 tons burden, we crossed the Firth of Forth to 
Kirkcaldy. The passage is about eleven miles ; the day was fine, 
but a brisk gale, and we had a good passage. The whole scene was 
to me novel and striking. The immense vessel, booming across this 
fine arm of the sea ; the surrounding shipping; the scenery on either 
side ; the one presenting Auld Eeekie (now rendered almost familiar 
to me) with her noble castle, Arthur's Seat, and Salisbury Crags, — 
and the other exhibiting to us the unexplored towns of Einghom, 
Kirkcaldy, Dysart, &c., all rendered the scene to me an interesting 
panorama. We had the Earl of Levcn on board, and eighty or 
ninety passengers. We landed with some inconvenience at Kirkcaldy, 
where Mr. Arthur, the Baptist minister, and also a manufacturer 
there, was ready to receive us. He took us to the residence of the 
Rev. Mr. Martin, the minister of the kirk there, and on being invited 
to take a bed there, Mr. Kinghom and myself did so. Mr. Martin 
afifcer tea to(^ us to kirk, where Mr. Kinghom preached a lively 
sermon to about 800 persons — ''I will be as dew unto Israel.'' 
The people seemed pleased with him, and Mr. Martin and his family 
still more so. Kirkcaldy, Mr. Martin says, etymologically means 
kirk of the Culdees, an early Christian sect here. 

Ikietdaff, October 22nd. We proceeded by coach to Cupar, in 
Eifeshire, and on our arrival took up our abode here with Mr. 
Watson, the Baptist minister, and also a chemist We were pleased 
with the appearance of the town on approaching it, but found from 
Mr. Watson's account that there was no friendly kirk to receive us 
here, but a strong antipathy in the town to what we most wished 
to find in it. Mr. Kinghom preached here this evening to a small 
congregation in the Baptist chapel, but, as might be expected, seemed 
rather over-worked and exhausted. 

Wednesday, Get 2Zrd. We took the coach after long and tiresome 
waiting for it, at Cupar, for Dundee, and on arriving at the Firth 
of Tay, after a fine ride, we proceeded again by a very large steam 
vessel with two engines in it, across the Firth. We took a chaise 
to Arbroath, where we arrived at night. Arbroath is an abbrevia- 
tion of Arberbrothwick. There is a very fine pile of ruins, those of 
an abbey, somewhat like Tintem Abbey ; but the stone of which 
it and the whole town i^ built, is remarkably red, and has a singular 
appearance. ' 

Thursday, Get, 24M. We posted this morning to Montrose, 
whence I write this from the house of Mr. Cowie, the Baptist 

c c 2 



888 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

minister. Mr. Kinghom will preach here to night, n.y. Going to 
the kirk-yard, we were struck with this inscription, 

" By grace I say, 
In hope alway, 
I'll see my refarrection day." 

And Mr. Cowic says there is another which states that A, and B his 
wife, and their posterity, for fifty years backwards were bnried 
there ! We hope to reach Aberdeen to morrow. 

Friday, Oct 25th, This was one of tho most stormy and wet 
momiogs we have had in Scotland. Last night Mr. Kinghom had 
a most crowded and respectable congregation, and preached with 
great animation. Two of the kirk ministers who were there, supped 
at Mr. Cowie's. This morning we set off about twelve for Aberdeen, 
posting. About six miles irom Montrose we came to a bridge over 
a deep ravine, and where there is a beautiful cascade immediately 
under the bridge. Tho rain had abated, and we stopped the chaise, 
got out and descended by some Mendly stone steps the deep and 
beautiful wooded ravine. When we got to the 'bottom and looked 
upward toward the bridge, we were delighted with the beauty of 
the scene. The heavy rain had given great impetus to the little 
torrent, which burst from the rocks, and rushed with mighty force 
down a precipice of forty feet perpendicular, and then descended 
through the beautiful ravine into the ocean, which was close at 
hand to receive it. 

Sunday, Oct. 27th. I heard our fellow-traveller, Mr. Crisp, in the 
evening. I had not heard him for thirteen or fourteen years. He 
gave us a good, affectionate discourse. 

Monday, Oct. 2Sth. This was one of the most beautiful days we 
have had, the sun cheering the earth with his beams, and the air 
breathing once more a balmy adieu to summer. I was tempted by 
the beauty of the moon to stroll by the sea-side a long way, up to 
the confluence of the river Don with the sea. 

Iktesday, Oct. 29th. We left Aberdeen this morning at six o'clock 
for Perth, a long ride of eighty miles. They travel here hardly more 
than half tho pace of our coaches. We were thirteen hours on the 
road. During tlie whole of the way we had the noble range of the 
Grampian Hills on our right. We reached Perth by moonlight 
We saw for a short time, at Perth, Mr. Orme, author of the " Life 
of Owen,'' and he appeared a very sensible and agreeable man. 
He is minister of an Independent congrcgtition here. 

JFednesday, Oct. 3Qth. We left Perth this morning at seven, for 



GLASGOW. 889 

Stirling, about thirty miles. We arrived about twelve, and were 
taken by an old gentleman, Major Gaddes, up to the castle, which is 
one of the finest objects I have seen. The view from it must in a 
fine day be indescribably beautiful. 

Thursday y Oct 31«^ We set off for Glasgow this morning, and 
were driven part of the way by a black man. He saw his daughter 
at a place we passed through, and I was pleased by the marks and 
expressions of tenderness and affection between them. They both 
spoke the broadest Scotch. We passed the Carron Water, a bubbling 
torrent from hills, near which are the scenes of the tragedy of 
Douglas. We reached Glasgow about two, and found Dr. Chalmers 
was to preach in the evening. We aU went to hear him, and with 
difficulty got into his crowded church. We were much disappointed 
in his sermon, which was addressed to his parish school children. 
I hope to hear him again. Mr. Einghom goes to Paisley to morrow, 
and I expect to accompany him. 

Glasgow y Friday y Nov. \bL I sallied out this morning with Mr. 
K. We caUed on Mr. £wing, who lives in a good house by the 
river; he is the Independent minister, and was in Norwich last 
year collecting for the Scottish Home Mission. He is a sensible 
man, and gave us a distressing account of the state of the High- 
lands, in an agricultural point of view. Ho seemed to think it 
almost desperate, as many are too poor to emigrate and are starving 
at home. He says the Highlanders, though so poor, are a very high- 
minded people; that the Sutherland regiment, raised from the sons of 
the tenantry of the Marquis of Stafford, was so independent in spirit 
as to exdtc the jealousy of Government, that they all stood by each 
other as one family, and were, in fact, nearly all in some way related. 
It was hardly practicable to punish or rule with the military rod of 
iron such men, and they were disbanded. Their habits of economy 
and hard living were such, that out of their little pittance of pay 
they saved money, and had always all their savings secreted in their 
kilt, as the manner of the Highlanders is, and their colonel laid a 
wager he would raise 1000 guineas among his men without notice, 
which he did in the evening parade by going to them, and saying 
he wanted immediately 1000 guineas, when they directly put into 
his hands a guinea a man. Mr. Ewing says, their preachers have 
been sometimes eight days in the Highlands without being able to 
get, and without seeing, any bread or oatmeal ; but have always 
found the people ready to share their potatoes or milk with them. 

Saturday f Nov, 2nd. We set off to-day for Paisley. We were 
honoured with the attention of the Provost. 



390 LIFE or JOSEPH KIXOHORK. 

Pauley, Sunday, Nov. Srd. Mr. Kin^ompiBached thiB mornmg 
in the Oaelic chapeL We ascended a Tery steep bill to it, and 
where the chapel stands is a noble view. Ben Lomood can in dear 
weather (nnfortunately ours was wet) be seen from it. The oon- 
grc^tion was thin and poor, but I haye seldom heard ICr. Sin^om 
more tonching — " I will remember the years of the right hand of 
the Most High/' was his text In pointing ns to lememlnanoes of 
conversLon, admonitions, mercies, and afflictions^ he took a moot rkh 
▼iew of Christian experience, and the tears were constantly startiii^ 
into his eyes. I believe his auditors liked him, but they appeared 
to me rather to gaze at his manner and wonder at his r^idity, thai 
sympathize in the rich and varied view of Christian feelings whidi 
he depicted in a most touching manner. He preached bere a|pKm 
in the afternoon, but I heard a Mr. Bums at a chapel of ease. A 
large and respectable congregation, and a solid preacher. The view 
of the people goin^ to and returning from the churches here, was 
most striking. The whole street and hill a t(»Tent of bats and 
bonnets. Many a dirty-legged girl mounts her Sunday finery, 
and has, like our Norwich girls, a Sunday diow. In the eveaing 
I accompanied Mr. Einghom to a largo chapel, where he preached 
to an immense crowd, 2000 persons were, at least, crammed in; and 
behold me and my white hat actually glad to take refuge in the 
pulpit, where I sat the whole service ; and it really was a most ex- 
citing, but almost appalling spectacle to see the people rise to prey. 
Monday, Nov. ^th. We loft Paisley for Port Glaiagow. On oar 

arrival we were received by a Mr. A , where we dined, and 

where the servant who waited at table had neither shoes nor stock* 
ings. She paddled into my bed-room with some warm water in the 
morning in this state, and it really was very funny, as Tommy would 
say. 

Tuesday, Nov, 5th. We left Port Glasgow for Greenock. In 
the evening Mr. Einghom addressed a few persons at the Baptist 
chapel. He said, '' Grod might have put bright angels into evoy 
pulpit, uttering sounds such as were never heard before, and senti- 
ments powerful as the resistless lightning ; but he did not see fit so 
to do.'' A few Baptists only are here, and they seemed as thongh 
they would have eaten him. 

Wednesday, Nov. 6th. We set off this morning, by steamboat, 
to Dumbarton, and had the weather been fine, the scenery of 
the Clyde would have been magnificent. We got into a boat off 
Dumbarton Castle, and were rowed to the town. At night Mr. 



DR. WARDLAW. 891 

KiDghom preached to a handful of people in a school-room, and 
gave them a deUghtfol sermon from Jude, last verde but one, "Now 
unto him,'' &c. 

ThuTBdayy Nov, 1th. We left Dumbarton early, and directed 
our boat to stop at the Castle Eock, which Mr. Kinghom and myself 
ascended. We had a fine view from the summit. We got on board 
the steamer and proceeded up the Clyde to Glasgow. 

OUugoWy Friday t Nov. Sth. This morning I visited the Botanic 
Ghffden here, with Mr. Hooker, father of Dr. Hooker, [now Sir 
W. J. Hooker, of Kew.] We dined at a Mr. Buchan's, and I was 
amused at an anecdote of a poor man, so thirsting after knowledge, 
that he acted at night as a patrol, to earn money to pay for attending 
the lectures in the college ; and used to study in his watch-box by 
the light of his lamp. 

Saturday, Nov. 9th. We breakfasted at Dr. Wardlaw's. The 
doctor is a very plain-mannered, unaffected, sensible, clear-headed 
man ; and just to my mind. The conversation of the morning was 
almost wholly on the subject of ** No Fiction," and religious novels. 
Mr. Matthison, Independent minister, of Durham, son-in-law of 
Dr. or Mr. Ewing, was of the party. He said, there was about to 
be published by , (the Lefevre of No Fiction,) a statement ex- 
posing what he says are the follies and untruths of that novel. 

Mr. and his wife are the authors of the work, and the former 

is the Douglas of the tale. Mr. Kinghom took the side of con- 
demnation against all novels, religious or otherwise; and I was 
pleased that Dr. Wardlaw said some sensible things on the opposite 
side. He remarked that, in Scripture, instruction was conveyed by 
parables and tales ; that the Prodigal Son was as much a novel as 
"No Fiction." I took up the cudgels for my favourite Coelebs, and 
the Doctor joined in defending it, and said he thought it was 
not good to be always plying children with religious books and 
instruction, but to see they lived as far as possible in a religious 
atmosphere. 

Sunday, Nov. lOth. This morning I heard Mr. Ewing lecture from 
Amos V, 1 — 10. I was much struck with the vast poetic beauty of 
the eighth verse. Mr. Ewing gave a very judicious and edifying 
lecture. In the afternoon I accompanied Mr. Hooker to hear 
Dr. Chalmers. His text was, "Israel doth not know, my people 
will not consider." His sermon had exactly the peculiarities of his 
written compositions, and had, in parts, great force and talent. 
He laboured to draw the distinction between knowledge and the 



392 LIFE OF JOSEPH RINOHORN. 

proper application of it, particularly as applied in the knowledge of 
tho certainty of death ; and drew a most awfully imprcssire picture 
of the character of death, as being the stepping-stone between the 
two worlds ; having, on the one side, a tangible connection with the 
visible realities of this world, and on the other, unveiling to us the 
unseen and hidden mysteries of eternity. He proceeded to show 
how men contrived so to balance matters in their account, as to 
make this knowledge turn to but little practical value. 

Glasgow, Nov. lAth, Mr. Kinghom is gone to some places south 
of Glasgow, in which excursion my health and feelings did not allow 
me to accompany him. 

The excursion above mentioned was to Largs^ (where Mr. 
Kinghom preached at Dr. Mitchell's,) Kilbride, Saltcoats, 
Irvine, and Kilmarnock. On leaving Scotland, he visited 
Berwick-on-Tweed, Newcastle-on-Tyne, Wisbeach, and Lynn; 
and on November 29th, he noted down in short-hand — 

Through the great goodness of (lod, returned home. 

During Mr. Kinghom's absence from Norwich, his house 
and pulpit were both occupied by Andrew Leslie, who soon 
after went out to India, as a missionary, and settled at 
Monghir. Mr. Leslie's preaching was distinguished by 
affectionate earnestness ; and his amiable character, and 
pleasing manners, obtained for him the esteem of the people, 
on whose minds his visit at Norwich made a fistvonrable and 
lasting impression. A member of the church makes the 
following mention of him, in a letter to Mr. Kinghom : — 

"We were all waiting for Lord's day with some anxiety, in 
reference to the supply we were to have in your absence. At last 
the looked for morning arrived, and at an early hour the place was 
filled. Our young man ascended the pulpit stairs with an apparent 
degree of trepidation ; and the eyes of the assembly (which was 
calculated to give him no mean idea of the people he was come to 
serve) fixed upon him. His text was from Plul. i, 27 ; the same 
verse from which you preached your last sermon in Norwich. He 
is certainly a young man of talent, and seems to be of deep and 
ardent piety, full of zeal, and anxious for the salvation of immortal 
souls. His earnest and persuasive way of address is very captivating, 



ANDREW LESLIE. 393 

and he seems to delight in overcoming the feelings of his andience. 
I think he is calculated to keep together the yonng of our congrega- 
tion, which is desirahle. We may, I think, under the hlessing of 
providence, attribute the steady attendance hitherto manifested by 
our church and congregation in your absence, to the affectionate and 
impressive charge which you gave us the last time you addressed 
us. I have reason to believe it made a deep impression on the 
minds of many. I trust your labour will not, in this respect, be 
in vain in the Lord. 

The energy displayed by Mr. Leslie, in after years, in the 
field of missionary labour in India, and the success with which 
his exertions have been crowned, are already well known, and 
need no comment here. 

Of the events of the year, Mr. Kinghom makes the 
following mention in his annual reflection for 1823. 

Norwieh, Jan. \7th, IS2^. —Ikffy-seven years old. Lord God 
Almighty, I praise thee for the mercies of another year, and for the 
goodness which now surrounds me. I thank thee for extended life, 
health, and comfort. I woidd thankfully acknowledge thy sparing 
goodness through long joumies during the last year, particularly 
into Scotland, and for all the mercies that attended them con- 
tinually; for peace in the church, for a measure of prosperity, 
and for the various instances of thy supporting as well as sparing 
goodness. 

I feel as much as ever the need of thy grace. grant it unto me 
in rich abundance. Enable me to understand more ** the truth as it 
is in Jesus;" to love it more, and to be more conformed to its 
glorious author. 

Since I last in this manner surrendered myself to thee, it hath 
pleased thee to remove my father from a scene of weariness and 
sorrow ; and I praise thee for thy goodness to him in making his 
latter prospects more bright and hopeful; and when I come to 
die, may I die in peace, and in the enjoyment of a hope full of 
immortality. 

Grant me, Lord, the continuance of thy goodness, both in 
providence and grace; if it please thee, extend my days; may I see 
and feel thy loving-kindness in the land of the living; may I 
rejoice with thine inheritance ; may I have the grace of my station, 
serve thee, the Lord, with all humility of mind, and daily be engaged 
with increasing utility and visibly increasing success. J. £. 



394 LIFE OP JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

In the year 1823, the friends of the Baptist Mission in 
London made very strennons exertions to remove the heavy 
debt which hung over the society. A friend from the country 
suggested the plan of a conditional subscription, which was 
accordingly adopted; and Mr. Kinghom was requested to 
take part, and use his influence amongst the eastern churches ; 
with this request he readily complied, and a fair amount was 
raised towards the object, which was ultimately accomplished. 

In the same year the mission received a heavy blow by the 
death of one of their most valued missionaries, William Ward, 
of Serampore, with whom Mr. Kinghom had had both ac- 
quaintance and correspondence during his visit to England. 
Mr. Burls gives the following account of this event in a letter 
dated July 25th, 1823. 

Mt deab Fbiend, 

You will doubtless have heard of the death of 
the Rev. W. Ward, of Serampore ; the melancholy intelligence was 
received by Mr. Hoby, I think, on Tuesday last. He died on the 
7th of March last, in a few hours after he had been seized with 
that fatal disease, the cholera morbus. This is an affecting provi- 
dence, but the Lord Hveth ; He only is our Rock, from him cometh 
our salvation and the salvation of the heathen also. We know not 
what effect this change may make in the affairs at Serampore, as it 
concerns their connection with the society at home. I pray we may 
be enabled to act under the guidance of wisdom from above, and 
that we may all be prepared whenever we may be called out of this 
time-state. 

Commending you, my dear friend, to the grace of Gk>d, I remain, 
very truly yours, 

W. BUSLS. 

In the year 1824, it was suggested to Mr. Elinghom that 
a new edition of Dr. James Robertson's Clavis Pentaieucld 
would be a boon to the literary world. That elaborate work 
having been out of print for more than half a century, had 
become very scarce, while its utility and excellence were ftilly 
established. It was written on the plan of Yictorinus 
Bythner's Lyra Prophetica ; and as the design of that woik 
was to elucidate critically the meaning of the difficult words 



Robertson's ^'clavis pentateuchi." 895 

and obscnre phraseolc^ of the Hebrew Psalter; so Robert- 
son's work was intended in a similar manner to be^ as the 
title expresses it, '^ a key to the Pentateuch ; or analysis of 
all Hebrew words, in the order in which they occur in the 
Pentateuch of Moses, together with a Latin and English 
version, and critical and philological notes in which the sense 
of many passages in the sacred writings is elicited fix>m the 
Arabic language, the manners of the Jews, and the travels of 
the learned,'' &c. 

Two learned dissertations by Dr. Robertson, who was 
professor of oriental literature in the University of Edinburgh, 
were prefixed to the work — the first on '^ The Antiquity of 
the Arabic Language and its agreement with the Hebrew;" 
and the second on " The true antiquity of the Vowel points." 

The author's own interleaved copy of the Clavis, inter- 
spersed with his manuscript additions and amendments, formed 
the basis of Mr. Kinghom's revision ; on which he bestowed 
much labour, and in the execution of which he had an oppor- 
tunity of employing to good advantage his acquaintance with 
Hebrew, Chaldee, Syriac, and Arabic. The notes added by 
Mr. Kinghom are numerous, and, like the body of the work, 
are all written in Latin. 

Not long after this, Mr. Kinghom's attention was engaged 
in the memorable controversy with respect to the circulation 
of the Apocrypha on the continent of Europe, by the agents 
of the British and Foreign Bible Society. 

His opinion on the subject is clearly expressed in the 
review he wrote for the Baptist Magazine, of two pamphlets 
opposing the committee, one by Joseph Ivimey, the other by 
Robert Haldane, of Edinburgh, firom which review we will, 
therefore, quote some passages."^ 

Among the defenders of the committee, the Rev. C. Simeon, of 
King's College, Cambridge, holds a distinguished place, who in a 
pamphlet published on the subject, seems quite satisfied that the 
circumcision of Timothy, by the apostic Paul, was such a proof of 
his becdming all things to all men that it fully warrants the circu- 

« Baptist Magazine, 182d, page 125. 



St)6 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

ktion of Apocryphal writings along with canonical Scriptorea. 
Were the case as he represents it, we confess it would go a great 
way towards proving his point, but we conceive he has mistaken the 
fact ; and in addition to excellent and forcible observations by the 
authors of the pamphlets before us, we take the liberty of offering 
a remark or two. 

The reason why Paul circumcised Timothy, was not for the pur- 
pose of conciliating the Jews, by compljring with their prejudices; 
but because he wished to avail himself of Timothy's assistance 
among his Jewish brethren, which he could not enjoy while Timothy 
was not circumcised ; for in that state they would not admit him into 
their Synagogues, and attempting to use him as an auxiliary would 
expose the apostles to a false charge. It was well known that 
Timothy's father was a Greek, and his mother a Jewess. 

Mr. Kinghom goes on to give a smnmary of Mr. Haldane's 
charges, with respect, first, to the circulation of the Apocryphal 
books, a semi-infidel preface prefixed to a Strasburgh edition 
of the Bible, and other matters ; and secondly, to the employ- 
ment of Neologists as continental agents of the society, and 
concludes the review by remarking, that '' eminent Protestants 
abroad were firmly of opinion that the Bible without the 
Apocrypha might be circulated without any difficulty ; *' by 
coDMuenting on the necessity of fit means, as well as a good 
end to insure success in such a cause ; and by expressing his 
hope that the committee might '' act with that clear and firm 
caution, that might effectually allay all apprehensions.'* 

It was eventually decided that the fimds of the society 
should not be applied to the circulation of the Apocrypha, 
and that all the volumes issued by the society should be issued 
bound, so that no Apocryphal additions could be made. It 
is a happiness to know that the unadulterated Word of God 
has been widely spread among the nations of Europe since 
the period of this decision, although its distribution has been 
vehemently opposed by many of the Lutheran clergy. 
Amongst many excellent servants of the Lord who have been 
actively engaged in the good work, none has been more richly 
blessed in his efforts than Johann Gerhard Oncken, who, for 
more than thirty years past, has preached the Gospel of Jesus 



CIRCULATION OF THB APOCRYPHA. 897 

throughout central Europe^ amidst much persecution and 
discouragement, and who has been the means of spreading 
the inspired word, by native Christian agency, from the Baltic 
to the Rhine, and from the shores of the German Ocean to 
the frontiers of the Russian Empire. Mr. Oncken^s labours 
commenced but two or three years before the decision just 
mentioned. 

One great object of his untiring exertions has been the 
excision of the Apocryphal books from the Bibles in common 
use in the government schools and national churches. And 
in this he has to a great extent succeeded, and has had ample 
proo& that those persons were right who maintained that the 
Bible, without the Apocrypha, might be circulated without 
any diflSculty, '' for the common people receive it gladly .'* 

A somewhat similar topic to the preceding presents itself 
soon after in Mr. Kinghom's correspondence. 

Mr. Cramp, of London, now the Rev. Dr. Cramp, of 
Montreal, contributed a course of Articles on ''The Roman 
Catholic System," to the Baptist Magazine for the year 1826. 
Mr. Kinghom, it appears, (probably in the course of corres- 
pondence) mentioned to Mr. Cramp a passage in the ''Histoire 
del 'Edit de Nantes,'^ respecting the corrupted and interpolated 
translation of the New Testament, which was published by 
the Catholics in 1686, at Bourdeaux. The correspondence 
which followed may not be uninteresting, as the curious 
information afforded is probably not very generally known. 

Paternoster Row, April 29th, 1826. 

Dear Sir, 

I was mucli obliged by your letter. The substance of 
your account of the Bourdeaux !New Testament is inserted in the 
magazine for May. In Br. Southey's new work, ("Vindici© 
Ecclesisd AnglicanaB,") a very interesting publication, by the way, 
there is this sentence, *' The flagrant case of the Bourdeaux New 
Testament will be considered hereafter." I have made many in- 
quiries after the work, and cannot hear of it. In consequence, I , 
wrote to Dr. Southey, and received a letter from him yesterday, of 
which the following is an extract. 

" There is a copy of the Bourdeaux New Testament in the library 
of the Dean and Chapter at Durham, which was shown me in the 



398 LIFE OF JOSEPH KIK6HORN. 

year 1809, by the late Br. Zouch ; at that time it was not to he seen 
without inquiry, for the Bomanists are so ashamed of that book 
that they have endeavoured to destroy the whole edition ; and Dr. 
Zouch had very properly given directions for keeping the copy 
securely, and showing it with caution." 

I thought you would be amused with this curious information. 

Any ftirther communications on the subject of Popery will be 
^tefully received by 

Tours truly, 

J. M. CxAHP. 

Mr. Cramp having obtained permission to examine the 
copy of this remarkable book in the Duke of Sussex's Library^* 
published an account of the result of his investigatioii^ 
showing the alterations and interpolations which had been 
published under the immediate inspection of ^' the Divines of 
Louvain/' and with the especial attestation of the Archbishop 
of Bourdeaux, that it was '^ carefully revised and corrected.'* 
Baptist Magazine^ 1826^ pp. 359, 361. Amongst the most 
remarkable of the interpolated texts may be mentioned 
Acts xiii, 2, "As they ministered to the Lord and &ated/' 
translated " As they offered to the Lord the sacrifice of the 
Mass and fasted.'' Jude 8, " The faith once delivered to 
the saints," to which the words '' by tradition," are added. 
I Cor. ix. 5, in which, instead of the words '' a wife," this 
sentence is inserted, " a woman to serve us in the gospel, and 
to remember us with her goods." And finally, 1 Tim. iv. 1^ 
is thus rendered, "In the latter times some will separate 
themselves from the Roman faith." It is but just, however, 
to add that the Catholics saw the folly of their conduct, and 
endeavoured to destroy the whole edition. 

In 1827, Mr. Kinghom published a " Sketch of the Life of 
the Rev. Isaac Slee," a minister of the Church of England, 
who had in 1779 left the Establishment and become a Baptist. 
It is to this interesting Uttle work that Mr. Kinghom alludes 
in the following letter addressed to a lady who had shortly 
before been baptized. 

* There were only two copies known to exist in the kingdom besides the two abare- 
mentioned, one was in the Archiepiscopal Library at Lambeth, the other in the poa- 
aession of the Duke of Deronshire. 



LETTER TO A FRIEND ON HER BAPTISM. 399 

Norwich, July 3rd, 1827. 

Dear Madam, 

I was Tcry much pleased to hear through Mr. Steane 
that you had been baptized. I have often wondered how many 
have stood out against what appears to me so plain a part of the 
Kew Testament. How long you said, "I pray thee have me 
excused," I cannot tell, but it seems it would not do. 

Though no ** work of righteousness," nothing the merit of which 
you can plead before God, yet I doubt not, you are thankful that 
you have obeyed the will of your Lord. There is a calm peace in 
going home from the ordinances of the Lord, sajring, '' it is done as 
thou hast commanded," which must be experienced to be known. 

I have just published a tract; a little circumstance called it into 
existence, though I had long thought of doing something of the 
kind. I send one, and one for Mr. Steane, you will here see an 
outline of a good man's life, who was driven out of the Establish* 
ment by God's providence ; and when the time comes that the clear 
light of truth shall shine more fully, it will not be the rare instance 
it has been. I do not wonder that worldly men keep to the old 
system, but that truly good men should sprinkle and cross a child's 
face, and thank God that he hath regenerated it with water and 
his Holy Spirit is wonderfiil ; nor less, that many who have been 
told they have passed through the ceremony, should be satisfied 
with it. 

But pray, what says your good neighbour Mrs. W to all 

this ? I hope she has not forgotten the things which formerly im- 
pressed her ; the appearances of which were so pleasing. Example 
sometimes is the most powerfiil stimulant ; and the question will 
come home, what has my friend seen in the Gospel that I have not 
seen? On the whole, I must not conclude without saying you 
must write to me and teU me, and how you all are, &c. Sy this 
time your little girls wiU be grown in stature ; I hope you will see 
them grow in the favour of your God. 

And now may God be with you, and bless you in all your ways. 
I remain, dear Madam, yours truly, 

J. K. 

We will conclude this chapter with extracts from two 
letters kindly forwarded to us for insertion, by Richard S. 
Foster, Esq., of Cambridge, to whom they were addressed. 
Several others of the same correspondence will appear in their 
order in succeeding pages. 



400 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

Norwich, May 22iid, 1827. 
Mt dear Sib, 

I am glad to find you thinlnTig of ytmr eternal 
interests, and looking forward to an eternal world ; I feci no sor- 
priso that you say you feel spiritual enemies, who are ** inceflsantly 
on the look out." On this subject, a word or two in answer to 
your request. — ^You of course know the two great means, "Watch- 
fulness and Prayer, are of consequence in this contest. Besides these, 
there is another important means, especially in certain cases. If 
you would extinguish a fire, yon must bring water ; if you would 
escape the evil arising from some enemies within, you must endea- 
vour to expel them by bringing forward better company and of a 
different kind. 

A formal attempt to exclude anything from the mind does not 
succeed from the very nature of it ; whereas application of mind and 
heart to other subjects would exclude it, by bringing forward em- 
ployment, and thus engaging us in better things. 

This observation you may apply to many things, but not to alL 
There are cases in which you must face an enemy, and battle it out 
with him. This takes place particularly when an attack is made 
on your faith, when either the whole is attacked by infidelity, or 
some part by particular objections. I know it may be said, arc we 
then to make no free inquiry ? I should reply, yes, and there are 
cases in which thinking minds are compelled to think. But flie 
result often shows the character of the party in a new light. For 
instance, if one is led away into infidelity — another to give up 
important bearing points of the Christian system, till he expects ts 
be saved without an atonement, and (practically) without a Saviour 
— another without going these lengths, under the notion of some 
metaphysical accuracy lolls under the dominion of a cold, frosty 
notion, which destroys all Christian feeling and energy — what 
will be the consequence if the rich grace of God prevent not ? 

What i)r. Watts describes, 

"Each wandering in a different way, 
Bat all the downward rood." 

Tlio mind all this time loses something valuable, its habits 
deteriorate ; Christian appearances, activity, influence, and every- 
thing that marks the prominent ports of the best characters go away, 
by degrees it may be, but yet tliey go away, and all that remains is 
a mere eaput-moriuum. 



ON FAITH IN CHRIST. 401 

My paper fills, but I want to say more on another part of thiel 
important subject, and that is "faith in Christ." But of this 
afterwards. Your " heathen Greek," must have a holiday to-day; 
some general obserrations are intended another time. 

Dear Sir, yours very truly, 

J. K. 

Norwich, August Slst, 1827. 

Mt deab Sir, 

You will call me a bad correspondent ; agreed. 
Various causes which all appeared at the time unavoidable, oc- 
casioned the neglect. 

Now to the point. Your last gave me great satisfaction. On 
the promised subject, I hope I have nothing to say that you do not 
know. Paith in Christ is, in my view, the effect of regenerating 
grace ; that is, no one whose heart is not affected by holy influences, 
does really come to God trusting in the Saviour with real earnest- 
ness and sincerity for eternal life. The mere admission of the 
truth of the fact, that Jesus Christ is the Saviour whom God has 
made known in his word, is a different thing. 

Thousands admit this who do no more. In this general sense 
they are not unbelievers, or what we call infidels; but if the 
question comes home, do you, for your own salvation, sensible of 
your need of a Saviour, sensible that you need to be saved from 
sin, as weU as from punishment, come unto God earnestly and 
sincerely reljring on the provision made by the atonement, and the 
promise that holds it out to sinners; and do you seek it at a 
throne of grace? the heart recoils, conscience says no; I pray 
thee have me excused ; time enough yet ; at a more convenient 
■eason, &c., I will attend to it! How many are there of this 
deficient class ! Now, the believer is the reverse of this, he does 
feel his need ; he docs come for all these blessings ; all he knows of 
the Gospel he believes; he desires to know more; he loves; he 
obeys ; he is purified by his faith, and his hope arises from his 
resting on the promises made for the salvation of such sinners as he 
is, and from the promise of a faithful Qod and a faithful Saviour. 
In the language of some — ^he closes with Christ; i.e., he receives 
him as ho is, and for what he is ; he accepts the Gospel provision as 
a remedy, and he receives the truth in the love of it. 

All this in its origin is the fruit of divine influence; in its 
practical operations it is the hearty acceptance of the person's own 

D D 



402 LIFE OP JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

mind. And now he does not speculate in opposition to any of the 
revealed truths of the Gospel. He does not think the Gospel ob- 
jectionable because of the inconceivable greatness of the Saviour, 
or the singularity of the way of life by an atonement, or the method 
of enjoying the blessing of justification by faith ; these things make 
it appear the more peculiarly a blessing ; they are not felt as objec- 
tions to its truth. He needs salvation, and he thankfully embraces 
it ; and the more it cost, and the greater the Saviour, the greater is 
his obligation. That which proves the genuineness of his faith is the 
effect; it works by love, it purifies the heart, it overcomes the 
world, it continues unto the end. 

Yours very truly, 

J. KiNGHOSV. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

1827—1828. MT. 61—62^. 

Controversy mth Rohert Hall on the Communion Question — Vindication 
of Andrew Fuller — Conversation with respect to the rising ministry 
— Letter on the Doctrines of the Gospel — Correspondence with 
J, Dyer respecting Indian Translations — Letter from Joshua Tinson 
— Curious application respecting a diploma. 

In the year 1827, Mr. Kinghom took his leave of the 
communion question, in a small work, intended for those 
members of our churches who cannot peruse the larger ones. 
It was entitled, ^^ Arguments against the Practice of Mixed 
Communion, &c.," but before remarking upon it, we must 
briefly mention the previous works on the controversy. 

In 1815, appeared Mr. Hall's first work on '^ Terms of 
Communion,^' to which Mr. Kinghom in the following year 
published his rejoinder. Mr. HaU's great desire had ever 
been to amalgamate into one the various sects of Christendom, 
and, though conscious of the almost hopelessness of effecting 
so wide an object, he was willing to believe that greater imion 
might be efiected between Baptists and Pedobaptists. The 
great position on which he grounds his endeavours to induce 
general union is this : — " That no man, or set of men are 
entitled to prescribe as an indispensable condition of com- 
munion, what the New Testament has not enjoined as a 
condition of salvation," a principle on which alone he proposes 
to decide the controversy. (Preface, p. iv.) 

On this position Mr. Kinghom remarks (Baptism, a Term 
of Communion, p. 18 ) : — 

If obedience to a rite be not a term of salvation, (which no one 
supposes), yet it was ordered by the highest authority, as an evidence 

D D 2 



404 LIFE OP JOSEPH KINOHORV. 

of our submission to the author of salvation ; and a Christian pro- 
fession is not made in Christ* a awn way without it. 

It is freely granted that " no man, or set of men are entitled to 
prescribe " terms of communion to the church of Christy but the 
inquiry before us is, what hath the Lord prescribed ? 

Mr. Kinghom then goes on to show " that in every instance 
where the history of the first planting of a church is detailed, 
we see it was composed of those who believed in Christ, and 
were baptized in his name.^' 

If we take the IN'ew Testament for our guide (he continues), 
such are the materials of which the church ought now to be formed. 
If we adopt a different plan, and form a society that does not realize 
this description, we may collect persons of the most distinguished 
character ; they may be an assembly of the most superior stamp for 
their godliness, as well as for their other qualifications ; but they 
will not agree with the New Testament account of a church of 
Christ. From the whole we derive one. obvious principle, that 
baptism was intended to be a visible evidence of connection with 
the Christian church, (p. 21.) 

In examining " The Plea from difference of opinion, from 
brotherly love, and from Christian forbearance,^' Mr. Kinghom 
dwells on the esteem and affection entertained towards many 
of very different religions connections, and maintains " that 
brotheriy love, as love to the image of Christ, will and 
ought to lead us to walk with others as far as we walk in 
common in the ways of Christ, but should never induce us to 
act contrary to the wiU of Christ, or to show love to men at 
the expense of obedience to the directions of the Lord'^ (p. 39.) 

The celebrated admonitions of Paul respecting the reception 
of the weak in faith, Mr. Kinghom disposes of by showing 
that they related to matters respecting which, "there was 
no divine law then in force,'' namely, meats, and drinks, and 
the observance of days; and concludes by remarking : — 

Until it be shown that the apostles pleaded for the admission of 
men into the church, on ths ground of their being good men, white 
they refused obedience to a distinct command of Ckriti, the 



CONTROVERSY WITH ROBERT HALL. 405 

principle on Which mixed communion is placed, (as founded on 
toleration and forbearance) is not established, and the directions of 
the apostle respecting weak brethren, are perverted." (p. 54.) 

Mr. Kinghom in his fourtli chapter considers the argument, 
^' That Pedobaptists are a part of the true church, and that 
their exclusion from the communion of the Baptists is a 
punishment.^' He urges : — 

If no terms are required but those prescribed by the founder of 
the society, who in the present case is allowed to be its king and 
Lord, and they will not accede to such terms, who exclude them ? 
Let this question be seriously considered. Even on Mr. Hall's con- 
cession, the unbaptized could not have found a church that would 
admit them, had they lived in primitive times, (p. 61.) 

But our limits forbid our entering into farther details of 
the arguments advanced by Mr. Kinghom. Suffice it to say 
that he devoted chapters to the consideration of — 

The plea that Pedobaptists consider themselves baptized. — 
The responsibility which attaches to the admission of unbap- 
tized to church communion. — ^The expediency and policy of 
mixed communion. — ^The principles of mixed communion 
considered as they affect the groimd of our dissent from the 
establishment. — ^The argument from John's baptism. — ^The 
principle of mixed communion not known in the ancient 
church, and not sanctioned by modem Pedobaptist writers. 

In 1818, Robert HaU published his '' Reply." 

We cannot but feel that the manner in which it was con- 
ducted is indeed deeply to be lamented ; we think it only due 
to Mr. Kinghom to state that nothing can remove from his 
opponent the charge of imfairness, in the deductions drawn 
fix>m his premises. 

Those who read Mr. Hall's works alone, cannot, we are 
persuaded, form anything like a just idea of his opponents 
arguments. The impetuosity of Mr. Hall's character, and 
his impatience of opinions contradicting his own, rendered 
him an unfit antagonist of one whose mind was naturally of 
the most logical character, and who could investigate with 



406 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

the greatest calmness all the positions and arguments^ main- 
tained by those whose sentiments differed finom his. 

Mr. Kinghom felt strongly Mr. Hall's conduct^ and in 
writing to his intimate and valued friend, the late Her. J» 
Jarrom, of Wisbeach, expresses himself '' astonished, till 
wearied with astonishment '' at the method pursued by Mr. 
HaU ; and complains of his ceaseless " endeavour to make ns 
imchristianize the Pedobaptists.'' 

Were it not for the grievously erroneous impression pro- 
duced on the minds of many of the readers of Mr. Hall's 
works, by expressions of which he has made use on this sub- 
ject, we should deem it a libel on our Independent brethroi 
to suppose them capable of thinking that those who hold 
strict Baptist sentiments do not acknowledge them as fellow- 
members of the mystical body of Christ and joint inheritors 
of the kingdom of God. 

Their conviction, that, according to the statute book of 
Him who is king in Zion, they are not at liberty to admit 
members into the visible church in any other way than that 
which they believe He has appointed, is a matter of consdenoe, 
which in no way alters their estimate of the Christian character 
of those, who, on points of church ordinances and discipline^ 
differ from themselves ; and furthermore, it behoves us to add, 
that it is a point of conscience which necessitates the strict 
Baptists to the exercise of much self -denial^ and which, instead 
of exposing them to \mkind feelings on the part of those 
brethren whose convictions in the matter allow them to enjoy 
to a greater extent the pleasures of Christian intercourse, 
should rather procure for them that respect which is due to 
all who in any way sacrifice feeling to conscience. 

We insert extracts from a letter written to Mr. Jarrom soon 
after the publication of Mr. Hall's work. 

Norwich, April 20th, 181S. 
Deab Sir, 

I thank you for your valuable and kind letters, and 
above all for your peayees. 

I have great confidence in the power of prayer. The Father of 
lights is the only being who can give to dark mortals the only light 
worth enjoying. 



MR. KINOHORN^S OPINION OP THE " REPLY/' 407 

I am not insensible to Mr. Hall's talents, bnt his book has a 
number of yidnerable points. You are right, that the whole ''lies 
in a narrow compass," and some of the points on which I laid 
considerable stress, are either unnoticed, or only slightly mentioned. 
The great body of Christians consists of those who believe the 
continuity of the ordinance of baptism. "Now it is a singular cir- 
cumstance, that of all these, not one can be found who does not 
believe that tn his own ease baptism is a term of communion. 
A Baptist, of course, admits this on Hall's own confession. ('' Terms 
of Communion" pp. 58, 71.) 

The Fedobaptist can neither deny it, nor get quit of it ; for on 
his principles ho became in some degree allied to the church by his 
baptism, and this was the first step to his membership. Now, if so, 
bow is it, that what binds each should not bind all ? 

No Fedobaptist can on his own principles apply for communion 
but as a baptized person. If the Baptists take him in the only 
character in which he can apply, they either, 1st, allow the validity 
of his baptism ; 2nd, suffer him to be judge of his own qualifications; 
or 3rd, declare that, notwithstanding what he must believe respect- 
ing himself, baptism is not a term of communion. A fourth case is 
not supposeable. The first is impossible ; the second is foolish ; and 
the third is liable to such objections as I cannot surmount. For he 
(the Fedobaptist) miMt think that the Baptists give up their senti- 
ment; and collectively as a church treat that authority, which 
individually they profess to revere, as a small matter. This is, to 
me, an objection of some weight; it is against our consistency. 
8uch conduct supposes that the law of baptism given by the Lord, 
was not binding in his church ; though general in its delivery and 
universally adopted while inspiration continued. So that the rule 
of the Lord is over-ruled, and inspired guides may be left with 
safety. That is, the New Testament is 'not our rule for the 
formation of a church ; and baptism no part of its constitution. 

The way in which Mr. Hall gets over what I said concerning bap- 
tism being a mode of making a scriptural profession, is by downright 
violence. He had himself acknowledged that the first believers 
were baptized on a profession of their faith, ("Terms of Com- 
munion," pp. 33, 42.) He had himself used the term privilege, in 
the sense in which I used it, {ibid, pp. 67, 85 ;) yet my words he 
twists to an opus operatum, and I know not what. He says baptism 
was not commanded with a view to the Lord's Supper, but he takes 
good care not to teU us whether it was commanded with a view to 
anything or to nothing. 



408 LIFE OP JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

In oommon with all of his party, he demes that the unitjen, 
Eph. iy, included baptism UUrally considered; but he does not 
prove the point. 

In the whole of his discussion he confounds membership with tiie 
mystical body of Christ, with actual and visible membership. 

The principle on which Baptist churches are formed is liiat W0 
ought to adopt the rule of the New Testament as explained by tii0 
conduct of the apostles. If this principle cannot be defended, or. 
can be proved a mistake, our system is ruined ; and what we are ta 
do next I know not. I see no remedy but ceasing to dissent at alL 
But if the principle is defensible, then the question retoms, whether 
the admission of the unbaptized is not an infraction of the constituticD 
of the church as we find it in the New Testament ? And if in tilie 
only pure period of Christianity, baptism was the appointed method 
of making that profession, without which no one could enter the 
church, it surely requires powerful arguments to justify ns in 
admitting the unbaptized, if we mean to grant that the New Testa* 
ment is to be our rule. 

It would be supposed by a reader of Mr. Hall's book, who had 
not read mine, that he had not been pressed at all with either the 
change which mixed communion makes in the constitution of our 
churches, or its consequent evils, both which, but especially the 
former, are strong objections in our minds. For the question is not 
whether there be any other evidence of a man*s being a good man, 
except his baptism, or whether such evidence may not exist with- 
out it ; but whether the Lord in the formation of the church did 
not require that evidence, and whether we have authority to say, 
that what he required is now become unnecessary? That the 
apostles would have received to communion the unbaptized is not 
at all made out, and till that be done, in fact nothing is done. . 

On the view of the whole work it is evident that he treats the 
Baptists with great contempt as a denomination, though he cannot^ 
help avowing that they have overwhelming evidence for their prac- 
tice. His charge about assuming infallibility, is very great folly, 
for if he assumes that lie can decide what is proscribed as essential 
as to faith, by what rule of common sense may not another decide 
what he believes is prescribed as to practice ? Unless this be granted 
we can have no rule by which we can act. What he says on the 
principle of strict communion requiring agreement in doctrine, so 
that supposing Paul an Arminian, Arminianism must be a term of 
communion, or if he were a Calvinist, then Calvinism must be 



CEITICISM8 ON ROBERT HALL. 409 

insisted on, is in direct opposition to the face of the Scripture account 
of the matter. The first Christians were haptized on a general 
profession of their faith in the person and work of Christ ; not on 
any detailed creed of doctrines, first propounded and then accepted. 
Had the latter been the case, the question had been legitimate, were 
these articles Arminian or were they Cahrinist ? But as it is not so 
bis argument falls to the ground, and both these parties may in 
perfect consistency with their principles of strict communion, unite 
at the Lord's table. 

I do not mean to give up the point about dissent ; your remarks 
are very good, but the principle may still be preserved — ^he has 
perverted what I said shamefolly in the first place ; and in the next 
place is it not still true, that if we have no right to require obedience 
to Christ's terms, wo have no right to object to man's terms ? for on 
what ground can we object to man's terms, (especially when ex- 
plained as terms of order or of peace,) but because they are in some 
of their bearings opposite to Christ's revealed will ? Surely the only 
alternative will not be taken, that there should be no terms at aU ; 
if so, in those days there will be no king in Israel, but every man 
must do that which is right in his own eyes. But enough. 
I am, dear Sir, yours very sincerely, 

J. K. 

Having duly considered Mr. Hallos reply, Mr. Einghom 
felt himself called upon to publish a defence of his former 
work, which he did in the year 1820. In this work Mr. 
Kinghom carefully reviewed the whole subject, examining 
and offering replies to all Mr. Hall's positions and arguments, 
showing wherein his own arguments had been wrongly or 
unfSurly represented, and concluding by the words. 

If the sacred volume is to be our rule, our duty is plain, we must 
'' ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein." 
We know we shall have to bear the reproaches of many on this 
account, but we shall more promote the cause of Christ in the end, 
by acting in conformity to his primitive appointment, than by 
adopting maxims, the first operation of which is to amputate one of 
his positive ordinances. In the history of the church we have seen 
the mischief arising from a corruption of the institutions of the 
gospel, and we ought to take warning from former times. The 



410 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

deviations of the early ages were occasioned by one class of assump- 
tions, and the system of Mr. Hall is derived from another, but both 
are, in our esteem, deviations from the word of Christ ; a ndto him 
who travels with the New Testament as his guide, it signifies 
nothing from whence they originate. His business is to keep in the 
path trodden by primitive saints, holy apostles, and the Son of God, 
and to remember the admonition, " Wherefore seeing we also are 
compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside 
ever}' weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let tzs 
run with patience the race set before us, looking unto Jesus the 
author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before hiin^ 
endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down on the right 
hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such 
contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and £ujit 
in your minds." 

We now come to the consideration of the small work men- 
tioned at the commencement of the present chapter — ^The 
Arguments against Mixed Commimion— of which we propose 
to give a brief sketch. 

The author starts (as the Duke* did, in an anecdote 
told of him,) with the Lord's commission and directions to 
his disciples. ^'On this plan the apostles acted, and the 
primitive churches were formed of those who believed, who 
were then baptized, and who imited together in Christian 
fellowship.^' 

He then proceeds, first, to show why he is opposed to mixed 
communion, and, secondly, to reply to the usual arguments in 
its favour. Under the 1st head, he argues that communion 
with the unbaptized is contrary to the directions given in the 
commission : 2nd, that the primitive constitution of the church 
requires its members to be baptized ; 3rd, that mixed com- 
munion introduces a principle that will be ruinous to any 
party that adopts it : 4th, that it has a tendency to produce 
dissension ; that it welcomes the opponents of baptism, and 

« At a dinner party where the Duke of Wellington was present, t conrersation aitM 
respecting the duty of missionary exertions, which were opposed by some dergymcB. 
An appeal was then made to his Grace, who had remained silent, and his characteristic 
reply was '' As to that, gentlemen, you have your marching orders in the 28th of 
Matthew." 



ANDREW FULLER. 411 

csdudes its most consistent Mends firom their own homes; 
*' nor will peace^ and affection^ and unity, after all, be the result 
of a mixed church, either among the members, or to the 
minister. 

Some remarks follow on Romans xiv, and also respecting 
the operation of mixed commimion arguments, upon the 
subjects of debate between Dissenters and Episcojpalians. 

In conclusion an earnest appeal is made to Baptists, *^ whe- 
ther they wiU keep the ordinances as they were delivered, or 
proceed on a plan of a totally different nature.^' "If our 
denomination deserts,'' he remarks, " its present principles, 
another class of Baptists and a new body of ministers will 
then arise, who will have no respect for names, now thought 
of high authority: and aided by experience and observation, 
they wiU plead our common cause with new advantages.''* 

WhUe the "Argimients" were in preparation, Mr. Hall's 
pamphlet, entitled '^ Reasons for Christian in opposition to 
Party Communion," appeared; in reply to which Mr. 
Kinghom prefixed to his intended work some " Preliminary 
Observations," in which he strongly objects to the title used 
by Mr. Hall, which obviously assumes the question in debate. 
By " party commimion" Mr. Hall means the communion of 
those who are baptized, the very description, on his own 
acknowledgment, of primitive communion. 

In the course of the " Observations" Mr. Kinghom narrates 
the following incident, which had occurred to himself, in 
vindication of the memory of Andrew Fuller from a remark- 
able charge brought against him by Robert Hall. 

Mr. Hall insinuates that Mr. Fuller did not sincerely believe that 
strict communion was founded on truth. So, then, Mr. Fuller wrote 
a pamphlet in defence of what he did not fully believe, and authorized 
Dr. Newman on certain conditions, to publish it, as his opinion ! 
If Mr. Fuller did this, he was not the man we took him to be. 
During about the last twelve months of his life, the writer of these 
pages, met him in different places four times, and they had much 
free conversation on various topics. On one of these occasions, the 

* Would not Mr. Kinghorn have considered this prophecy as being fulfilled by the 
present meTements of the strict Baptists ? 



412 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORV. 

subject of communion was brought forward, when l£r. Fuller said 
be bad written a pampblct upon it, wbicb lay by bim in manuscript. 
He was asked if be would not publisb it? He replied, "No, it 
would throw our churches into a flame." He evidently seemed to 
think, that while they were at peace, it was not right to disturb 
them. He then lent me the manuscript, but not to be shown to 
other persons. It was written in the form of a letter to a Mend, 
and begins by saying, '' The long and intimate friendship that I 
have lived in, and hope to die in, with several who are difierently 
minded from me on this subject, may acquit me of any other motive 
in what I write than a desire to vindicate what appears to me to be 
the mind of Christ.'' The title is, " The admission of unbaptized 
persons to the Lord's Supper inconsistent with the New Testament," 
which title, Dr. Newman says, " was written by the author himself," 
who said in a letter accompanying the MS., (not quite foxa months 
before his death,) ** If anything be written on the other side, it may, 
if thought proper, be published, but not else." 

Let the reader now ask, would Mr. Fuller have refused to print 
it before the controversy was agitated, lest it should throw our 
churches into a flame ; then, when sinking into the grave, send the 
pamphlet to Dr. Newman, with the condition just recited, and leave 
the world solemnly declaring that such was his view of the '' mmd 
of Chrut,^* had his posthumous work as Mr. Hall insinuates, " been 
rather a trial of what might be adduced on that side of the contro- 
versy, with a view to promote further discussion, than the result of 
deliberate and settled conviction ? " 

TVe will conclude our review of the communion controverBy 
by introducing a conversation held between Mr. Kingh<nrn 
and Rev. C. Elven, of Bury, referred to in a sermon preached 
by Mr. Elven at St. Mar/s, Norwich, Feb. 10th, 1833. 

Ho (Mr. Kinghom) considered there were two prevailing de- 
flciencics in the rising ministry of the present day ; the first, he said, 
was a very general tendency towards mixed communion, which, if 
it continued to increase, might realize what Eobert Hall contem- 
plated with so much complacency, the annihilation of the Baptists 
as a distinct body of Christians ; and, secondly, the keeping back 
the distinguishing truths of the gospel from a morbid apprehension 
of approaching too near the conflnes of Antinomianism ; and the 
consequence is frequently this, that some Antinomian preacher 



CONVERSATION ON THE RISING MINISTRY. 413 

comes into the neighbourhood, and the good people ran to hear him, 
and while listening to such truths as the electing love of God, the 
final perseverance of the saints, they exclaim, '' Oh ! these are the 
precious truths we want ; " they are thus allured from their own 
people and minister, and frequently imbibe not only a relish for 
truths which they ought to have heard at home, in their connection 
with experimental and practical godliness, but they settle down 
under the Antinomian ministry, and imbibe all the acrimony and 
unloveliness of spirit by which a certain class of professors are 
unhappily distinguished ; on the contrary, if we preach the whole 
gospel, which as Calvinists we profess to believe, should our hearers 
be allured onoe or twice by the high-sounding pretensions of some 
Antinomian neighbour, they will soon discover that such a ministry 
has nothing valuable in it but what is to be found in that of the 
ministry upon which they have been accustomed to attend ; nor so 
much, for whilst the Antinomian dwells upon doctrine exclusively, 
his own minister preaches doctrine, experience, and practice, in all 
their richness and harmony; therefore, (Mr. Kinghom added,) let 
us, brother Elven, turn out fairly and show these men that we can 
preach the doctrines as fully as they, and let this be our motto, both 
as to the discipline of the church and the preaching of the gospel, 

00 AS FAR AS THE APOSTLES 00, AND STOP WHERE THET STOP. 

Respecting Mr. Kinghom's sentiments on the doctrines of 
the gospel^ we are glad to be able to insert the following 
interesting extract from a letter to a fnend occasioned by her 
criticisms on a funeral sermon^ preached by him at Diss^ on 
the words — " For here we have no continuing city, but we 
seek one to come :*^ Heb. xiii, 14. 

April 29th and May let, 1826. 

I am glad the solemnities of the day I last spent with you, left, 
on the whole, the desired impression. I assure you I am not dis- 
pleased with you for your remarks on '* one sentence.*** I believe 
you have given the quotation with sufficient accuracy, whether the 
words were precisely what you have written or not, they were to 
that amount. 

Now I grant you most fiiUy that if there was not a city already 
existing and prepared, there would be nothing to seek : that seeking 

* Speaking of the city, Mr. Kingborn had remarked — *' But in order to obtain a 
dtizenahip in that city, we are told it most be sought—* we seek one to come.' " 



414 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

it is '' not the ground of our obtaining it.'* That the mansions to 
be sought were prepared — and "prepared for the elect of God, 
before the foundation of the world ;" and I own your conclusion, 
" therefore previous to their seeking for them." And after this fall 
confession of my Calvinism I am ready to ask, and what would yoa 
have more ? But now, in my turn, may I not ask, how do the 
elect of God arrive at this city ? Is it not by seeking it ? God 
brings his people to himself by arousing their attention to the im- 
portance of seeking, that they may find, according to our Lord's 
own words. You will say, this wUl involve the question concerning 
the duty of men to believe the gospel ; suppose it docs ; how does 
God call his own elect? Is it not by leading them as sinful, as 
reasonable, as accountable beings to feel the necessity and obligation 
to seek a city to come, as their only safe and happy dwelling-place ? 

I grant you most fully, that it is not the merit of seeking ; I 
wiU grant you all that you will say on any point respecting the 
insufficiency of human endeavours ; yet as the means of our obtain- 
ing, we must seek. 

God chooses his people through ** sanctification of the spirit and 
belief of the truth." By the first he disposes their minds to attend 
to what he has revealed ; by the second, he impels them to sedc 
eternal blessings under a sense of their excellence, and intimate 
connection with their own final happiness ; and here they feel that 
it is both their duty and interest to seek a " city to come." One 
question more : is it ever the case that any person does seek life 
eternal, except under the conviction that he must seek it, and ou^t 
to seek it ? 

I can go greater lengths than perhaps you would altogether 
approve in this line, guided by a few plain principles; and that 
not because I can solve all the difficulties that may be started, but 
because the practice of the Lord, and of his inspired servants, the 
plain grounds of appeal to men as reasonable and accountable beings, 
and the method by which God gathers together in one his children 
that are scattered abroad, all coincide. God carries on his designs 
by impressing, instructing, arousing ; and in all this there is some 
sense of duty or obligation, which the elect feel, before they know 
anything about their election ; they are convinced that they ou^hi 
to prefer eternity to time, and to seek eternal life, cost what it may. 
Thus the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take 
it by force. They are like an army beseiging a city ; they say, we 
will be in! 



ON THB DOCTRINES OF THE GOSPEL. 415 

I have been of late defending the doctrine of election, and I 
preached five sermons npon it. I did the best I could to state and 
to defend it : to show how it was connected with the fulfilment of 
God's designs — ^with his foreknowledge particularly ; also that the 
objections made against the election of Gk)d, existed against his 
moral government in all their force and would exist if there were 
no election, so that if they were just when urged against the doc- 
trine of election, they were just when nrged against the conduct of 
€k)d, separaU from that doctrine, that the doctrine was consistent 
with the liberty and accountability of men, with the use of means ; 
that it did not make God the author of sin, and a partial, unjust 
being ; for the reasons urged against our doctrine on these points, 
would destroy the government of God if they had any truth in 
them, and are not so much attacks on us and our system as on Bjm ! 
That the principle of this doctrine pervades the whole system of the 
doctrines of grace, and that they stand or fall with it; that the 
tendency of the doctrine is according to godliness, that the apostles 
speak of it with a glow of mind, and show that they were not 
afraid of it ; that it promotes humility and thankfiilness, is peculiarly 
fitted to excite evangelical sentiments, to lead Christians to cultivate 
their Christian character, to encourage prayer, to be a support and 
direction in times of affliction and difficulty ; and that far from being 
the discouraging doctrine which some have represented it, it has 
encouragements peculiarly its own. 

So £eu: from these views being against an appeal to men to con- 
sider their ways and seek the Lord, they are the very grounds for 
which men may be addressed ; for if an Arminian did not take our 
principles with him, he would have nothing to say. Fairly tie him 
down to his own system, and he could not go to those who had not 
heard the gospel, and say — men and brethren, to you is the word of 
this salvation sent. 

Yon probably look with jealousy at some things, lest they should 
lead to that sacrifice of sentiment of which there are too many 
instances. That some have gone from the views now given and 
become wide, and in the end have denied much that is true, is, alas, 
undeniable ; that this is the tendency of present popular opinions, 
is also correct, but the evil is not cured by the opposite extreme. 
The best check is to plead for the truth, but not for more than the 
tmth. I see with considerable anxiety the state of things in the 
religious world ; they tend to a revolution, in which, if God prevent 
not, so much will be sacrificed that the remainder will only show 
how far men can wander away from the word of God. J. K. 



416 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHOBN. 

TO THE 81KB. 

Norwich, May 11th, 182& 
I am not sure that my remarks in mj lost went 
to the bottom of the subject, but as far as they went consider them. 
Perhaps you are airaid that such a plan of reasoning will run across 
the redemption by Jesus Christ and make it of that general kind 
that will lead to Arminianism. Our best Calvdnistic writers have 
not thought so. This, you will say, is mere authority — ^granted. I 
would then ask, do either the scriptures or reason applied to the 
principles of the scriptures lead us to conclude, that suppose the 
number of the elect was greater than it is, the atonement made by 
the death of Chiist would be insufficient for their salvation ? 

Should you say, as some have done, that there was so much atone- 
ment made for sinners precisely, and no more, I would ask you to 
pause a moment, and say, how can you prove it ? Since it was the 
character of the sufferer that gave weight to both his obedience and 
Buffering, how are we to throw a line round infinity and measure 
that which is beyond measure ? What then, you may ask, limits 
the redemption of sinners and draws the line of distinction between 
that general idea of redemption, which, by taking in everybody, 
makes it especially applicable to nobody; and the opinion of the 
highest Calvinists, viz. — so much atonement and no more ? 

I reply, the election of grace ; so that the Lord came to fulfil a 
plan ; making an atonement, which in point of power would have 
saved more, had more been included in the plan, but in point of 
design, and ultimately in point of application, was made for those 
who were given him. 

This is a very brief sketch, and I cannot conceive it new to you ; 
but I direct your attention to it, to show that the limits of the 
Calvinistic system go further than they are sometimes supposed, 
and that we need not be afraid of going to the extent, if only we 
know where to stop. If you purchase an estate you know you have 
a right to cultivate it, up to the last inch. Some good people are 
80 afraid of being Arminians, that they leave a large piece of their 
territorial inheritance to the briars and thorns of the wilderness. 

J. K. 

The following letter firom Dr. Steadman, the president of 
Bradford Academy, shows a little of the effects of the terrible 
panic in the year 1826-7, which spread ruin through the 
kingdom; failures succeeding each other with sad rapidity. 



LETTER FROM DR. STSADMAN. 417 

Horton, April 27% 1827. 

Mt sear B&otasb, 

I thank you for your epistle by Mr. 'Wilkin^ and 
as I expect he will call upon me in the course of the day, I write a . 
few lines in readiness. 

As to myself and my Mends, the past year has been a very trying 
one, and yet in some respects a very merciM one. The poverty 
that everywhere prevails greatly affects me, and calls forth all the 
ability I have to lessen a small portion of its severity. Death has 
removed all the older families possessed of wealth, and the sad 
change of times has thrown back most of the younger tradesmen, 
who, three years ago, bid fair for opulence. My personal comforts, 
it is true, have not been touched, except by sympathy for others ; 
but the academy, which is to me, what the mission was to Fuller, 
18 thrown into great difficulties. But amidst all, the work of God 
has been going on. Great activity prevails among the yoimger 
members of the church ; our congregation, except when the violence 
of the weather interferes, is as good as ever, the word has been 
blessed, nearly thirty have been added to us, since the end of 
August, and some more are expected. Our new church, planted in 
October, 1824, with about twenty-five members from us, and a few 
from other churches, is increased to nearly a hundred. A second 
church, at Heaton, a few miles from our place, formed December 
before last, with about twenty members from us, gets forward, 
though slowly and difi&cultly, having no pastor, and through the 
extreme poverty, (which is more severe in that village than in the 
town,) incapable of supporting one, and scarcely able to pay five 
shillings to a supply. But after both these diminutions, and 
numerous deaths and dismissions, we are, within about ten, as 
numerous as when the first church was formed ; our harmony has 
been quite uninterrupted ; no jealousy nor a particle of unpleasant 
feeling has prevailed among us. Por these things I am thankful ; 
to forward them I would gladly live, though I feel myself growing 
old and infirm. Nor has the academy been fruitless ; since the last 
summer six students from it have been ordained at Halifax, 
Keighley, Tottlebank, Scarborough, Bedale, and Braintree, and 
next week a seventh is to be ordained at Horseforth, betwixt us 
and Leeds ; all with as fair prospects of usefulness, as are commonly 
to be met with — some more so. 

I doubt not but you are correct in what you say respecting the 
advocates of strict communion. You are in the way to hear and 

B B 



418 LIFE OF J08EFH KINGHORN. 

make observatioiis ; but you will think it remarkable^ that in this 
part of the country the subject is, afl far as I know, quite at rest 
Mr. Hall's writings never made any impression, and are now nearly 
forgotten. I am glad, however, you are about to publish your 
tract, and that of extracts from Mr. Slee. He, fipom evoTthing I 
can learn, was a very excellent young man, and had bis life been 
spared, likely to have been very useful at Haworth. 

You have leisure and a talent for writing, I have neither ; when I 
write and print, as I have a few occasional sermons, I sioken before 
I get half way through — I abhor transcribing my own writing ; and 
after aU my pains in correcting, it commonly issues from the press 
with numerous blunders, and appears to me marked throughout 
with a barrenness and languor of thought. It appears to me, thera- 
fore, that Christ has called me to preachy and not to u?riU the go^eL 
After all I may, perhaps, print one thing more, ''An Address to 
Candidates for the Ministry," drawn up ten years ago, at the 
suggestion of my old friend, Mr. Timothy Thomas. 

Mr. Mann gives me no rest till I give him the MS. I have, 
therefore, corrected it as well as my eyes and my patience will allow, 
and if he chooses to run the risk, he shall print it. If it appear in 
print it will probably, with its other faults, have the additional one 
of being of too puritanical a cast. 

I am, my dear brother, yours very sincerely, 

W. Steadxas. 

FBOM SEV. JOHN DTEB. 

London, 30th January, 1828. 

Mr DEAR Sm, 

On Friday last I attended by request a sub-conmiittee 
of the Bible Society, at which a memorial was read, signed by all 
the Pedobaptist missionaries in Bengal, complaining of the incon- 
veniences sustained, and perplexity occasioned by the mode in which 
Bo^Vfli; and its derivatives are rendered in the Serampore versions. 

It seems that Dr. Carey has uniformly employed the words 
signifying dip, &c., as I believe you were previously aware. 

These memorialists appeal to the Bible Society, and in effect 
request them to withhold pecuniary aid from the translations unless 
these obnoxious words are given up. There was a long discussion 
on the subject, which ended in recommending that in all future 
editions and translations, the example of king James's translators 
-should be followed) and the words in question Indianized, instead 



DR. QARSY ANP TH£ BIBLE SOCIETY. 419 

of tranalated. At the time I thought suoh an arrangement fair and 
reasonable, considering that the great bulk of the supporters of the 
Bible Society are Pedobaptists, but I have felt some doubt on the 
/nibject since. Oood Dr. Carey will naturally feel very averse, 
setting other considerations out of the question, to present himself 
before the Indian public, as one who has, for so many years, through 
negligence or design, done wrong in this instance. 

He is conscious, as even our opponents must be, that he has done 
nothing more than fEuthfully convey to the minds of his Asiatic 
readers the meaning of the Holy Spirit in these expressions, and 
must he consent to hide this part of the revealed will of God, under 
the doke of a new-fangled word, in order to secure the pecuniary 
aid of the Bible Society ? Pray favour me with your opinion on this 
point. Two or three queries have occurred, which you will oblige 
me by answering ? 

Ist. — Have not all existing translations of the New Testament 
either rendered the words in question, as Dr. Carey has done, or else 
tiansferred the Greek word, or a word equivalent to christen, into 
their respective languages ? 

2nd. — ^Which is the first Latin translation in which hapiiao 
occurs, and who was the first English translator, by whom the 
word was Anglicised ? 

I expect to meet the committee (perhaps the whole) of the Bible 
Society on this subject again soon, and shall be glad of your answers 
to these questions, and any other information bearing on the point ; 
or if you will mention the works which it would be useful to consult, 
I can see them probably at the London Institution. 

I am, truly yours, 

John Dteb. 



BEPLT. 

Norwich, Febomary 4th, 1S28. 

Kt DBAS Snt, 

Yours greatly surprised me, yet it is only what 
might have been expected in one form or other. I am willing to 
do for you what I can, but that amoimts to but little. 

I know not any Latin translations which do not use haptno and 
the derivatives when speaking of the institution of baptism. I 
have an ancient Folio Vulgate Latin Bible, printed at Antwerp, 
li42, but I do not find any copies noticed which used other words 
tium hlj^tm^ tapti9ma, S^e., when that subjeqt pcqurs. I haye 

E E 2 



420 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOUO&N. 

oonsulted Joromo on Matt, iii, translation and notes, to see if any 
hint occurred from liim respecting the Vetui JUUa yerBion, bnt I 
find none. 

Of the old English translations, especially the first who angUdaed 
tho Greek haptiaOf I can say nothing ; and here I have no means of 
inquiry, my own study possesses nothing of value, and our puhlio 
ston^ of literature in Norwich promise nothing on that point. 

But on tho general suhject I can* offer a few remarks whidi it is 
}M¥ttdblo may be of some use. On the word, and on the use of it in 
the anoiont writers, I wish you would read part of the article 
Bai«TH#fli in Snie^ Th$i, Ecd. You will then do well to turn to 
the article A»aduM, when you will find a condensed statement of the 
temi» umh! in the Latin church, such as tingere, fnergere, mergiUHre, 
ftmty^r^ immfrti^t li^MMrfio; all which are of the same fiunily 
an4 a» tkr a» p^^ible fh^m sprinkling. 

Ott th^ vt>rM\>ii» in other languages, as far as my means of inquiry 
l>\ ^hicK i« but a little way, it is not at all surprising that the 
1 Aiiii» ad«>|4^ the Uivek terms Uj^ino and Uiptitfna as they also 
dhi mctVjnjifiur. ftvm the intimate intercourse between the Greek 
and l^Atin {«\^vin<v» of the Roman Empire ; and those European 
lan^uiftj^!^ which itH.^iTed a strong tincture from the Latin, would 
of cour^^ receive and adopt their ecclesiastical words, but when out 
of this line of attraction the case alters. For instance, in the 
(l^erman translation, being in a language derived from the Teutonic 
and very little affected by the Latin, the words for baptism, &c., 
are t4»ufi and (au/^r the nouns, and tau/en the verb. These are tho 
wonb in Luther*s translation. The first Lexicographer Germany 
has ^ur^>duced» AMmtg^ explains tau/m by ismckem^ and Uuickmis 
explained by various synonymous terms in neighbouring languages 
and mUr «/i«m by the English word JucJt / 

In the more pi>rtable German dictionary — ^Bailey^s, tamc]^ is 
explained by Atck and «Mr#, and the noun taucktr is applied to dhkig 
hird4 such as the pimmf^^m^ The same thing happens in the Dutch 
with their d«$ pi m ^ Sx.y all their baptismal terms are derivatives 
from their own nkfopm^ and hence in their Liturgy, the Bev. 
Mynheer is directed to say Ick d o^ pm m i4 u nam§ de$ wmUn, ^., 
when every one present is witness that he does no each thing; for 
d^^>pm like km/m is to dip,. &e. 

Respecting the ancient ver^ons, there are two at least which 
have translated the term. The Syiiac uses their own term, 
which in that TexBion is used for the various purp-tseB of 



MB. KINOHORN^S LETTER RESPECTTNO IT. 421 

baptizing, washing, &c. Vide Sehaqfi Lex.^ and whichis the word 
used by the Nestorian Christians, as appears from Assemanni 
Bibl. Orientalis; from whom it also appears that the I^estorians 
call the place of baptism Jordan, be it where it may. Th® 
Arabic version nses also a word of the same kind, indeed the 
same word, which in that branch of the languages of Shem's 
posterity was nsed in a wide sense, as well as in the sense of 
baptizing, but not in any sense that means to sprinkle, that I find. 

Dr. Nichols, of Oxford, told me the Arabic lexicographers asserted 
that the primitive meaning of the word was wetness, and in Golius 
and Castell among other senses this is one, " to be so wet that dust 
and earth will adhere to the person or thing." This shows that 
snch an application perfectiy suits their attaching it to baptism, in 
the sense of immersion. You perhaps may remember a discussion 
in <the Baptist Magazine about two years since in opposition to 
something said by Taylor, in which the uses of the word in the 
sense of immersion was defended. But what in this discussion 
may be an argumentum ad hominem of importance is this, that not 
only the ancient versions, (Syriac and Arabic) but the present 
Syriac version which was inspected by Professor Lee, and is printed 
and circulated by the Bible Society, keeps the ancient term, and 
does not alter it into a Greek word in Syriac letters ; and the Arabic 
New Testament, by the same society, does the same thing, so that 
the Bible Society permits the Syrians and Arabians to read frx>m 
theii^ versions translations of the term baptize, &c., but is re- 
quested not to suffer the Indian public to know what the words 
mean. 

You justly reprobate the idea of Dr. Carey* s altering either his 
translations or style of translation. I have no opinion of giving up 
twenty years labour and truth to please the Pedobaptist missionaries, 
nor the Bible Society. It is selling the truth for the sake of gold. 
We see enough of this. I would at once forfeit their assistance, 
encourage Dr. Carey, and proclaim the fact to the world. The 
Baptists should know, more than they do, the temper against them. 
These things proclaim it ; in this they will do good. 

Tu ne cede malts, sed contra audentior tto. Do stand to your guns. 
Everything shows the need of firmness. I hear that the church 
Missionary Society have determined that if any of their students 
enter a meeting-house, such offender is to be expelled ! If so, 
though Herod and Pontius Pilate may against us become friends, 
yet they will soon quarrel. 



422 LIFE OF JOBBPH KINGHOKN. 

The other affair (MartiiatD collectioii) is of no ooinoqaeiioe; ire 
can talk that over, I hope ; hut this w, and I am thoronglily mmeBt 
about it; if I can help any more, let me know how. ♦ ♦ ♦ 

J.K. 

FBOM KBY. JOHK DTXR. 

Ixndon, 28rA FArauy, 181S. 
Mr BEAB Sib, 

Finding that Mr. Bcddome is about to visit Norwidi, 

I drop you a line to express my hearty thanks for the yaluable letter 

with which you favoured me on the subject of translations. 

A third meeting on the sulject was held on Thursday, when it 

was resolved that a correspondence should be opened with Dr. Carey 

upon it, without prejudging the question, «.#., that no other st^ 

should be taken till this communication had been had. I must say 

that the business has been conducted throughout in the kindesty and 

most respectful way. 

I am, my dear Sir, 

Yours vary truly, 

JohkDtbb. 

This controversy resulted in an adverse decision of the 
Bible Society^ which ultimately led to the establishment of 
the Bible Translation Society, in April, 1840. 

The following pleasant letter from Joshua Tinson^^the 
Jamaica Missionary, needs no introduction. 

Kingston, Jamaica, 25th May, 1828. 

My very deab Sir, 

I have ever felt, and still do feel unfeignedly 
grateful, that Providence ever led me imder your roof. I believe I 
shall ever view it as one of the happiest events of my life, not 
merely from the pleasiu*e I then enjoyed through your kindness, but 
firom the correct views and sentiments concerning men and things 
which your conversation and conduct inculcated; but enough by 
way of introduction. 

Eespecting the church over which a mercifiil God has permitted 
me to preside, I have nothing wonderM to relate. The Lord, I 
hope, is with us, and we are now, though but a small church com- 
paratively, at peace among ourselves, and walking, I tmst, in the 
ordinances of the Lord blameless. During the last year about 100 



LETTBB ntOM JOSHUA TIN80N. 428 

persons have been added to the chmxiih, and many more seem to 
be Berionsly inquiring the way of salvation. 

We have gone forward with considerable fear and trembling, but 
during six years' residence in the city, we have had much cause 
for gratitude, and though we have not been without afflictions, both 
personal and relative, the Lord has been very kind to us, and we 
can say ''goodness and mercy have followed us all our days." My 
dear wife enjoys pretty good health now and I hope is doing con- 
siderable good in superintending a large Sabbath school, chiefly f^r 
adults, which she commenced about Ave years ago, and in which 
many have been taught to read the Soriptures. 

The cause of truth seems evidently to be gaining ground here, 
but he who was a liar from the beginning, is enraged at it, and 
excites his friends to persevere in the practice of iklsehood with a 
view to bring the ministers of the gospel into disrespect ; hostility 
against missionaries is unusually violent, scarcely a day passes 
without something being said against them in the public print of 
the most low and scurrilous description^ all by anonymous writers, 
or rather scribblers. Our names are used without the least ceremony, 
connected with epithets the most scandalous. "We are charged with 
ignorance, fraud, disloyalty, theft, &c., &c. Time would fail me to 
enumerate the long catalogue of crimes to which our enemies would 
have us plead guilty ; but alas ! for them, aU these things want proof ; 
I trust they have hitherto been able to find nothing against us, save 
in the matter of our religion. 

Mrs. T. though unknown to you, would beg leave to unite in 
Christian regards. 

I am, my very dear Sir, 

Your obedient servant, 

Joshua Tinson. 



We cannot refrain from inserting (anonymously) the follow- 
ing curious application as a conclusion to the present chapter; 
but must regret that we have not Mr. Kinghom's answer. 
It is really diverting to imagine his reading the letter; but 
quite too much to fancy him assisting to obtain for the '^ pious 
minister of good learning " a title, which he himself valued 
so highly, that he never used it when obtained. And the 
bare idea of Joseph Kinghom^s fees and testimonials is quite 



424 LIFE OF J08EFH KINOHORN. 

refineahii^. The letter, howeyer, is useful as infonniiig us 
that the degree was conferred on him, whidi we should other- 
wise scarcely have known, 

DeeemlMT 8U^ 1828. 
Rby. Sib, 

A few weeks ago, I read in the World Ifinatpaptr, 
that several gentlemen in England had been *' honoured with ihe 
degree of A. M. at the oommenoement at Brown TJniY»Bity, 
Providence, Ehode Island, America," among whom was yoursdf. 

I hope you will pardon the liberty I take in thus troubling you, 
to beg the favour of you to inform me, what measures are requisite 
to obtain of the said University, a degree of A. M. or L.L.B. for a 
pious minister of good learning, whether in such ease, testimonials 
are transmitted to the head, of the College, &c. If so, will you be 
so good as to give me that gentleman's address, and mention also 
what the fees are, and anything else you may deem needful. 
Heantime, I am, Bev. Sir, 

Your humble servant^ 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

1828—1832. ^T. 62—66. 

Corre^pondenes with It. 8. boater, Uaq. — Proposed Pamphlet on the 
Serampore Ckmtroversy — The Muneter Baptiste — Letter from Wtn. 
Jones on his ** JEcdesiastical History** — Railroads — Anticipations of 
the FiUure — Isaac Mann — James Alexander Hdldane — Ivimey on 
the Jamaica Perseeutums — Letter on the Divinity of Christ — Last 
Speech at the Anniversary of the Baptist Mission. 

' TO E. 8. FOSTEB, ESa. 

Norwich, July 28th, 1828. 
Mt dsae Sib, 

In Inference to what you day on prayer, go on. We 
are too little impressed with its importance and its privilege. That 
the great God should hear the prayers of such feehle heings as we 
are, is in itself a wonderM idea, yet true. May he hear your 
prayers, and grant you the desires of your heart. Concerning 
doctrinal divinity, you do well to study your Bible as the prime 
original source of all evangelical truth; but it is still desirable 
to know how men of mind have viewed its respective parts. The 
Calvinistic and Arminian theories divide the Christian world. For 
my part, I am not an Arminian, I think that view of things 
unscriptural, and in its tendencies destructive of the great principles 
of divine truth. 

It is true that some carry the opposite system to an extreme, but 
that is the fate of all things. There is, however, a truth, which we 
ought to hold fast. If you are not already acquainted with Booth's 
"Eeign of Grace," and with Hall's *'Help to Zion's Travellers," I 
would recommend them to your perusal. The latter is the produc- 
tion of Hall of Bristol's father. He lived, the greater part of his 
life, and died, at Amsby in Leicestershire. Though I would not 
subscribe to every sentence in these works, yet you will find them 
the production of superior men ; truly serious, and full of informa- 
tion, much of it doctrinal, much also practical. You wiU not com- 
plain of me for the recommendation, when you have read them. 

J. K. 



426 LIPS OP JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

PBOK B. 8. P08TXB, BSd. 

Norember 21rt, 1829. 
Mr DEAB Sib, 

Dr. Chalmers is now in Edinburgh, he has been 
elected Professor of Divinity. The lectures are very well attended. 
He seems quite in earnest, determined to improve his pupils as 
much as he can. I have heard him once, and then saw him for the 
first time. His countenance is very unpromising, he looks like Dr. 
Mac Crie ; as if he were always in his study ; but his style is very 
brilliant and animated. We have not yet heard any tidings of his 
going to preach. 

R. S. FOSTBB. 

TO R. 8. P. 

Kornch, Tehnarf lOth, 1829. 

Mt deab Sib, 

You have heard Dr. Chalmers's first lecture ; I am 
glad of it. There are good points about him. Great seriousness, 
great ardour, and power of impression. I heard him preach twioe ; 
once a good sermon, the other time a failure. You say you hear 
nothing of his preaching ; why, what would you hear ? he has 
enough to do as Professor of Divinity. I hope he will be useful in 
his professor's chair. 

And now, I hope you do not forget things better than any of the 
studies in which you are engaged at CoUege. You know such things 
there are. Be all that attention and study can make you ; but be 
the Christian, the man of God also. God grant us aU more of that 
holy science, by which we may know Christ, and him crucified ! 

'* Six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work ; " where do 
you spend the seventh ? Does the preaching of Scotland improve 
on acquaintance ? 

J.K. 

PBOM B. 8. P. 

Edinbnigli, Juie 16th, 1829. 
Mx DEAB Sib, 

I have lately heard from the pulpit, two or three 
times, that preaching, the public ministration of the word, is the 
prime means of conversion, that all others are but secondary, sub- 
ordinate. Now all mere assertions unfortunately touch my organ of 
obstinacy, and I immediately start questions and doubts. Can a 
preacher so well suit the cases of his hearers by talking to tliem in 



ON THB inNIBTRT OP THC WORD. 427 

public as by privBte oonversHtion, (as Paul taught both publicly and 
from house to house), by •confidential intercourse, where difficulties 
are solved, and where there is better opportunity for earnest expostu- 
lation and entreaty, and for practical advice ? An answer to all 
this is, that it is not in man that worketh, but in God that giveth 
the increase. But may I ask you, do you think it is a fact that 
more are converted by preaching alone, than by other means ? 

E. S. F. 

TO R. S. P. 

My dear Sir, 

You ask " whether the public ministration of the 
word is the prime means of conversion ? *' Much may be said both 
yea and nay. Your " organ of obstinacy," you say, called it in 
question. You quote in opposition Paul's teaching publicly and 
from house to house, which, I think, will not prove the point. 
Publicly he taught, and those who received enough to be willing to 
congregate in small bodies in private houses, might come there, not 
to have impressions made the first time, but to be instructed farther 
into the truths they had heard,, and in part, at least, believed. It 
might, but it might not be, that in private houses his hearers 
received those first impressions, which ought to be called their con- 
version. It is a question of fact difficult to settle. But I think one 
Ihing pretty clear — ^viz., that it is by public preaching arising from 
the church state of the Christian body, that the system is kept up, 
by which private instruction is preserved alive, and descends to the 
fire-side, and thus to the individuals of Christian families. For 
were there no churches, nothing more than individual, unconnected 
Christians, no ordinances, no bond of union holding up the great 
system to constant view, and thus making the observations, reason- 
ings, and experience of individuals, a kind of joint stock for the 
good of the whole, Christianity would exist in so feeble a form, 
that the means of private instruction would be impaired, and its 
enei^ greatly weakened. 

In numerous cases, the greatest means of instruction and appeal 
is the preaching of the word. On the firat planting of churches, I 
believe this is the great means : when they are settled and grown 
to some ^e and age, so that a rising generation grows up in a 
Christian atmosphere, it then does less, because what is seen, heard, 
and felt at home is of very high consequence, and often is the visible 
means of conyersion ; yet even here the value of public instruction 



428 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

is felt to be great. Then it is often the case, as flEo* as we can 
judge, that it is the preaching of the word that first strikes the 
mind with authority ; but on the other hand the cases are numerous 
in which it is private means that are blessed of God to lay the first 
stone. At this moment a young person wishes to be baptised and 
join our church, who states hor first impressions to have been 
occasioned by a mother* 8 pious instructions and assiduity ; andihe 
recent death of that beloved mother has brought the secret to light 
and action. Perhaps you will agree to this general view of the 
case ; but, as you have started the sul^ject, I will add firom observa- 
tion, that not only public preaching but Christian ordinances have a 
powerful effect. They invite questions of this kind — ^Why am not 
I of the party } What have these seen in the gospel that I have 
not seen ? 

Some years ago the baptism of a young lady electrified the young 
people of our congregation, and a considerable time after, a relation, 
about the same age coming to the same resolution, said to me, " I 

never forgot the evening when B was baptized." I could 

detail other instances ; and so also at the Lord's table there is often 
a listening, longing, look visible before resolution is summoned to 
say, let me walk in the ways of the Lord. 

Thus far written on Saturday even. Yesterday a letter was put 
into my hands from one applying for baptism and church communion, 
in which the fact is stated which I have mentioned above, with 
simplicity but with force, as making a " serious " impression on the 
mind. ** I have often felt it, when the members sat round the 
table of the Lord — ^Ah ! thought I, these are the disciples of the Lord 
Jesus, for they are fulfilling his great commandment, but I am not 
one of them," &c. 

This came in so fitly to the sentiment before, that I have copied a 
part of a sentence. 

J. K. 

We have already firequently had occasion to allude to the 
constant and lively interest taken by Mr. Kinghom in the 
proceedings of the Baptist Missionary Society. That interest 
he ever continued to manifest in various ways — ^by attending 
its committee meetings; by long correspondence with its 
principal supporters on the management of its affairs ; and, as 
we have seen, by travelling and preaching on its behalf; thu. 



BSaAMPORE CONTROVERSY. 429 

he became a valued firiend and helper of the cause ; so that in 
many an emergency his attendance and counsel were called for. 
At the Quarterly Meeting of the Society, held April 29th, 
1829, a resolution was passed requesting Mr. Kinghom to 
prepare a pamphlet on the Serampore Controversy. This 
unhappy affair had long been regarded by him with the 
deepest feelings of anxiety and distress. Such disputes 
comported but ill with the constant kindliness and tenderness 
of his character; and he felt that a more distasteful task 
could scarcely have been assigned to him than that conveyed 
in the resolution above-mentioned.* The subject, however, 
received his diligent attention; many of the published 
pamphlets and numerous private letters passed through his 
hands for perusal, and he has left careful though incomplete 
MSS. prepared with regard to his intended publication, which, 
however, was ultimately abandoned. 

FKOM REV. JOSEPH ITIMET. 

London, September 16th, 1829. 

Mr DEAR Sir, 

I have succeeded through a friend, who is a German, 
in obtaining a work which he informs me is considered an accredited 
accoimt of the Miinster Rebellion, &c. I think you said you knew 
enough of the German language to enable you to read a German 
book : I therefore send it to you, and shall be obliged by your giving 
me an opinion of its contents ; whether it will be desirable to re- 
print it, or to make extracts from it, which may be printed in the 
Baptist Magazine. 

I am happy to say that my health is, through mercy, considerably 
restored ; though I still walk mourufiilly, and cannot forget that as 
to my most valuable earthly companion, ** I am bereaved." 

It is this day thirty-four years ago, that I put on Christ by being 
baptized in a river at Winbum, by the late Mr. Saffery. I have 
surely been led as the blind, by a way which I knew not, I look 

• I remember, when calling upon him one morning, I found him apparently much 
distreesed, and on inquiring the cause he said *' they want me to do what I do not like, 
Simon." *• Well then, Sir," I replied, ** whaterer it may be, do not do it; for if it ia 
really repugnant to you, I am persuaded you are not required to do it." I afterwards 
found that it was the pamphlet on the Serampore Controyersy. 8. W. 



430 LIFB OF J08£PH ^lf09Q|^N. 

back with muoh gratitude (I hope) for the many lOBtdm which 
have been granted me during that period. that I may walk the 
remaining part of the journey of life safely as to myself and use- 
fully as to others. 

I am, very dear Sir, 

Tours affectionately, 

Joseph Ithcst. 

In accordance with the request made in the above letter^ 
Mr. Kinghom published in the Baptist Magazine^ for 1830^ 
a series of interesting papers on the Miinster Baptists^ which 
give a summary of their history, well deserving the perusal of 
all who desire to be rightly informed respecting them. 

The following letter from Rev. William Jones, the author 
of the Ecclesiastical History, gives an interesting sketch of the 
third volume of that work, and we therefore insert it. 

London, 9th Jnne, 1830. 

Deas Sik, 

I contemplate a continuation of my History of the 
Christian Church from the period of the destruction of the Albigenses 
and Waldenses (1686) to somewhat nearer our own times, for I 
would not wiUingUf leave the work in the very imperfect state in 
which it now is. I think that what I have in view, may be com- 
prised in a third volume, and my object would be to trace the 
principles of Nonconformity among the Mennonites in Gformany and 
Holland, the Palatinate, Switzerland, Prance ; and the Puritans in 
England, the Independents in Scothmd, perhaps a chapter on the 
state of religion in America. 

But in taking up the History of the Mennonites, I think of going 
back, at least to the times of Muncer, and in imitation of your 
example in the Baptist Magazine, endeavouring to do a littie justice 
to our Baptist brethren. I am very glad to find that you have 
bestowed some attention and pains upon the subject, and very 
probably you may have obtained much more information respecting 
the Mennonites than I possess at present. If you felt disposed to 
favour me with any hints which might be useful, I think I can 
pledge myself that you should not find me ungratefrd ! You are no 
doubt aware that the late Mr. Howe, of Falmouth, had paid some 
attention to the subject before his death. 



RAILSOADB. 431 

I have had a oimory view of his mannaoriptBy yesterday only, and 
am sorry to find that what relates to the Mennonites fonns only a 
small proportion of what he has written. Well, my dear Sir ! yon 
see the practice of mixed communion is gaining ground among the 
English Baptist Chnrohes, after all the labour you have bestowed 
upon them : and heartily do I wish that this were all ; but I much 
fear that they are rapidly progressing into Arminianism. 
I am, dear Sir, 

Yours very faithfully, 

William Joveb. 

fbok b. s. fosteb, esq. 

October 2Sth, 1830. 
Mr DEA£ Sib, 

I have been rather migratory; a brother and cousin 
came up to me at the end of the session, and we sot off with another 
friend in Edinburgh, a son of Mr. Bull, of Newport Pagnell, to see 
the highlands ; we went first to Stirling, then over Loch Lomond, 
and up the mountain ; to Inverary and Oban, saw Staffa and lona, 
and returned to Edinburgh, through Perthshire. We came home 
by Liverpool, and had the good fortune to see the steam carriages 
start for Manchester. Travelling from Liverpool, I had some con- 
versation with a Mr. Francis Giles, whose name you may have seen 
in one of the accounts of the railroad. He told me that he is now 
beginning a railroad from Newcastle to Leeds, sixty miles, the 
longest in the kingdom ; and that, with all the inequalities, there is 
not a greater than one in two hundred and fifty. 

R. S. F. 

TO B. S. P. 

Norwich, April 19th, 1831. 
Mr DEAB Sib, 

I received a pamphlet on railroads some long time 
ago, and on steam machines to whirl people and luggage through 
the kingdom at an awM rate. I am not able to offer an opinion of 
any value on this subject, and I confess I am not very much taken 
with the tremendous strides of this march of intellect. For recollect 
how many good coals are burnt in this scheme of whizzing from 
place to place, and nothing finite can last for ever. Besides, how 
many good and loyal subjects of his Majesty are slain by the acci- 
dents attending fliese steam improvements; for when anything 



432 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHOBN. 

happens there is no selection of yietims. I do not say this in mere 
jest altogether — seriously, I think such an excessive destruction of 
coals* must be felt in comparatively a little time ; and instances of 
dreadful destruotion of life, we often hear of. And if this system 
goes on, what efTect it may have on the general systems of agriculture 
and manufacture, is, in my apprehension, beyond calculation, but I 
am apprehensive it is like a stimulus, it excites, but does it not 
weaken ? Of reform we have had a good deal here. Tories do not 
like it, Whigs do ; and the balance of opinion is quite in its favour. 
What will be the final result of these commotions, at home and 
abroad, God only knows ; but I think it is evident that the Divine 
Being is shaking all nations, and about bringing forward events of a 
size and influence of which later times at least, have presented no 
example. How rapidly they will come, I know not ; but I think 
God*s word and God's providence are teaching us to expect them. 
Kow do not take me for a disciple of the Drummond school, no; 
they surely have borrowed one of your steam engines, for they rush 
forward at a rate which appears to me beyond all probability. In 
my view the designs of God are all on a large scale, so far as relates 
to the leading features of his plans as they are exhibited by pro- 
phesy, and will wind up slowly. 

The believers in the speedy approach of the miUennium are not 
agreed in their theory, and the notion that before the calling of the 
Jews there is to be (literally) a resurrection from the dead, is in my 
view much embarrassed with difficulties. I am convinced of this, 
from what little I know of the writings of some modems, that they 
apply passages from the prophetic parts of the Bible, in a manner 
which appears to me without foundation. Great sobriety of mind 
and of heart is needed in such a business. So many have erred that 
the rest ought to learn caution. 

I have been greatly and at times painfrilly employed since I last 
wrote. The trials of life are very various, but if our share of these 
prepare for a future life, where they exist no more, all will be well ! 
May God in his goodness keep you and bless you. 

I am, dear Sir, yours.very truly, 

J. K. 

* It is said that a learned calculator published a work proriog to demonstration the 
impossibility of a sufficient quantity of coals being carried to enable a steamer to 
perform the voyage from America to Engknd ; but that just as the book was published, 
a steamer, defiant of such calculations, actually airiyed on our shores ! 



ANTICIPATIONS OP THB FUTURE. 433 

In writing to the Rev. J. Jarrom, Mr. Kinghom thus 
refers to the same snbject : — 

Deab Sib, 

I cannot help thinking that the world, civil and 
religious, ifi on the verge of some great convulsion. Many things 
must be done and will be done before the designs of God, pointed 
out in his word are in the train of being fulfilled. The pope, the 
Turk, the principles of the native Indian idolatry and civil polity, 
and of the empire of China, and no small portion of those of the 
Russian government, must all go before the kingdoms of this world 
become the kingdoms of Grod and of his Christ. There cannot 
be a free progress of truth, unless these powers are by some 
means either shaken to pieces or converted, and the former 
seems to be more likely than the latter. At home we see infidelity 
creeping about; in our churches laxity in a variety of forms; 
a generalizing system gains on the minds of many, which in 
its effects will do injury beyond calculation ; all these cannot go 
on continually without some concussion being produced. In these 
"signs of the times" there is only one thing on which I rest with 
satisfaction — '* ITte Most High rules" I have no fear of the result; 
but few have nerves which do not tremble when a great convulsion 
is in progress, however beneficial in some unseen way it may be in 
the end. I doubt not God's eye is upon his Zion continually ; he 
never forgets her interest, nor his own glory ; but we take alarm, 
like the disciples in the storm, because we have not more faith. 
I am, dear Sir, yours very truly, 

J. K. 

In reply to a letter from Mr. Foster, on metaphysical 
subjects, Mr. Kinghom remarks : — 

I have often been struck with two things which 
have a bearing, on the above subjects ; the one is how completely 
the volume of Revelation proves in an easier way all that the best 
reasoners claim as discoveries, and adds besides more of its own. 
For instance, they acknowledge that there is a God, a moral 
governor, and add many good remarks respecting his character. 
Revelation at large, especially Christianity, proceeds on foots which 
not only assume, but prove that this is the case. The gospel could 
not have otherwise existed. Miracles as evidences, and a holy 
system as the subject and substance of the New Testament revelation 

p p 



434> LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHOBN. 

could not have existed, had there not been a Gk>d, and he a holy 
and gracious God. This is only a hint, but reflect upon it^ and you 
will find it true. Another thing which I have often turned over in 
my mind is, that suppose infidels could succeed in proving the gospel 
a falsehood, what would be the consequence to themselves ? They 
could have no security that their system was true ; for if so many 
appearances of truth and righteousness as surround and support the 
gospel can be proved falsehoods, the arguments which prove them 
so may in their turn be proved falsehoods also ; because, such being 
the case, it would be impossible to say what are evidences of truth. 
These considerations bring us back to the gospel, and a conviction 
that "we have not believed cunningly devised fables," is the 
sweetest we can enjoy, and God grant we may know more of its 
real sanctifying influence ! Nothing can be done without its doc- 
trines, its precepts, its habits. The mere animal may live and die 
like the beasts that perish, but the man looking to -another world, 
and to his God, the judge of all, can neither have hope nor joy, 
except through our Lord Jesus Christ ; and here let us take him, 
and all that he declares, for the whole is life and truth. 

I am, dear Sir, yours truly, 

J. K. 

On the last day of this year Isaac Mann^ the pastor of the 
very ancient church at Maze Pond, was also removed by death. 
He was an intimate firiend of Mr. Einghom, amongst whose 
papers we find a letter from him, dated little more than a 
month before his death, from which a few extracts may not 
be miacceptable. 

46, Long Lane, Betmondsey, Nor. 19th, 1831. 
Mr DEAB Sib, 

What an alarming state we are in at present! 
bishops dishonoured, the nation semi-revolutionized, the cholera 
threatening us, our king and ministry opposed in attempting to 
meet the nation's wishes, our trade and commerce almost stagnant, 
and a dismal winter at hand ! Lord, undertake for us ! I am 
afraid the insubordination at Lyons will produce a bad influence 
on Britain; but whatever are my fears, my hopes have yet the 
ascendancy, for the Lord reigns. Our lives and his cause are still 
where they should be, in his hands. But surely now we need 
prayer and faith. Now must our Christianity be tested, and now 



ISAAC HANN. — J. A. HALDANE. 435 

must we give a fair and fall exhibition of its spirit and influence to 
the world. This is the time to let the sons of infidelity see what is 
the true character of the religion we profess. 

I am just publishing an anonymous address, entitled '' England's 
CriaiB and her Safe-guard ; Hints to Britons, by a Patriot." If I 
knew how to send it, when published, you should have it. You 
would say, as a composition, it was careless, but it is designed as a 
popular address to the populace on popular evils. I wish it may do 
good. If anything can be done all should work, in every depart- 
ment, in a time like this. 

Poor Mr. Mack has left a large family in very destitute circum- 
stances ; but a kind providence is appearing on their behalf. He 
had a rich imagination and a warm heart. Pray write soon, and at 
full length. 

I am, my dear Sir, yours very affectionately, 

I. Mann. 

The following little note from James Alexander Haldane^ of 
Edinburgh^ being the only one in the correspondence from 
that remarkable man^ we introduce as a memento of one who 
in conjunction with his brother^ has done so vast an amount 
of good in the q»read of the gospel of Christ. 

Edinburgh, December 30th, 1831. 
My DEiJL Snt, 

I embrace the opportunity of a parcel of the reports 
of the Baptist Home Mission for Scotland, to write you a few lines 
expressive of the sense entertained by the Society of your kindness 
and interest in its prosperity. Mr. Mackintosh desires his best 
respects to you. You will see by the report how we are going on. 
Some good has been done, and we are waiting upon the Lord for the 
out-pouring of his Spirit ; meantime we are sure his word cannot 
return to him void. There are at present many winds of doctrine, 
and the general aspect of affairs is such as should lead all the people 
of God to much prayer and watchfulness. We know that the Lord 
ragns, and that when the mysteries of Qod shall be finished every 
part of the plan shall manifestly appear to have been the result of 
infinite wisdom and goodness, and all shall redound to his glory and 
tlie happiness of his redeemed. 

I am, my dear Sir, very truly yours, 

J. A. HiLDAirx. 
ff2 



436 LIFB OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

We now come to the last year of Mr. Kingliom's life, on 
the opening of which he has left the following memorandum 
in the pocket-book for the year : — 

Almighty God, I thank thee for bringing me to this new period 
of time. Grant me thy grace that I may glorify thee in all my 
wayg. May thy sparing goodness be with me through this year if 
it please thee ; keeping me from the evils that are abroad in the 
earth, and in body, soul, and spirit — ^in study and labour in thy 
cause, and in all wherein I am engaged, may I have thy favour, 
enjoy thy direction, live to thee usefully, be engaged in thy cause, 
and grow more and more in conformity to thy holy pleasure, and in 
the enjoyment of a good hope through grace. I ask it all in the 
name and for the sake of thy Son, Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen. 

Respecting the fearful persecutions of our excellent mis- 
sionaries in Jamaica, Mr. Ivimey thus writes : — 

February 24th, 1832. 
Mr DBAB Sib, 

I have been pretty much engaged, in consequence 
of the news from Jamaica. I suppose you have seen the 2\mst of 
yesterday, which contains Lord Belmore's dispatches, and a letter 
from Mr. Dyer. We had a solemn special meeting of the com- 
mittee yesterday ; we had no other document excepting the Jamaica 
Courant and the Watchman, the former blackguarding, and the other 
calling the missionaries '' angels." Mr. Eice had a letter frt^m Mr. 
Tinson, dated Kingston, Jan. 7th, which stated that a letter had 
been received in Kingston from a Wesleyan missionary, which said* 
"that the brethren Knibb, Whitehom, and Abbott were all in 
custody on the charge of having been the instigators of the insur- 
rection, and that he had been endeavouring to get permission for 
their wives to visit them.*' Mr. Tinson adds, " This is true, I fear 
they are before this in eternity." We hope, however, as the last 
letter in Lord Belmore's dispatches does not notice the brethren, 
that the rumour is unfounded. I wish you to read the letter of 
Bullock, the secretary, No. 29, from which we hope, should they 
have been apprehended, they will obtain a fair trial. 

We had three letters sent to the committee from ministers, offering 
their services to go, if requested, immediately to Jamaica. One of 
these fr^m a London minister, a member of the committee, pro- 
posing, if the committee approved, to go for a year, accompanied by 



JAMAICA PBR8ECUTI0N. 437 

his wife. I imderBtand this offer was affectionately received, but 
it was thought that until further information was received as to the 
fate of the missionaries, no decision could be come to in such an 
important subject as removing the pastor of a church, and a secretary 
of the Baptist Irish Society. " Pray for w." 

Our dear brother Shoveller died most triumphantly, at Kingston, 
on the 12th of December, '' Blessed is that servant,'' &c. Oh ! to be 
ready for every good word and work. " Work while it is called 
to-day,'' &c. Believe me to be, whether in England, or Jamaica, 
Yours most affectionately, 

Joseph Ivdcet. 

Most of our readers are aware that the imprisonment of 
the missionaries was soon terminated^ and the affair satis&c- 
torily arranged. 

The next subject which presents itself to our consideration 
is a letter written to a young friend who had met with some 
difficulties in reading the New Testament^ respecting the 
divinity of Christy and with an earnest desire to discover 
the truths submitted his difficulties to Mr. Kinghom^ who 
returned him the following careful letter : — 

Mt beab Snt, 

I owe a reply to a very important inquiry, and 
will for the present lay down, what appear to me, considerations of 
a general nature, but which have much connection with the whole 
question : and when the principles are understood and acknowledged, 
we shall proceed to the details more satisfactorily j perhaps by this 
means many of them will be rendered unnecessary. 

In the first place, God is a being distinguished by powers and 
perfections of which we know nothing. His eternity amazes us, 
his nature or essence is to us altogether unknown. Indeed, of his 
works we know only the external forms and appearances ; of the 
essence of any particle of matter, what do we know ? What do we 
know, or how conceive of creating power ? or of the converse of it, 
the power to annihilate ? or of an existence that is not limited, but 
extends everywhere ? How many more properties utterly inconceiv- 
able to us there may be in God we know not ; but let this specimen 
suffice. We are compelled to admit that there is a Gk>d, and that 
these are a part of his powers, but we can neither explain nor 



438 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

comprehend them. It follows hence, that it is not possible for us to 
assert with truth, or to conceive, what is, or what is not possible in 
the manner in which an uncreated, eternal, infinite being exists. 
For his being is so far raised above ours in its nature, that we see 
that things quite true in us are not so as they regard him ; and that 
to judge of his existence by our own, would be to apply a rule 
utterly incompetent and fallacious. 

This applies to what some affirm of the untttf of Ood ; for the 
unity of a being who is infinite, omnipresent, and who fills all in all, 
is so different a thing from anything called uniti/, in a created being, 
that we cannot apply <mr reasoning about unity to him. In the 
scripture the unity of God means that there are no beings who are 
possessed of the divine nature, except the creator of heaven and 
earth, and that he alone is God; but the passages which assert this 
unity determine nothing respecting the mode of the existence of this 
One God, and do not assert what is and what is not possible, relative 
to that subject. 

Taking your own analogy of heavenly things to earthly, of 
Father and Son in heaven to father and son on earth : the /Mir 
supposes the son, and exists not in the character of father, till he has 
a son. It is objected that the analogy supposes at least priority in 
the father's existence. It does so in im, but we do not know that it 
does so in God. In us, existence itself supposes a prior cause, in 
God it does not. This is enough to show that we are on very 
different ground when reasoning concerning our God, than when 
reasoning concerning ourselves. If the representation of fath&r and 
son be designed to point out that the origination of the son was from 
the father, yet if that origination was the result of the divine nature, 
so that God eternally and necessarily existed as Father, Son, and 
Holy Spirit, then the only terms intelligible to us which could give 
us an idea of the revealed character of Grod, would be those used in 
the New Testament. And yet these terms might not be designed 
to be applied in every direction, as they are among us, and evidently 
were not : for among men, the &ither supposes another being, viz. 
the mother, which, in the case now before us, no one admits; and 
this is a proof that we must take the terms as analogous only in a 
degree. It deserves our consideration, whether the name Son of 
God, is not designed to point out also that relationship which marks 
a participation of the same nature; and if this is taken into the 
account the difficulty is reduced to nothing. The major part of those 
who contend for the derivation of the Son from the Father, do so for 



ON THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY. 439 

the purpose of exhibiting him as an inferwr being, infinitely inferior, 
in fact a mere creature. But the andogy to which they refer fails 
them in one great point. A son is of the same nature as his father, 
not inferior, and often, with respect to his talents, far his superior. 
There may be other reasons for the representation which we do not 
yet see, but those now stated are in my view clear and forcible, and 
essential to the doctrine of the Trinity. Indeed, the whole depends 
on this one point, that what God is, he is necessarily, and from 
eternity. All those schemes which represent Father, Son, and Holy 
Spirit, as only names descriptive of official character, without any 
regard to modes of existence (in some way considered) sacrifice the 
doctrine, without gaining any important advantage, and are in 
continual opposition to the language of the Scripture. They all 
suppose either that the Son and the Spirit are only personifications, 
or beings created for the purpose of executing certain parts of the 
plan of salvation, and represented as allied to the deity in con- 
descension to our weakness ; and for the purpose of impressing us 
with a sense of their importance. They all, however, are an inclined 
plane, conducting men down to mere Unitarianism ; for the mind 
discovers the secret that [according to such schemes] the Son of 
God, is not of the same nature with his Father, but infinitely his 
inferior ; only in a higher degree than good men are the sons of 
God ; and then our sense of obligation to him instantly sinks, and 
we are prepared to let him down to a level with ourselves ! 

Again, the apostles were themselves Jews, and had to deal with 
Jews who were tenacious of what they called the unity of God. 
Yet the apostles speak of Christ in such terms as show that they 
ascribed to him the names and peculiarities of Deity ; and doing this 
they must have struck at the prejudices of there countrymen. But 
how is this to be accounted for, unless there was in their minds 
some indispensable necessity for it; especially when we recollect 
how desirous they were of softening their minds and of drawing 
their attention to the gospel. 

Our Lord himself laid claim to the character and authority of Son 
of Qtod in such a maimer as to alarm and irritate the Jews ; and 
what he said cannot in many places be accounted for, if he did not 
claim a union with his Father incompatible with anything that could 
be asserted by any created being. 

Farther, his coming into the world is distinctly asserted to be 
the laying aside of his glory — ^putting on the form of a servant — for 
the purpose of acting in that subordinate capacity, and professedly 



440 LIFX or JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

as a servant, and adopting a medium which could have nothing bui 
what was conveyed to it. Now this representation naturally aocounts 
for numberless passages, in which dependcnoe and subordination are 
mentioned, allowed, and asserted. 

^Notwithstanding this, he is especially said to be the Creator of 
the world, by whom also it consists; and in the view of laying 
down his life, he asserted that he had the power to take it up again. 
So that while he is said to be raised from the dead by his Father, 
yet he was not that dependent being that could not arise from the 
dead except by the sole exertion of the power of another. What 
dying man, in sound mind, asserts that he will assume his life ^ 
again? 

Hence the conclusion follows, that whether we can or cannot form 
a theory, on which we can explain the whole, yet there w a truth 
concerning the divine nature of Christ which demands admission on 
the evidence of the Kew Testament, and there tmui h, whether we 
see it or not, a connecting link between the Father and the Son, 
allowing the divinity of each, in all the force of the New Testament 
expressions : for no higher marks of divinity are in the Scriptures 
usually appealed to, than those ascribed to the Son as the Creator of 
all things, and by whom they all consist. 

Ecspccting what you say of " the superiority of the Father on the 
throne,'' this appears rather a poiut of order than anythiog else, into 
which it is not easy for us to enter, and, perhaps, dangerous to 
meddle. But this appears clear, that whatever may be the reasons 
why Jesus Christ is called the Son of God, there arises from the 
representation itself^ an impression, that frx>m the same reasons^ thare 
is a fitness in the Father's holding a priority in name and authority. 
The Father is on the throne, because in working out the salvation 
of men the Son and Spirit are represented as coming frx>m him ; the 
agencies engaged in this labour. They are therefore said to be smU. 
13ut surely no one can suppose that they were sent, or even com- 
missioned in the same way that a superior sends an inferior to do 
something which he would not think of doing till a command was 
laid upon him, unless the Son and Spirit are merely creatures ; and 
it' so, then you come to Unitorionism at once, and have, what appeara 
to me, the insurmountable difficulty of reconciling the language of 
that system with the terms of the New Testament. Let me here 
also observe, that although we do not know how to limit the power 
of God, yet we have no reason to believe that anything like the 
power of creating was ever given to any creature; or that the 



ON THB DIVINITY OF CHBI8T. 441 

power of governing the universe was ever communicated to a mere 
man ; now both these are expressly ascribed to Jesus. Christ. 

If we talk of mysteries, the mystery in the present case will 
really be in supposing that such power has been given to a creature, 
which every system supposes, that denies the divinity of Jesus 
Christ 

Considering the extent of the universe, from what we now know 
of it, (and how much ftirther it extends than we have yet discovered 
is of course unknown,) we have no option between applying the 
language used in the New Testament either literally or figuratively. 
If, then, Jesus Christ did create and does govern the universe, what 
is he? If he did not, then what credit is due to the New Testament^ 
which asserts that he did. 

If it be replied, such language is highly figurative, and must be 
understood of the arrangements made in the moral creation; I 
answer, it is hard to conceive how this interpretation can be deduced 
from the words that are used ; it is a stretch that is not easy to 
establish. And farther, if it was established, it would introduce 
such a principle of interpretation, as would reduce the authority of 
the New Testament so greatly, that it would be impossible to say 
what ought to be believed upon its testimony. For why should not 
other interpretations equally distant from the plain force of its 
language be admitted also ? We might go the greatest lengths of 
the wildest theorist, and plead the deviation from plain language 
in this instance as an authority. If it be said this argument, from 
consequences, is only of a secondary nature, it is still of some weight, 
in its operation is of some effect, and always demands its proper 
degree of consideration in every inquiry. 

To conclude these observations, every plan which attempts to 
explain the distinction of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, nominally 
so that it is supposed that they are only the same person operating 
imder three names, or in three ways, does nothing else than sacrifice 
the doctrine of Scripture, without gaining any advantage, seeing it 
does no more than bring to view a theory against which the language 
of Scripture so often militates, that we may be certain that system 
cannot be drawn from the pure records of truth, as the revelation 
of God to man. 

With the articles you left in my house (now sent) I have enclosed 
a small pamphlet on the subject of the character of Christ, and in 
the appendix to it you wiU find some things which may probably 
meet your inquiries. However, here it is, at your service. 

I remain, dear Sir, yours very truly, J. K. 



442 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

I am glad to observe the serious feeling you show on the subject 
in view ; a sense of the infinite consequence of the Saviour, to us, 
and a veneration for the language of the Scriptures, have saved 
many from destruction when agitated by speculation. A want of 
these guards have occasioned the destruction of thousands, by 
encouraging a scepticism which went to an extreme that left notiiing 
but the mere outside of religion, and hardly that. 

In June of this year, Mr. Kinghom for the last time took 
part in the anniversary services of the Baptist Missionary 
Society. The meeting of members he opened by prayer; 
and at the annual meeting he moved the first resolution — ^the 
adoption of the report, in the following terms : — 

Such a document as the present report has never before been 
presented to the world, and it must excite very powerful feelings. 
We have abundant cause for thankftilness ; for though historians 
cannot tell us all the good that has been done. Christian hope knows 
that everything tends to the prosperity of the church ; as in the 
primitive ages, though for 300 years the governments of the world 
opposed Christianity, yet it proved the power of Qtod to salvation, 
and finally overturned the idolatry of Eome. When we look at the 
word of Jehovah, we must expect mighty moral earthquakes shortly, 
to introduce scenes of unparalleled glory. For however good men 
may differ in their views of prophecy, they are all agreed as to the 
certainty of his glory filling the world. Christ will ride on his 
white horse, till all his enemies are destroyed. Hence, then, we 
are called to labour, till, as we heard on the past evening, we are 
invited to " enter into the joy of our Lord." 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

1832. MT> 6& 

CharaeUruitm of Mr. KinghorfCi preaching — SU powers of conver- 
sation — 2%e impressiveness of his adminisiration of the ordinances 
— Conversaiion'meetings — Some pursuits and studies — Influence 
amongst the Baptist ehurehes in the county — Sis friends — Samuel 
Green of JBast Dereham — Amelia Opie — The Iforfotk and Norwich 
Auxiliary Bible Society — Literary Institution — Duke of Sussex — 
Mr. Kinghom^s last sermons — Illness and death — Funeral — 
Anecdotes — Mrs. Opie^s elegy. 

In the present chapter, we propose to direct attention more 
especially to Mr. Kinghom's ministry in Norwich, his con- 
nection with the local institutions of the city and county 
where he resided, the firiendly relation maintained towards 
him by those around him, and the influence which his quiet, 
exemplary career had obtained for him at home. During the 
long course of his ministry at Norwich, his congregation had 
gradually but considerably increased. Amongst his hearers 
were several* of a somewhat kindred mould of character with 
himself; of dear thought, of intellectual inclinations, of 
literary pursuits, men who had more or less a love of solid 
criticism, of sound argument, and of logical reasoning; for of 
such a character was his preaching. It was the same with 
him at the close of his ministry, when his sermons contained 
the result of years of careful reading and research, as when at 
the age of eighteen he delivered his first address from behind 
the table in Mr. Ward^s room, at Newcastle. '' He aims,'* 

^ Amongst these we would especially mention the late John S. Brewer, a warm- 
hearted Christian, and a man of profound learning, and critical acquaintance with 
classical literature, with whom Mr. Kinghom's friendship was long and intimate. 



444 LIFE OP JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

said Mr. Pendered/' less at words than at things; and he aims 
well/^ This remained to the last a principal characteristic d 
his preaching ; and he left behind him few^ if any ^ who had 
that happy power of at once instructing the intellect^ Vindling 
the affections^ and aright directing the hearty which he 



His sermons were the result primarily of his diligent and 
prayerful attention to the subject; and more remotely, of 
the immense amount of reading and study, to which he had 
devoted himself. Thus while they struck others as extraor- 
dinarily full of information ; to him they appeared as ordinary, 
everyday matters, and as the natural effect of paying proper 
attention to the subject. Of some striking points in his 
preaching we have an admirable review in the sermons 
preached on the occasion of his deaths by his brethren, 
Alexander of Norwich, and Bane of Aylsham. Mr. Alexander 
thus characterizes his preaching with regard to its impres- 
siveness. 

It was full of '' thoughts that breathe and words that bum." It 
exhibited all the force of his intellect combined with all the fervonr 
of his heart, so that every sermon which he preached resembled 
" the sea of glass which was mingled with fire." 

His heart was anointed with a holy unction which diffused ifa 
fragrance over all his feelings and his words, and his eyes often 
became " fountains of tears" when he spoke of the hopes which the 
gospel inspires, and when he told the enemies of the cross that their 
end was destruction. And when on such occasions his voice broke, 
(and it sometimes did with tremulous impressiveness) a burst of 
holy eloquence was sure to follow, which thrilled, and subdued, and 
overwhelmed. 

While, however, his discourses were deeply impressive^ they 
were often rendered so in a great degree, as Mr. Alexander 
remarks, by their " plain and practical character*' and by the 
'^ point and force'* with which he directed his appeals to the 
conscience and heart. 

Mr. Bane, pastor of the church at Aylsham^ for which Mr. 
Kinghom had ever manifested the liveliest interest^ thus 
speaks of his firiend's ministry. 



8TTLE OF PKEACHINO. 445 

His siyle was argumentatiyey his reasoning powers pecnliarly 
strong, his arguments generally conclusive, the spirit which breathed 
through the whole was characteristic of the man. Truth was his 
object; in pursuit of which, or in its defence, he went right onward, 
neither fearing the frowns of men nor courting their smiles. 

What a holy unction was manifest in the devotion and fervour 
of his prayers, what humbling views he had of himself as a sinner 
before God, how ardently would he pray for acceptance through the 
atonement of his Son, with what heartfelt delight and holy ardour 
would he plead the satisfaction of Christ as the ground of a sinner's 
acceptance before Gk)d, and with what earnestness of heart, and 
profound and pathetic eloquence, would he point the attention of 
sinners to the vast importance of repentance towards Qod, and of 
&ith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 

There is one point which, however, we must not forget, in 
attempting to draw the outlines of Mr. Kinghom's style of 
preaching, namely, his happy power of illustration. Edward 
Irving, no mean judge of the way in which a preacher is 
enabled to obtain the approbation of his hearers, is said to 
have remarked, after hearing Mr. Kinghom, that one chief 
point of interest in his sermons appeared to him to lie in this 
power. His iremarkable acquaintance with matters which 
lay somewhat out of his path as a student of biblical criticism ; 
with mathematics, philosophy, mechanics, and even trades of 
various kinds, as well as with the ordinary routine of a 
business life, fitted him to draw at pleasure the most apt 
comparisons, and select such illustrations as would in the 
most natural and easy way exemplify his subject. 

But it was not only in the pulpit that his peculiarly exten- 
sive information was shown. By the fireside, as might be 
expected, his conversation was always instructive, while it was 
ever at the same time interesting, cheerful, and pleasant. It 
was, moreover, free firom eveiything like pedantry, and always 
well suited to those with whom he was conversing; so that 
while the intelligent and well-informed delighted in intercourse 
with one who had at his command such a store of varied 
knowledge, those of smaller powers or of less education felt 
that they were talking, not with a severe critic but with a 



446 LIFK OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

kind firiend^ ever ready as he was able^ to giye them informa- 
tion^ and to direct their attention to what might both instruct 
and please them. When he came in contact with persons for 
the first time^ he would endeavour to find out with what 
subjects they were fietmitiar^ and so to speak of those subjects 
as at once to derive and impart information respecting them. 
A curious example of this occurred at a firiend's house Where 
several members of the church were invited to spend an 
evening. Mr. Kinghom ^finding himself seated next to a 
most respectable tradesman, a tallow chandler, with his usual 
adroitness turned the conversation on the subject of his firiend's 
trade. He was at Once pleased and interested, and entered on 
the discussion right heartily, describing to Mr. Kinghom the 
various processes of the trade, to which he listened with 
much interest, in his turn explaining the reasons for tiie 
various operations, and thus actually instmcting his friend in 
the philosophy of his own trade. 

Yet it is remarkable that one of such excdknt conversationa] 
powers and of such sincere piety, should have foond it difficult 
to introduce, especially to young penons, the subject of 
it4i|rion. When onoe a question was pot and the matter 
<l^^ ^Ni^MI^ W ^KV^ttld pursue it widi hia osaal attention and 
i;^^,]^t^j^ !H^ %4^ >)!i!M tt)«e didkuhy waa to hraik tiie ice. It 
'^v^VAr>i> %i^ ^ i^fi "^tft lAtirp kumility and vnwiUingness to 
>^\u\ gv^u u> Ilk J9k^w^f«^ ^hnnife tke secsEets of his own heart, 
iiXsKi he ^^ pir%Mi«mft^t 6v«a tKVftdkiiig wt&oiit the greatest 
vlukkuicv oa die seciets of the beait^ oCollKfSw 

Lu hi& letters to his young ftirmtr, aa has been ah^ady 
shown, he would freely write of thecxnranBof eteniity, urging 
upon them the importarirx* of foDowii^ die Saviour, and many 
of these letters are highly valued by tlNHe wfco recdved them, 
as having been of eminent service to tifena. May those which 
we have been enabled by their kjndntas; to presoit to the 
reader, be the means of leading others to ioDow him even as 
he followed Christ, so that he being dead may yet speak. 

Amongst the most interesting and impreasm recollections 
of Mr. Kinghom are those of his admimstratkm of the 
ordinances. Those who have been prese&l^ remember his 



ADHINISTaATION OF THE ORDINANCES. 447 

commanding figure^^ standing at the water's edge^ the affec- 
tionate earnestness of his brief address to the candidates^ 
(who were seated near^) the solemnity of his appeals to those 
who had come to witness the ordinance^ the imction of his 
prayer^ and the cahnness and seriousness with which he led 
the candidates into the water and immersed them in the name 
of the triune Jehovah ; and many look back to it with a deep 
sense of the impressiveness of the scene^ and with feelings of 
thankfulness for having been present on such occasions. 

The administration of the Lord's Supper he would frequently 
commence^ as he looked round upon the assembled churchy 
with the words, " Grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied imto 
you," and then would often go on to say, "Thus we are 
brought, by the good hand of our God upon us, through 
another month." One who was frequently present on these 
occasions thus speaks of these impressive services : — 

I remember well the frequency of the introduction, "Grace, 
mercy, and peace be multiplied unto you." The scene from the 
gallery as witnessed in my early years, has left an undying im- 
pression of unusual solemnity and of the glory of a Christian's hope. 
If I remember, there was a pause before the commencement of the 
service, till all minds were hushed, the thoughts composed, and 
stillncsB reigned. Even at the commencement of the ordinance his 
feelings seemed to have more than usual animation and joy, and 
towards the close, especially while dwelling on that second coming 
referred to in the words, " until he come," he often seemed to me 
to be living in a triumph of expectation and joy, which wrapped his 
soul and bore him, and those around him, for the present above all 
earthly things, to the realization of a degree of bliss scarcely known 
but there. The time of the observance [after the close of the after- 
noon service]— especially when, in the winter months, the shades 
of evening were added to stillness, broken only by his animated 
voice, increased the impression made on me, (when an observer 
only,) as he referred to the events of that night when the Saviour 
was betrayed. After administering the bread and wine to others, 
he continued, when partaking of it himself, some little time in 
perfect quiet and meditation ; and when he opened the h3nnn book, 

^ Mr. Ejnghom neTer wore any special dreas for baptizing, but appeared in hia 
naiial attire. 



448 LIFE or JOSEPH KINGHO&N. 

placed it for a time on one of the cnps, and after some words of 
exhortation and comfort, read in a maimer which uttered his whole 
3oul, some favourite hymn. The thrill of divine love and joy which 
it seemed to communicate had an effect on me which I cannot hut 
feel at this day to he among my deepest impressions of the hlessed- 
ncss of such a hope; and to have had a powerful effect in first 
awakening in me a love of Christ. His addresses to those who 
were received for the first time to this ordinance, were very short, 
hut remarkahle for adaptation of counsel, encouragement, and 
fervent welcome. Amongst the hymns which he selected on these 
occasions, there are several which he used to read with such an 
elevation of feeling, that they have left a special memory of him in 
connection with them to this day. 

Amongst them may especially be mentioned Dr. Joseph 
Stennett's beautiful hymn^ commencing^ 

Thus we commemorate the day, 
On whkh our dearest Lord was slain ; 
Thus we our pious homage pay, 
Till he appears on earth again. 

and that by Dr. Doddridge, 

Come, condescending Sayiour, come, 
Illustrious conqueror o'er the tomb ; 
Here thine assembled serrants bless, 
And fill our hearts with sacred peace. 

During several years of Mr. Kinghom's residence in 
Norwich, a pleasant opportunity for intercourse and instruc- 
tion was afforded by a friendly tea party, held once a month, 
alternately at the houses of several members of his congrega- 
tion. It was distinctly understood, that on these occasions, 
the conversation should be entirely confined to rdigious 
topics. Consecutive portions of Scripture were read and freely 
discussed, and the principal points of conversation were then 
summed up by him, the whole being concluded by prayer. 

Of Mr. Kinghom^s home pursuits we have in a former 
chapter given some notices, but we must not omit to mention 
his faithful domestic, Eleanor Cutting, who for nearly thirty 
years remained in his service. She was a consiBtent membcar 



STUDIES. 449 

of the church at St. Mary's^ and a woman of superior intellect. 
Mr. Kinghom frequently gave her his proof sheets for her 
suggestions or opinion. She survived her master many years> 
her old age heing rendered comfortable by an ample legacy 
which he left her. She spent the latter years of her life 
with her own family^ and lived to the advanced age of 
ninety-four. 

Mr. Kinghom's daily habits remained to the end of his life 
almost unchanged. He still commenced the day^s study by 
reading a chapter or two in the Hebrew Bible, and then 
continued the various subjects which he was pursuing. His 
preparation for preaching occupied some considerable portion 
of his time, and on this he bestowed by no means less labour 
in the later than in the earlier portion of his ministry ; to the 
last his attention to his subject was as careful as when a 
student ; and as the field of his observation enlarged and the 
extent of his knowledge increased, his research became the 
more profound. 

In the latter half of his life especially, he became deeply 
versed in the Hebrew language, and well read in Jewish 
theological lore, insomuch that it has been remarked* that in 
his own denomination he was inferior only to Dr. Gill in 
an intimate acquaintance with Rabbinical literature. Tht 
Targums, the Mishna, and the various commentaries of the 
Rabbies, were constantly perused by him, and he thus was 
able to illustrate the Old Testament with the most appropriate 
notices of the traditions and customs of the Jews, a branch of 
knowledge which well repays investigation, and should be 
more carefully pursued than is usual by those whose office it 
is to explain the Scriptures. 

The theological and critical works of the more orthodox 
Grerman divines also formed an important branch of Mr. 
Kinghom^B study. John David Michaelis especially was one 
of his favourite authors. He had a lai^e portion of his works^ 

^ Byland't "Life and CorrespoDdence of John Foster/' YoL i, p. 32, fwte, 
Mr. ByUnd has erred in stating that Mr. Kinghom was the immediate predecessor 
of John Foster, at Tuthill Stairs. It will be seen by the foregoing pages, that Mr. 
Kinghom had only preached occasionally at Tuthill Stairs, and that he had left 
Newctitle some yean prerionsly to Mr. Foster's retidenoe there. 

Q e 



450 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

both German and Latin^ in his library^ and perused ihem 
attentively. 

In church history^ too^ he was quite at home, and in the 
works of the Greek and Latin &ther8. Many a ponderous 
tome did he read from end to end, and without any show of 
learning gave his people the benefit of all his reading : he 
would show firom the history of the past the dangers of the 
future ; and gleaning from many a time-worn page, gems of 
truth, would bring them before his hearers. 

Of his kindness as a friend we need scarcely speak. All 
who applied for his advice and counsel he was ever ready to 
assist, and those who enjoyed his friendship can testify to its 
constancy and firmness. Points of interest or difficulty 
occurring in the neighbouring Baptist churches were usually 
submitted to him for solution,^ and the ministers of those 
churches looked up to him for direction. 

In my many applications to Mr. Kinghom for his judicious 
counsel, (says one of these ministers,) he always received me with the 
kindest urbanity, listened to the statements submitted with careful 
inquiry, discussed the points of difficulty with striking discrimina- 
tion and Christian sympathy, and then propounded steps or views 
with remarkable caution, appropriateness, and wisdom; nor do I 
remember that deference to his judgment ever resulted in regret. 

On one occasion, in converse on painful occurrences in the Christian 
church as apparently inseparable from its present state, and as 
necessary for the development and exercise of some of the beautiful 
graces of Christianity, Mr. Kinghom, with uplifted hands and a 
countenance beaming with intelligent approval, said, ** I am more 

* A singnilar case occurred in one of these churches in the year 1821 : a person offered 
himself for membership, but at the same time disclosed the fact that he bad been 
preTiously baptized, and joined a Baptist church, but had fallen into a sinfiil course* 
and remained in that state many years. He now professed to hare recelTed spiritual 
life, which he had never previously known experimentally, and the question arose, teat 
his baptism a scriptural one or notf Reference was mode to Rev. William Jones, 
of London, and to Mr. Kinghom. Mr. Jones was of opinion that sndi baptism was 
not scriptural, as it was administered to one who had not at the time received the 
grace of God, and that, therefore, he should be rebaptized. Mr. Kinghom, on the 
contrary, maintained that as the person had been immersed on aprofession of his £uth, 
all had been done that was required by the Saviour, as it was idways impossible to 
ascertain with certainty the reality of such profession. The permn in question was 
ultimately admitted to memberahip without being bq^tiied again. 



HIS NORFOLK FRIENDS. 451 

and more satisfied with the government of God." The piety and 
emphasis of this e^^clamation made an impression never to be 
forgotten. 

One of Mr. Kinghom^s intimate friends among the 
Baptist ministers in the coimty, whom we have not yet had 
occasion to name^ ought especially to be mentioned — the 
late Mr. Samuel Green^ of East Dereham^ and afterwards of 
Bluntisham. This remarkable man was a corporal in the 
Warwickshire militia^ when he first came to Norwich. There 
were several pious men in the regiment^ some of whom, 
especially Serjeant Burton and Corporal Green, were in the 
habit of preaching. On their arrival at Norwich they sup- 
plied several congregations there and in the neighbourhood, 
preaching to crowded assemblies, many, doubtless, being 
attracted by the novelty of seeing regimentals in the pulpit. 
In due time he was invited to become pastor of the Baptist 
church at East Dereham, an invitation which, after procuring 
his discharge from the regiment, he accepted. After labour- 
ing there twenty-two years, and at Bluntisham ten, he passed 
the remainder of his days in comparative retirement, and 
survived till May 17th, 1840. 

With the Rev. John Alexander of Norwich, and the various 
ministers who successively held the pastoral ofiice at the Old 
Meeting, Mr. Kinghom enjoyed much happy intercourse, as 
well as with many ministers of the neighbouring Independent 
churches. Amongst the latter we may especially notice the 
Bev. John Carter, of Mattishall, whose wavy silver locks and 
venerable face must still be fresh in the recollection of many ; 
Rev. Edward Hickman, of Denton, with whom Mr. Kinghom^s 
acquaintance was intimate and affectionate; Rev. William 
Walford, of Yarmouth, (subsequently of Homerton,) and his 
successor. Rev. Alexander Creak, and many others, who, like 
most of these, have passed into eternity. Of his intimacy 
with Joseph John Oumey we have already spoken; nor may 
we in mentioning Mr. Kinghom's Norwich acquaintances, 
omit the late Amelia Opie. One note from her only is found 
in his correspondence, an invitation to him to meet at her 

oo2 



452 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHOEN. 

house a learned Jewish Rabbi^ from Poland^ who^ with his 
wife^ had been staying at Earlham^ and was about to visit her. 
In the autumn of 1853^ but a few months before her deaths 
when calling on Mrs. Opie, we showed her this note^ and, on 
observing the date, (1831,) she lifted up both her hands, and 
with an inimitable expression of surprise and solenmitj ex- 
claimed, ''Two and twenty years ago I" For a minute or two 
she appeared to be reflecting on the varied scenes of those 
two and twenty years ; and then, notwithstanding her great 
age, she read the note through with perfect ease, without the 
aid of a glass. She then endeavoured to remember the 
circumstances, recalled the Jewish Rabbi and his lady to her 
memory, and spoke of them with much pleasure; but felt 
persuaded that Mr. Einghom did not meet them, she was 
sure that she " should have regarded his visit as too great an 
honour to have forgotten the fact.^^ 

Through the kindness of her biographer, MisvS Brightwell, 
we have the pleasure of appending to this volume, some 
unpublished lines written by Mrs. Opie on Mr. SLinghom's 
decease. 

In the public institutions, religious and philanthropic, of 
the city and county, Mr. Kinghom was deeply interested. 
The Norfolk and Norwich Auxiliary Bible Society he assisted 
in forming, and the account given of that event by J. J. Gumey 
is too interesting not to be inserted. 

"We had a rare day indeed on Wednesday," he writes on the 
11th of September, 1811, to his Aunt Jane GKimey, ''nothing could 
pass off more pleasantly than our Bible Society Meeting. Under- 
standing that considerable numbers would attend, we were obliged 
to transfer ourselves from the Market Hall to the Hall of St. 
Andrew's. Everything was prepared ; a scaffolding for the speakers, 
and seats for the company, which was most respectable, unexpectedly 
clerical, and mustered about six hundred in number. John Owen 
and myself contrived the order of business with the bishop in the 
morning. * * * The bishop first harangued, and admirably well* 
upon the excellence of the British and Foreign Bible Society, its 
objects, constitution, and effects. He then introduced the secre- 
taries — Steinkopff, a most interesting German and Lutheran, and 



THK BIBLE SOCIETY. 458 

(as far as I can judge from an acquaintance of three days) a 
remarkably simple and devoted character, first came forward. He 
told the tale of what the Society had done in Germany and other 
parts of Europe, in broken but good English; and by degrees 
warmed the meeting into enthusiasm. He was followed by Hughes, 
the Baptist secretary, an eloquent, solid, and convincing orator. 
The company was now ready for the resolutions. The bishop pro- 
posed them, I seconded them ; and after I had given a little of their 
history and purport, they were carried with acclamation. Fellowes 
moved thanks to the bishop, Kinghom seconded, with some excel- 
lent remarks upon the bishop's liberality. The bishop replied, and 
said some fine things of Einghom. It was really delightful to hear 
an old Puritan and a modem bishop saying everything that was 
kind and Christian-like of each other. The bishop's heart seemed 
quite full, and primitive Kinghom, when the bishop spoke of him 
so warmly, seemed ready to sink into the earth with surprise and 
terrified modesty. Owen closed the meeting with an unnecessarily 
splendid but most effective address. More than £70Q was collected 
before the company left the Hall." 

During many succeeding years Mr. Kinghom continued to 
take a lively interest in the Society, the fifth report of whose 
proceedings (for 1816) was written by him. Mr. Gurney 
thus requests him to imdertake the task : — 

Norwich, 9th mo., 13th. 
Mr DEAR Fbiend, 

The number of Bibles, &c., sent from London to 

the Branch Society is as follows: Bibles, 180 ; Testaments, 80. 

Stevenson & Co. have asked me for some account of our approach- 
ing meeting. As so many valiants are likely to be there, I wish 
thou wouldst undertake a report of our proceedings. Thou art the 
only one amongst us capable. Four hundred twelfth reports are 
received, our next committee must decide how they are to be 
distributed. I rather hope the Missionary people will allow the 
whole of the 26th to remain clear for the Bible Society. 

I depend upon thy dining with me on that day, to meet the 
bishop and Wilberforce. 

Thy aflfectionate friend, J. J. G. 

The "Norfolk Benevolent Society*' for the relief of aged 
Dissenting ministers and their necessitous widows was also an 



454 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

object of great interest to Mr. Kinghom. He assisted at its 
formation in 1800, in conjunction with many Dissenters of 
various denominations, one only of whom, John Culley, Esq.^ 
of Cossey, now survives. 

Mr. KJnghom was from the time of his arrival in Norwich 
a subscriber to the Public Library, and became a member of 
the Norfolk and Norwich Literary Institution at its formation, 
taking an active part in its arrangements. 

When the Duke of Sussex visited Bishop Bathurst, his 
lordship conducted the Duke to see the Institution, where he 
was, of course, met by the president. Colonel Harvey, and by 
most of the literary members of the Society, many of whom 
were presented to his Boyal Highness, their respective works 
being placed in his hands. Amongst these was the " Clavis 
Pentateuchi," of which the Duke took especial notice, fiEdling 
into a long and energetic conversation on the Hebrew points, 
and other kindred matters. It was remarked that Mr. 
Kinghom did not hesitate to criticize, though in the most 
courteous manner, some of the Duke^s observations. Dr. 
Adam Clarke, for instance, was mentioned by his Boyal 
Highness as a ^^profoimdly learned man.^' ^'Does it not 
seem to your Boyal Highness," was the reply, ''that Dr. 
Clarke's learning was rather extensive than profound?'' a 
suggestion which he proceeded to support by various refer- 
ences to his Commentary. Mr. Kinghom afterwards remarked 
that the Duke's acquaintance with Hebrew seemed to be very 
considerable. 

We have thus endeavoured to place before the reader an 
outline of Mr. Kinghom's home pursuits, and to show the 
happy firiendships which existed aroimd him. Alas ! (we are 
perhaps too ready to exclaim) that he should be interrupted 
in so useful and so happy a course. But He that seeth not as 
man seeth had so ordained. 

The last Lord's day on which Mr. Kinghom was permitted 
to speak in public* was the 19th of August. It was his 

* The last time that Mr. Eingliorn preached at the United Monthly Meeting of the 
principal congregations of the city, was on the 5th of March, at the Tabernacle ; *' On 
the future uniyersal spread of the gospel." His text was Rot. zi, 15. The sermon 
was remarkably powerful and impressiTe. 



ILLNESS AND DEATH. * 455 

habitual practice to take on the Sabbath morning either a 
chain of connected subjects^ or some portion of the word of 
God, which he expounded consecutively one or two verses at 
once. At the time of his death he was expounding the first 
chapter of the 2nd of Peter, and his last exposition was from 
the 7th verse — " and to godliness, brotherly kindness, and to 
brotherly kindness, charity.** 

With the Wednesday evening lecture on the 23rd of 
August, his public labours closed, on which occasion he 
selected the remarkable accoimt of the Rechabite^ in the 
35th of Jeremiah. It was an interesting and striking address. 

Besides these sermons there remains in his note book 
the usual careful shorthand outline of a sermon from Isaiah 
xxvi, 9, which he had intended to deliver on the 26th of 
August. On the preceding day, however, he was attacked by 
fever, and on the Sabbath morning he came down to breakfast 
but was obliged to return to bed almost immediately. Great 
was the alarm and surprise of the congregation when they 
found that their pastor did not appear. William Knibb, from 
Jamaica, supplied his place that Sabbath morning, and Bev. 
R. G. Le Maire in the afternoon. During the following week 
the fever continued to increase, and at nine o'clock on Saturday 
evening, September 1st, 1832, his spirit took its flight to the 
presence of the Saviour. 

On Friday, the 7th of September, the funeral took place in 
St. Mary's meeting-house, under the vestibule of which his 
body rests. At the close of the service Joseph John Gumey, 
(who was seated in the centre of the building,) rose and 
addressed to the congregation a few words of afiectionate 
sympathy. 

On the following sabbath a funeral sermon was preached at 
St. Mary's, by the Rev. John Alexander, from 2 Pet. i, 12 — 15. 
"Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in 
remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be 
established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as 
long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you 
in remembrance; knowing that shortly I must put off this 



466 LIFE Of JOaXFH KINOHORN. 

my tabernacle^ even as our Lord Jesoa Christ Haih shewed 
xkie. Moreover^ I will endeavour that ye may be able^ after 
my decease^ to have these things always in remembrance/' 
These words^ as Mr. Alexander remarked^ were '^ impressively 
suitable'' to the occasion, especially as had Mr. Kinghom's 
life and health been prolonged to that day, ^'he would pro- 
bably have made them the subject of his own discourse." 

The news of Mr. Einghom's sudden and unexpected removal 
was a severe stroke to all who knew him, and they felt that 
his place would indeed never be supplied. It was said by an 
evangelical clergyman in the ooimty, on hearing it, ^' If half 
Norwich had died the loss would not have been so much 
felt." 

We cannot, perhaps, better conclude this chapter than by 
appending the following little collection of incidents and 
sayings stored in the album of one who knew, and therefore 
loved, Joseph Kinghom, and finally by Mrs. Opie's lines : — 

FIIOM THE FULPIT. 

" I never knew an instance in which persons who were irregular 
in their attendance on the publio worship of Gbd, ever became 
eminent and useful characters." 

'' The shortest way through temporal difficulty is to seek spiritual 
consolation." 

IK C0NVEBSA.TI0Ny A FEW WEEKS PSIOB TO HIS DEATH, 

It was observed to him, that the contrast between the present state 
of the Christian and his future state in heaven much heightens 
the enjoyment thereof. He said, a question would arise, what 
could be found perpetually to satisfy the desires of the mind in a 
boundless eternity? he knew but of one answer — "The infinite 
resources of an infinite God ! " 

On being told that Mr. Clarke, of Worstead, had resigned his 
pastoral office in consequence of infirmities and affiiction: he 
paused and seemed much affected; then said in a low, plaintive 
tone, " Ah ! that is what we are all coming to." I said, " Sir, 
there is a rich reward for the fidthful minister of Jesus Christ" 
He said with great feeling — " 'Tis well if we escape condemnation." 



MRS. opie'b blbot. 467 

TRIBX7TABT LUTES BT HSS. OPIE 09 MB. ETNGHOBIT'b DEATH, 

On hearing it said oontinnally that onr late revered friend, Joeeph Exogbom, waa 
"fit to die." 

Hail words of trath, tliat Christian comfort give ! 
But then, the " fit to die," how fit to live ! 
To live a bright example to mankind, 
" Peet to the lame, and eyesight to the blind ! " 
To lift the " Lamp," the Word of God, on high ; 
To point to Calvary's mount the sinner's eye ; 
To tread the path the first apostles trod, 
And earn that precious name—" A man of Gk>d " 
He lived, whom Christian hearts deplore. 
And hence the grief — ^he lives for us no more. 
But Eaith exulting, joins the general cry, 
He fit to live, was greatly fit to die ! 



CHAPTER XXV. 

Published Works — Unpublished Manuscripts, 

The present chapter we intend to devote to a recapitulation 
of Mr. Kinghom's printed works^ and of his principal 
unpublished MSS. 

lAst of Mr. Kinghom^s Works : — 

1. — Catalogue of the Library of Bristol Academy, prepared 
by him in 1787 — 8, (see p. 111.) but not printed till 1795. 

2. — A Defence of Infant Baptism, its best confutation; 
being a reply to Mr. Peter Edwards's " Candid Reasons for 
renoimcing the Principles of Anti-pedobaptism/' on his own 
ground. (See pp. 251, 257 — 8.) Norwich, 1795. 

3. — Public Worship Considered and Enforced. 

Norwich, 1800. 

After tracing the history of Di\'ine worship from its first institu- 
tion, Mr. Kinghom goes on to show the tendency of the worship of 
God to spread religious knowledge, especially amongst those classes 
who have not much opportunity of Christian intercourse in private ; 
to promote spirituality of mind and moral improvement and to 
afford comfort and edification. He concludes with an earnest 
exhortation to a regular and serious observance of public worship, 
urging it both as a duty and privilege. 

4. — ^Address to a friend who intends entering into church 
communion. Norwich, 1803. 

Second edition, 1813 — 3rd edition, 1824. 

The later editions include an appendix containing a "Brief 
Statement of the sentiments of the Baptists on the Ordinance of 
Baptism," which was also published separately in 1824. 



PUBLISHED WORKS. 469 

This pamphlet is not one of those written on what is generally 
called the Communion question, but is an earnest, pointed, and 
affectionate address to candidates for baptism, a copy of which it 
was Mr. Kinghom's practice to put into the hands of those who 
applied for membership with the church over which he presided, 
a practice which has been continued by his successors to the present 
time. 

5. — ^Arguments, chiefly firom Scripture, against the Roman 
Catholic doctrines, in a dialogue. (See p. 301.) 

Norwich, 1804. 

This little tract is written in the form of a conversation between 
Richard, a Protestant, and Robert, who thinks of becoming a 
Catholic. Richard gives his objections from Scripture and reason 
against the various doctrines and practices of the Roman Catholic 
church, and concludes by recommending his friend Robert to read 
the New Testament daily with earnest prayer, " for Jesus Christ 
and his apostles must be right.'' 

6. — Observations on the Norfolk Benevolent Society of 
Protestant Dissenting Ministers ; for the relief of the necessi- 
tous Widows and Orphans of Dissenting Ministers, and of 
ministers who are by age or affliction incapable of public 
service. Norwich, 1808. 

Containing elaborate calculations to show what annuities the 
society could afford, and the care that should be taken at so early a 
stage of its progress, in the appropriation of its funds. 

7. — Serious Considerations addressed to the House of Israel. 
The substance of a sermon delivered at the Jews^ chapel, 
December 16th, 1810, firom the words ^' Consider your ways." 
(See p. 331.) London, 1811. 

After briefly showing that the investigation of the truth or felse- 
hood of Christianity is a subject of the highest importance to the 
Jew as well as the Gentile, Mr. Kinghom endeavours to lead his 
hearers seriously to consider whether the history of the Jewish 
nation during the past 1800 years, their present state and that of 



460 LIFE OF JOSEPH KIN6HORN. 

their country, do not certainly prove that from the period when 
their forefathers rejected Jesus of Nazareth, they haye heen, and 
still remain under the displeasure and chastisement of God. 

He then quotes those Old Testament prophecies, which, hy the 
Targums are applied to the Messiah, and shows how the scattering 
of i^e Jews, the loss of thoir genealogies, and the destruction of 
their kingdom, have rendered impossible the future ftdfilment of 
these prophecies, and how on any plan of interpreting prophetic 
chronology, the time for their fulfilment has long since passed; and 
then, after noticing how idolatry has beenover thrown and the God 
of the Old Testament believed and honored wherever the New 
Testament has been preached, how the one is never either accepted 
or rejected without the other, except by the Jews, and lastly, how 
exactly the New Testament prophecies with respect to the Jewish 
kingdom and people have been fulfilled, he concludes with an 
earnest appeal to his hearers prayerfully and seriously to ** Ckmsider 
their ways." 

8. — ^The Miracles of Jesus not performed by the power of 
the Shemhamphorash : — 

The substance of a sermon preached at the Jews' chapel, 
August 18th, 1811, being the seventh demonstration sermon, 
firom the words "When Christ cometh, will he do jaore 
miracles than these which this man hath done?'' with an 
appendix on Jewish Traditions, and the Perpetuity of the Law 
of Moses. (See p. 341.) London, 1812. 

The object of this sermon was to refute the Jewish accoimt of 
the miracles of Jesus, as contained in the "Toldoth Jesu," or 
Jewish " Life of Jesus." ** The book tells us," says Mr. Kinghom, 
** that there was in the temple a stone, on which was engraven the 
name of Qtod (or Shemhamphorash), that this stone once lay on the 
mouth of the deep ; and that when David dug the fi)undation of the 
temple he foimd it, and placed it in the holy of holies. On this 
stone rested the ark of the covenant. Whoever learned the name 
of God which was inscribed on it, the Jews said, would he able by 
this name to perform real miracles. But we are also told, that lest 
curious young men should do so, and bring devastation on the world, 
there were two brazen lions placed at the entrance of the holy of 
holies ; these had the power of roaring to such a degree, when any 



SERMON ON THE SHEMHAMPHORASH. 461 

one went in thither to learn the sacred name, that in his fright he 
forgot it, and thus his intention was defeated. Jesus, however, 
came to Jerusalem secretly, to make the attempt, and hy magical 
art and the power of the devil, he got into the holy place unobserved 
by the guards, and learning the sacred name he wrote it on parch- 
ment, and concealed it undef his skin. When he came out the lions 
roared and he forgot the name ; but he retired to Bethlehem, the 
place of his nativity, cut open the skin of that part of his body 
where he had concealed the parchment and learned the name per- 
fectly." After giving a summary of the inconsistent tales contained 
in the two works bearing the title, " Toldoth Jesu," Mr. Kinghom 
makes a careful comparison of the dates, showing that they were 
entirely inconsistent with each other, and also from collateral 
historical allusions, proving that they must both have been written 
several centuries after the time at which Jesus of Nazareth lived. 
He then goes on to show how subversive of all the Old Testament 
descriptions of the character and conduct of Jehovah, was such a 
tale of an impostor obtaining by strategy, that power which belonged 
to the Almighty alone, and draws a comparison between the miracles 
of Moses and of Jesus, showing that the same arguments used to 
prove the latter was an impostor, would apply equally to the former. 
In summing up the whole, Mr. Kinghom shows that the Jews, by 
repeating their tale of the " Toldoth Jesu,'* give their witness to 
the course of miracles performed by Jesus, and thus keep up the 
memorial of some of the greatest facts which attest the truth of the 
Christian religion; and imploring them seriously to consider the 
question asked by their forefathers in the text, he concludes by 
warning them of their danger, briefly stating the Christian plan of 
salvation, and pointing out its suitability to their case, as the lost 
sheep of the house of Israel. 

"When we view these things altogether," he concludes, "we 
cannot conceive the possibility of their being false, and in the 
earnestness of faith, we recommend them to you. May God in his 
mercy lead you, with conviction of soul, to look to him whom you 
have pierced. Then, though we know you wiU mourn, your sorrow 
will be turned into joy ; and in the fulness of our hearts we shall 
rejoice with you. Happy day ! When will it arrive ; that we may 
join the family of Jacob and say, — these were dead but are alive 
again, they were lost but are found ! The Lord hath done great 
things for us whereof we are glad. Blessed be the Lord God of 
Israel, from everlasting to everlasting ; amen and amen ! ** 



462 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHOBN. 

The appendix contains mnch interesting information respecting 
Babbinical traditions, and a learned and careftd treatise combatting 
the Jewish doctrine of the immutability of the law of Moses. 

9. — Scriptural Arguments for the Divinity of Christ ad- 
dressed to the serious professors of 'Christianity. 

Norwich, 1813, 8w. 
Second edition, with appendix containing Observations on 
the Rev, I, Perr/s letters to the Autl^or. 

Norwich, 1814, Umo. 

The author after drawing attention to the vast importance of his 
subject, goes on to speak first of the real humanity of the Saviour; 
secondly of his divinity ; thirdly to show that he existed before he 
was bom of the Virgin Mary ; then that such doctrines are not in- 
consistent with that of the unity of God ; and concludes by showing 
that the tendencies of the tFnitarian system, are to lower Christ 
beneath the standard held out by the apostles, as the rich and 
eloquent passages used by them in speaMng of Christ, can only be 
interpreted by Unitarians, "in the lowest term the words can 
bear." 

The spirit of the pamphlet is most excellent, and the arguments 
plain, simple, and forcible. 

10. — ^Advice and Encouragement to Young Ministers. 
Two Sermons addressed principally to the Students of the 
two Baptist Academies, at Stepney and at Bristol. 

Norwich, 1814, 8w. 

The first of these sermons from 1 Tim. iv, 15, — "Meditate on 
these things,'* &c., gives a very careful and deeply experimental 
review of the diligent attention which should be paid by a minister 
of the gospel to " the various objects which the Christian ministry 
presents to notice;'* to an untiring study of the word of God; to 
the relation to each other of the &ct8 of the gospel ; to the means of 
setting them forth in an instructive and impressive manner ; and to 
the constant " display of a holy life." 

The second sermon, from 1 Tim. i, 18, 19, presents a masterly 
exemplification of the holding "faith and a good consdenoe," and 
fhen gives a most graphic and animated description of the warikre 



3 



WORKS CONTINUED. 463 

of the christian minister. In both sermons the preacher shows a 
deep sympathy with his hearers, and while pointing out the path 
they should pursue, to a very great extent traces his own. 

11. — Baptism a Term of Communion at the Lord^s Supper. 

Norwich, 1816. 
Second edition^ 1816^ 8t;o. 

The communion controversy has been so fully reviewed at pp. 
403 — ^412 that nothing Auiiier is required here. 

12.— Fifth Report of the Committee of the Norfolk and 
Norwich Auxiliary Bible Society. (See p. 453.) 

Norwich, 1816, %vo. 

18. — ^Practical Cautions to Students and Yoimg Ministers. 

The substance of a Sermon preached at Bradford, in York- 
shire, at the Annual Meeting of the Northern Baptist 
Education Society, August 27th, 1817. Norwich, 1817, 8i;o. 

Proml Tim. iv, 16,— "Take heed unto thyself." A thoughtful 
and affectionate admonition to his young hearers to ^*tahe heed: 
1st, — ^In your present situation as students, that you carefully and 
honourably support your Christian character ; 2ndly, — ^In your pre- 
paratory studies, that you properly use the means of improvement 
which you now enjoy ; and 3rdly, — In your future life, when you 
appear publicly in the world as ministers of Jesus Christ, that you 
may avoid the dangers to which you will then be exposed." 

14. — ^A Defence of " Baptism a Term of Communion,'* in 
answer to the Rev. Robert Hall's '' Reply.'' (See p. 409.) 3 

; Norwich, 1820, Svo. 

15. — ^The Argument in support of Infant Baptism, from the 

Covenant of Circumcision, examined and shown to be invalid. 

London, 1823, 12fno. 

Mr. Kinghom here shows the consequences of placing infant 
baptism on a parallel with circumcision, namely, that as the 
irreligious Jew had a right to claim the rite of circumcision for his 
offspring, so the " irreligious professor of Christianity" might daim 
for his children the rite of baptism ; a consequence which " though 



464 LIFB OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

Bome Pedobaptists would admit, others would consider it destnio- 
tive of their whole system ;** and moreover, that baptized infants are 
on this theory church members, and have a right to all the privileges 
of the church without making any profession either of repentance 
or of faith. Again, he points out the compulsion of the rite of 
circumcision, and asks whether the gospel proceeds on such a prin- 
ciple in any of its requirements. If so, the application of force to 
compel men to become Christians is clearly made out. 

16. — Considerations addressed to the Eclectic Reviewer, in 
defence of those who maintain that baptism should precede 
commmiion ; occasioned by his '' Address to Correspondents'' 
in the Eclectic Review for Dec, 1824. Norwich^ 1825, Sro. 

Some Extracts from the above pamphlet were published 
separately, with a few additional remarks. Norvnch^ 1825, 8ro. 

The " Considerations'' were, as is implied in the title, intended 
to answer certain remarks published in the Review, in which Mr. 
Kinghom's name had been appended to sentiments which he had 
never avowed. 

17. — ^Arguments against the Practice of Mixed Communion, 
and in support of communion on the plan of the apostolic 
church, with preliminary observations on Rev. R. Hall's 
'^ Reasons for Christian, in opposition to Party Communion." 
(See p. 411.) London^ 1827, 12mo. 

18. — Sketch of the Life of the Rev. Isaac Slee, with an 
extract jGrom his farewell sermon, on his resigning the per- 
petual curacy of Plumpton, in Cumberland, in consequence of 
becoming a Baptist. (See p. 399.) London^ 1827, 12mo. 

19. — Remarks on a Coimtry Clergyman's attempt to ex- 
plain the nature of the visible church, the Divine Conmiission 
of the Clergy, &c., being a defence of Dissenters in general, 
and of Baptists in particular, on New Testament principles. 

Norwich, 1829, 12ino. 

This little pamphlet was written in reply to one published by a 
clergyman in the vicinity attacking Dissenters in general, and the 
Baptists especially, and holding them up to contempt in no very 
measured terms. "As the Baptists," says Mr. Kinghom, "aw 



UNFTJBLISHED MSS. 465 

denounced as endangering the salvation of their children, and as 
guilty of holding various errors, justice requires not only that they 
should be heard in their own defence, but that their defence should 
be formed on an appeal to New Testament principles." 

20. — ^A Sermon on the Separate State. London, 1831, %vo. 

This sermon, founded on 2 Cor. v, 8, shows first the reasonableness, 
and then the evidence from the Scriptures of the doctrine, " that 
when the body dies, the spirit lives in a separate state of existence." 
It is a beautiful example of the force of reasoning, and the depth 
of feeling, akeady mentioned as characteristic of Mr. Kinghom's 
preaching. 

In addition* to the above works Mr. Kinghom edited 
Robertson's "Clavis Pentaieuchi" Norwich, 1824, Svo. (See 
p. 394:) and also two editions, (the ninth, 1814; and 
tenth, 1827,) of the Collection of Hymns, originally made by 
Dr. Caleb Evans and Dr. Ash, in 1769. 

It were now probably impossible to make anything like a 
correct list of Mr. Kinghom's Reviews, Essays, and contri- 
butions to various periodicals ; suffice it to say that his labours 
of this kind were constant and very extensive. 

Brief Sketch of his principal unpublished MSS. 

1. — Reply to Evanson's " Dissonance of the Four generally 
received Evangelists.'^ About 200 pp. small 4^o. (See pp. 
219, 221, 233, 234. 1793 

2. — Reply to Paine's '^Strictures on Moses." 60 pp. 
small 4/0. (See pp. 259, 260.) 1795 

8. — Considerations on the Divinity of Jesus Christ. 18 pp. 
small 4/o. 

4. — Observations on the Argument for Infant Baptism, 
fipom Apostolic Tradition. 24 pp. large Svo. 

5. — Observations on the Doctrine of Election; and on the 
Perseverance of the Saints. 49 pp. small 4/o. 

A simple, clear, and scriptural exposition of these important truths. 

6. — ^Plain Truths on preaching the gospel to sinners. 20 pp. 

large 4/o. 1808 

H H 



466 LIFE OP JOSEPH KINGHORN. 

After a few general remarks on the advantage resulting to man- 
kind from the preaching of the gospel, Mr. Kinghom states his full 
helief in the doctrines of God*s foreknowledge and election of his 
people ; in the necessity of the Spirit* s inflnence to lead men to 
receive the gospel ; in the atonement of Christ, as the only ground 
of a sinner's acceptance with God ; and in the final perseverance, 
through grace to glory, of all those who truly helieve in Christ; 
and then proceeds to consider the question, " Whether the gospel 
should be freely preached to all men and whether they ought to be 
urged, by every argument that we can present, to attend to the 
salvation of their souls?" Or: "Whether the doctrines only of 
the gospel should be held up to the view of men, that if any of the 
elect should be present to hear them and be under the influence of 
the Holy Spirit, they may attend to them and receive them ? " 

His appeal is first to the practice of Christ and his apostles in 
addressing mixed multitudes in language of earnest warning and 
^entreaty to repent and believe the gospel; and secondly, to the 
principles on which they acted. Referring to the Lord's discourse, 
John vi, ho says : " Here is a clear proof that our Lord never 
intended us to suppose that the necessity of divine infiuence should 
prevent our exhorting men, by all the arguments which are likely 
to gain their attention, to seek the salvation of their souls, to repent 
and bcHeve the gospel ; • but on the contrary, that these are the 
means which he intended us to use to fiilfil the purposes of his 
Father in drawing his people to Christ for their salvation. Our 
Lord in the same discourse united both these things together, and 
we are not more inconsistent than he was if we do the same." 

7. — On Dissent, 

The subject Ib divided into two parts : — 

1st. The nature and leading principle of the discipline of the 
church of Christ according to the New Testament. 

2nd. Why we object to the Establishment of our own country. 

The treatise is written in Mr. Kinghom's usual style of oalm and 
careful investigation and argument, but is in an unfinished state. 
Another MS. Tract on the same subject is entitled. Why do jtm 
leave the Church of England ? 

8. — ^A short Address to those who are in Church CcMn- 
munion. 



REPLY TO BELSHAM AND PRIESTLEY. 467 

This was written as an Appendix to the " Address to a Friend 
who intends entering into Church Communion," but was never 
printed. 

9. — ^The Pre-existence and Divinity of Chrifit, Doctrines of 
Scripture and of the Primitive Church. 466 pp. 4^o. 

In the introduction to this elaborate work, Mr. Einghom draws 
the reader's attention to the momentous nature of the question at 
issue, showing that the belief that Jesus was merely a man destroys 
altogether the idea of an atonement for sin. 

The design of the work is stated to be that of bringing forward 
evidence " That Jesus Christ is in the Scriptures represented not as 
merely a man, but as having had a pre-existent and divine nature 
before he was bom of Mary ; so that while he is allowed to have 
been a man, he is also believed to have been God ; and that his 
proper character, while he was here was, God manifest in flesh. In 
the flrst part of the following treatise, the appeal is made to the 
Scriptures; in the second to the early Christian Church." 

It having been roundly asserted by Dr. Priestley that the majority 
of early Christians were of the same belief with modem Unitarians, 
Mr. Kinghom took the opinion of the ancient Church into account, 
in order to show the entire fallacy of Dr. Priestley's statement, and 
his own decided conviction that the tmth of the case was directly 
the opposite. 

In investigating the general coneidenUions involved in the con- 
troversy, Mr. Kinghom with most admirable closeness of reasoning 
and force of argument, animadverts on the entire absence from the 
descriptions of Christ given by modem Unitarian writers, of that 
holy glow of love and ardour of affection which mark the writings 
of the apostles; and he points to John i. Col. i, and Heb. i, as 
containing expressions which no modem Unitarians would use. 

"In this introduction," he concludes, "I have stated my opinion 
respecting the system of the Unitarians with freedom. In the 
following treatise, I shall proceed to state what appears to me to 
be the evidence that supports the opposite system. And since the 
truth is so important to both parties, I have only to add, may the 
God of tmth give us all that humility of heart which will enable ua 
to "receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to 
save our souls ; and when the Lord shall come in his glory, may 
we not be astonished at flnding him a being different in his nature 

H H 2 



4G8 LIFE OF JOSEPH K.1NGH0BN. 

from our prior conceptions; but may we by just sentiments, and 
sanctified dispositions, be prepared to ' see him as he is/ that thus 
we may be conformed to his glorious image.*' 

The first two volumes of the MS. are devoted to a consideration 
of the evidence that "the pre-existence and divinity of Christ*' 
were " doctrines of Scripture." 

The following are the principal divisions : — 

On the pre-existence of Jesus Christ. 

Jesus Christ created the world. 

Divine names and titles given to Jesus Christ, considered with 
relation to the impression they were likely to make on the minds of 
those who heard them. 

Omnipresence of Jesus Christ. 

Josus Christ superior to angels. 

On tlie exaltation of Christ. 

On the worship of Christ. 

In the third and fourth volumes, Mr. Kinghom considers the 
testimony of ecclesiastical history on the person of Christ; and it 
is (^specially of this part of the MS that we wish to give a slight 
outline, as Dr. Pye Smith has devoted but a few pages to the con- 
sidonition of the subject. Mr. Kinghom proposes to stata his 
sentiments and bring forward the evidence that supports it, under 
four heads. 

I. 27iat the opinion of the ancient Jewish Christiana is of no weight 
in this controversy, 

"I do not mean," he remarks, "that if we could come at the 
sentiments of the Jerusalem church, when it walked in the 
apostle's doctrine and fellowship, that this would be of no weight; 
but (since we can use only the materials which we have) from 
what we know of the Jewish Christians which are mentioned in 
ecclesiastical history, they departed so widely from the manifest 
principles of the Christian system, that their espousing any senti- 
ment, was no proof that it was a part of the apostolic creed ; and 
their denying it, no evidence that it was not. The Unitarians 
consider the Ebionites as the ancient Jewish Christians, and as 
agreeing with them in their idea of the person of Christ." 

Mr. Kinghom then goes on to show that the Ebionites were 
divided in their opinions on this point, one party affirming, another 
denying, the doctrine of his miraculous conception ; moreover, that 
they rejected the Epistles of Paul, and received but a small part of 
the New Testament ; and that their so-called gospel of Matthew, 



REPLY TO BELSHAM AND PRIESTLY. 469 

written in Hebrew, was, as far as can now be ascertained by the 
scattered fragments preserved by the fathers, quite as much against 
the Unitarians as for them; " besides," he continues, ** there is a 
total want of evidence that the Ebionites were the successors and 
representatives of the Primitive Jerusalem Church, — the whole 
testimony of antiquity is on the other side, viz., that the Ebionites 
were a party who did not preserve the primitive sentiments of the 
church.'' 

He then proceeds to give large quotations from the writings of 
Irenaeus and Tertullian with respect to the opinion of the Ebionites 
— shows that they were considered by both as heretics, and remarks, 
that '* if the Ebionites were right in their views, if we ought to 
receive no more than they received as the genuine New Testament, 
if all the rest is to be treated as of no authority, it wiU be granted 
that a complete revolution in opinion would instantly take place, 
and it would not be easy to settle what we ought to retain, and 
what to give up, but one thing would be evident, the inquiry would 
relate, not so much to the doctrine of the church at any period, as 
to the previous question, what are we to consider as our authority in 
matters of religion, is it our New Testament, or is it an unknown 
Ebionitish gospel ? " 

II. That the ancient Jewish Christians cannot he proved to have 
been Unitarians, but it can be proved that at least many of them held 
opinions inconsistent with Unitarianism. 

1. — Under this head Mr. Kinghom shows that the ancient Jewish 
Christians were not all Ebionites, since Hegesippus, the first Christian 
historian, mentions them as " one of the numerous parties '* which 
departed from the faith about the time of the destruction of the 
Jewish polity, and Eusebius gives his uniform and decided testimony 
that they were " disapproved by the ancient Christians, by ancient 
Jewish Christians, and even, on Dr. Priestley's own commentary, by 
the apostles ! " He next opposes Dr. Priestley's assertion that 
Hegesippus was "probably an Ebionite," showing that he had 
communion with Gentile churches while the Ebionites adhered to 
the Jewish law, and rejected the great apostle of the Gentiles as 
" an apostate " from it. 

2. — Another evidence that Jewish Cliristians were not Unitarians, 
is that they were reproached for believing the divinity of Christ. 

Mr. Kinghom shows that Celsus, in his attacks on Chiistianity, 
evidently " considered the Christians of Jewish origin, as believing 
in the divinity of Christ," and that Origen, so far fit)m denying it. 



470 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHOBN. 

" virtually justifies it by pleading for the diTinity of Christ," and 
establishing his opinion against the unconverted Jews from their 
own scriptures. 

3. — ^Many of the Ebionites themselves believed that though Jesus 
Christ was a man, yet that he had a superior pre-existent nature 
united with his humanity. 

III. There is no preeumpike evident thai the GeniUe ekureh woe 
Unitarian, 

Mr. Einghom under this division adopts Dr. Priestley's list of 
presumptive evidences, and reverses them. 

1. — He first brings forward the *' ancient creeds or formularies of 
faith, used in the ancient church," different editions, in fact, of the 
"Apostles* Creed." It is, indeed, marvellous that Dr. Priestley should 
have selected as presumptive evidence of the Unitarianism of the 
ancient church, a creed containing the words, " that to Christ Jesus 
our Lord, and God, and Saviour, and King, according to the will of 
the invisible Father, every knee might bow ! " After quoting other 
similar expressions from various editions of the creed, Mr. Kinghom 
exclaims, "It is, therefore, with astonishment that I read the de- 
claration of Dr. Priestley," that " Unitarians must have been in 
communion with what was in early times called the Catholic church, 
is evident from there being no creed, or formulary of £uth that could 
exclude them." 

2. — Dr. Priestley had asserted that " till the time of Epiphanius 
the Gentile Unitarians had no jiame given them," and hence con- 
cludes that the church was Unitarian, since, if they had been 
considered as heretics, " they would, of course, havB formed separate 
societies, and would as certainly have been distinguished by 
some particular name, as the Gnostics were, who were in that 
situation."* 

Mr. Kinghom proceeds to show the futility of such reasoning, " as 
it may be inferred with quite as much clearness and probability that 
there were no Unitarians in the ancient Gentile church, as that the 
ancient church was originally Unitarian." 

"If the ancient faith was Unitarian, the Trinitarians must have 
been a party who seceded from the rest, who had to contend with 
them, and who would be named, either from their leaders or their 
sentiments. But this is not the fact." 

* History of Early Opinioiu, toI. ill, pp. 237, 238. 



REPLY TO BELSHAM AND PRIESTLEY. 471 

3. — It is also a presumption against the Unitarianism of the 
ancient Gentile church, that the sentiments of the Unitarians were 
very generally obnoxious, and never failed to excite warm debates 
whenever they appeared. 

The whole current of antiquity, Mr. Kinghom asserts, and the 
whole reasonings of Irenseus, Tertullian, Epiphanius, and Eusebius, 
on these subjects prove this incontrovertibly, and he concludes the 
section by " a very striking passage in proof of the statement con- 
tained in the letter of Alexander, Bishop of Alexandria to his 
brethren, respecting Eusebius, of Kicomedia, and the Arian party.* 

4. — The discussion in Africa, between Tertullian and Fraxeas, 
and the impression which Praxeas made on the common people, are 
strong presumptions that the primitive church was not Unitarian. 

The celebrated passage from Tertullian, {SimpUces, &c.)is then 
discussed at considerable length, but of this Mr. Kinghom's opinion 
is given in a former page, p. 347. He shows, however, further that 
the sentiments of the African Unitarians, however widely they 
might be adopted, were by no means identical with those of modem 
Unitarians. " Besides,'* he continues, " the common people, whom 
Unitarians represent as anciently of their party, and boast that 
Tertullian acknowledges it, are distinctly stated by Justin Martyr, 
who was an earlier writer, to be of a different opinion." And he 
goes on to give extracts from Justin Martyr's writings in proof of 
his assertion. 

5. — The period when treatises began to be written against the 
Unitarians of antiquity, is a further presumption that the Gentile 
church was not originally Unitarian. 

6. — 21ie Clementine Mamilies and Becognitione furnish many pre- 
sumptions, that the Unitarian doctrine was not the doctrine of the 
ancient church. 

7. — The representations of the Fathers respecting the manner in 
which the apostles taught this doctrine, is a further presumption 
that the primitive church believed in the pre-existence and Divinity 
of Jesus Christ. 

Passages from the writings of Athanasius and Chrysostom, 
quoted by Dr. Priestley as evidences that the apostles did not teach, 
or at most taught with great caution, the Divinity of Christ, are 
shown by Mr. Kinghom to have been altogether misapplied, while 
numerous and undeniable evidences occur in their works, of the 
contrary. • 

« Soeratis Hist Eedes. lib. I c. 6. p. 12.— £d. Mogunt 1677. 



472 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINOHORN. 

lY. Direct evidence that the pre- existence and Divinity of Christ 
were doctrines of the early ages. 

The principal authorities brought forward by Mr. Kinghom in 
support of this assertion, arc : — 

1. — The Epistle of Clemens Roviantis to the Corinthian Church, 
written probably before the destruction of Jerusalem, and ropre- 
sentcd by Mr. Belsham as "from beginning to end completely 
Unitarian,*' whereas it contains such expressions us the following — 
In speaking of Bahab he says, " they gave her, moreover, a sign, 
that she should hang out of her house a scarlet ropt>, shoi^ing 
thereby, that by the blood of our Lord there should be redemption 
to all that beHeve and hope in God/' " Let us reverence our Lord 
Jesus Christ, whose blood was given for us." " Again, he himself 
saith, ' I am a worm and no man,' &c." " How he himself fatUos) 
should in the Book of Psdms say anything," remarks Mr. Kinghom, 
•* respecting his character or situation, if he had no existence in any 
way when that book was written, is difficult to perceive." 

2. — The Epistle to Barnabas is brought forward, " not" he observes, 
'* because we thinlc it to be the work of that Barnabas who was the 
companion of Paul ; nor because we do not admit that it contains 
many follies and childish opinions ; but it is brought forward as a 
work confessedly ancient, and which stated the opinion of the lime 
when it was written." 

3. — The Shepherd of Ifermas is also quoted, as showing (whatever 
may be thought of its importance) that, as it was publicly read in 
the churches, and contained such expressions as are admitted even 
by Dr. Priestley, as referring to the pre-existence of Christ, it may 
be considered to state the general opinion of the church at that 
period. 

4. — The Epistles of Ignatius to the Ephesians, the Magnesians, the 
SmymaBans, and to Polycarp, are brought forward as containing 
numerous expressions quite contrary to Unitarian phraseology. 
Such as " There is one physician, both fleshly and spiritual, made 
and not made, God incarnate ; true life and death ; both of Mary 
and of God ; first passible, then impassible ; even Jesus Christ our 
Lord." " Jesus Christ, who was of the race of David according to 
the flesh, the son of man, and son of God." Respecting the 
singular expression, "our God Jesus Christ," there is a remark- 
able difference in various copies, but in one place no difference 
occurs — when, in the close of his epist^js to Polycarp, he says, 
"I wish you all happiness in our God, Jesus Christ; in whom 



REPLY TO BELSnAM AND PRIESTLEY. 478 

continue, in the nnity and protection of (Jod." " Soon after these 
epistles were written, Ignatius was martyred, in the year 107. An 
account of his martyrdom is extant, and here we see his opinion 
proved by his conduct. Before he was led to the amphitheatre to 
he tlirown to the wild beasts, * all the brethren kneeling down, he 
prayed to the son of God in behalf of the churches ; that he would 
put a stop to the persecution, and continue the love of the brethren 
to each other.' " 

5. — ^Polycarp also "just before the fire was lighted in which ho 
was burned, offered up a short prayer to God, and concluded with 
these words, *I glorify thee by the eternal and heavenly high 
priest Jesus Christ, thy beloved Son ; with whom to thee and the 
Holy Ghost, be glory both now and to all succeeding ages, Amen.' " 
And the Smymeean church in writing to the church at Philadelphia, 
detailing their late pastor's martyrdom, used three most remarkable 
doxologies, one of which thus runs, " God is able to bring us all, by 
his help, to his eternal kingdom, through his only begotten Son 
Jesus Christ ; to whom be glory and honour, and power and 
majesty, for ever and ever, Amen." 

6. — Justin Martyr, whom Dr. Priestley asserts to have been " the 
first writer that can be proved to have advanced the doctrine of the 
permanent personification of the Logos," is next shown in a review 
of about thirty pages, to bear his testimony to the orthodoxy of the 
general body of Christians in his time, and to bring forward the 
objection of the Jews, not so much as being urged against his own 
views, as against those generally received by Christians. 

7. — Lastly, Mr. Kinghom appeals to the five books of Iremeus 
Adversus Hereses, who was himself a firm believer in both the 
pre-existence and Divinity of Christ, as showing that the opinions 
of the church before his time were not Unitarian; and that the 
opinions for which he pleaded, were generally received in the 
church in his time, and not only by a few. 

10. — History of the English Baptists. 

An unfinished MS., intended as a tract on the subject. The 
rough copy in shorthand, extends to the Revolution of 1688, but 
the fair copy only to 1620. 

11. — Letter on Strict Conmmnion^ in reply to ''A Letter 
to a Conscientious Advocate for Strict Commmdon/' about 
80 pp., 4/0. 



474 LIFE OF JOSEPH KINGHOKN. 

12. — On Hebrew Aocentuation. 

'' The following pages are designed to explain the general system 
of Hebrew Accentuation. Many who read the Hebrew Bible with 
ease and pleasure have paid no attention to the accents by which 
every word in that volume is distinguished, and they are not all 
aware of their utility. 

"One of the uses of the accents, perhaps the primitive use, was 
to regulate the tone of the voice in singing, or rather chanting, tiie 
Old Testament in Jewish worship. The various accents were signs 
of certain modulations of the voice. Simonis in his Introduction t'n 
Linguam Jlehraicam, p. 121, has furnished us with a short specimen 
expressed in our modem musical notation, and Bartolocci has given 
us the notation of all the accents at length, according to the 
custom of the German, Spanish, and Italian Jews, and in some parts 
for four voices. The Jewish system of notation may be very 
imperfectly fitted for the purposes of music, though well enough 
understood by the Jews for the ends which they had in view. 
Tradition might preserve the approved melody of each accent, which 
in some extended only to two or three semibreves, but in others to 
more, and in one to nineteen. At the time when such a mode of 
expression was invented, music was only in a rude state, and the 
plan adopted was suited to the taste and wants of those who used 
it. It is not improbable that the poetical parts of the Old Testament 
were accented before the present vowel points were in general use. 
While the Hebrew was a living language a few diacritic points 
were all that might be absolutely necessary to mark the sense of 
ambiguous words, but the accents were even then needed, to mark 
the inflexions of voice with which they were to be chanted. 

'' This use of the accents belongs to the Synagogue, but there is 
another which every reader of the Hebrew Scriptures who will take 
the requisite pains, will find a source of pleasure and advantage. 
The accents point out in some cases the grammatical construction of 
the sentences, and the connection of each word with that which 
follows it in the proper distribution of the parts of a sentence. 
So that the accentuation of a Hebrew sentence is a system of 
punctuation, different, indeed, from anything in use in modem 
languages, but singularly artificial and curious, and adapted to the 
peculiar style of the Old Testament writers." 

Mr. Kinghom next proceeds to the " number, figure, and positioD 
<tf the accents," and shows their various uses. 



HTMN BT DAVID KINOHOBN. 475 



TEUST IN GOD. 
By DaTid Kinghorn, fitther of the late Joseph Kinghorn, of Norwich ; written 1787. 

Pbacb, my soul, no more complain, 

JesuB callB thee to His arms ; 
Bise above all grief and pain. 

He shall keep thee free from harms. 
Trust his promise, on him rest, 

Freely he does for thee care ; 
Lean npon his loYing breast, — 

In his heart thon hast a share. 

Should fond mothers monsters proye. 

To the in&nts at their breast ; 
Yet th* eternal God of love, 

Keeps the sonls that on him rest. 
Tho' the mountains should depart, 

Hills be cast into the sea, 
Still the kindness of his heart, 

Yearns, provides, and cares for thee. 

Why dispute his tender love. 

While he such assurance gives ? 
Gan his promise e'er remove ? 

Can'st thou die while Jesus lives } 
Gan'st fhou want while he supplies ? 

Can'st thou &11 while in his hand ? 
See, he listens to thy cries. 

Guides, upholds, and makes thee stand. 

Should both foes and fears assail. 

Sickness waste, and sorrows rise, 
Storms descend, and rattling hail. 

Clouds and darkness veil the skies ; 
On the stormy cloud he rides, 

Swift pursues his wondrous way, 
For thy safety still provides, 

Turns thy darkness into day. 

Mighty God, thon great and good I 

All thy creatures wait on Thee; 
Thou provid'st them daily food ; 

Shall I doubt thy care for me ? 
Thou hast kept from dangers past, 

Bid my troubled soul be still, 
On Thee all my care I cast, 

Patient wait my Father's will. 



numcD ST rucrcasa avo almxam 



r 






■>