REV. JOHN BUTT CHIN SENIOR

(photo from 'Memoirs of Rev. John Chin', by G. Pritchard, 1840)

ANCESTRY OF THE CHINS OF HINTON ST. MARY, DORSET

Rev. John Butt Chin was a Baptist Minister at Walworth, Surrey (south of London Bridge, Southwark), born 21 June 1773 at Hinton St Mary, Dorset, the only son of John Chin and Mary Butt.

Baptismal record of John Butt Chin, son of John Chin and Mary Butt

Red A marks Hinton St Mary in Dorset England

Map of Dorset- Hinton St Mary marked at A

The Chin family lived for generations in the small village named Hinton St. Mary near Sturnminster Newton in County Dorset.

Hinton St Mary is a small village and a parish in the Sturnminster district of Dorset. It stands near the river Stour, about half a mile north of Sturminster Newtown, in the fertile Vale of Blackmoor. The living is a p. curacy under the vicarage of Iwerne-Minster, in the diocese of Salisbury. (John Marius Wilson, Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales, 1870-72).

The church adjoins the manor house and is dedicated to St Peter, and is of 12 th/13 th century origin, although the present church, except for the 15th century tower, was built in 1846.

The following information came from Chin researcher Brian B Chinn and his agent Mrs Wienstock:
http:// freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ancestorsofcedric/Chinn.htm0 (no spaces)

The Chinn/Chin family were established in Hinton St Mary at least by 1681, descendants of Christopher Chin (c.1665-1691/92). Christopher’s children by his wife Hannah were born at Hinton St Mary between 1681 and 1691:

1.John Chinn 1681-1723, m. Elizabeth who d.1737/38
2. William Chinn b.1682
3. Joseph Chinn b.1685
4. Hannah Chinn b.1688
5. Samuel Chinn b.1691

baptism record of Samuel Chinn, son of Christopher Chinn 7 April 1691 at Hinton St Mary (viz. brother of John Chin)

(Dorset Parish Registers)

According to the Chin descendant and researcher of the above website, Christopher Chinn died on 13 March 1691/92 leaving his wife and infant children in poverty. Hannah died in 1702 aged just 37, and the Parish Poor accounts indicate that the house rent, bed clothes and burial of Hannah were paid for by the parish. Her children continued to receive assistance from the parish.

Eldest son John Chinn married Elizabeth in 1699- he was 18 years of age, while Elizabeth was just 14. John had required financial assistance in his early years due to the early death of his father. John and Elizabeth also died at quite a young age- John on 3 August 1723 at age 42, and Hannah on 10 January 1737/8, aged 52. Payments were made to Elizabeth in 1702, 1707, 1709, and in 1714 payments were made to purchase clothes for John and Elizabeth’s eldest son Amos Chinn who was baptized on 29 January 1700/01, and died on 5 October 1730 aged just 29.

They had issue:
1. Amos Chinn Chr. 29 Jan 1700; d/bur. 5 October 1730; m. 21 July 1719 Rebecca Ellis at Shaftesbury
2. John Chinn b.1706
3. Joseph Chinn b.1710
4. Sarah Chinn b.1714, d.1739/40

Amos Chinn (1700-1730) married Rebecca Ellis on 21 July 1719 in Shaftesbury St Peters and Holy Trinity, Shaftesbury. She was born in 1700 and died 23 October 1773. They had issue:

1. Sarah Chinn b.1721/22, d.1789
2. Amos Chinn b.1722, d. December 1811, m. January 1741 Elizabeth Light at Cann, Dorset
3. John Chinn/Chin b.1724/25, Chr. 17 February 1724/25, d. 14 June 1802, married 23 June 1752 Mary Butt at Iwerne Minster (ie. Hinton St Mary).
4. James Chin b.1727, d. pre 1785
5. Joseph Chin b.1729/30, d.1751

Second son, John Chin was baptized 17 February 1724/25 in Hinton St Mary and died 14 June 1802, and was of the Anglican faith. The record shows that John married Mary Butt on 23 June 1752 in the Parish of Iwerne Minster, which is probably Hinton St Mary which is in that parish.

Marriage record of John Chin and Mary Butt of Hinton St. Mary

John and Mary Chin had issue:

1. Mary Chin b.1754, m. 1773 John Tucker
2. Keturah Chin b. 1759
3. Rachel Chin b.1762, d. 1777
4. Elizabeth Chin b.1766, m. Palmer
5. Leah Chin b. 1768
6. Sarah Chin m. Mitchell
7. John Butt Chin ch. 12/21 June 1773 Marnhull, d. London 1839, m. Land Plumleigh at Cornhill London 1797
8. Rachel Chin b. 1777, d. 1779
2 others daughters?

John Butt Chin, was born 16 May 1773 at Hinton St Mary’s in Dorset. According to his Memoirs, John’s parents (John and Mary) were “both orphaned from early infancy and were married young.” They took a small farm at Hinton and “through industry, frugality and integrity succeeded in procuring a competency, and raised nine daughters and a son born in her 49^th year.”

However, BDM records indicate that John Chin Senior lost his father, Amos Chin who died at age 29, when John was just five years of age, but his mother, Rebecca Ellis, lived until the year of John Butt Chin’s birth, viz. 1773. Mary Butt's parents are unknown.

John Butt Chin, named in the last will and testament of his father John Chin who died 14 June 1802, inherited his father’s house and was one of the children named, to whom the residue of the estate was to be divided equally.

Will of John Chin Senior of Hinton St Mary

There are two baptisms for John Butt Chin which could be relevant:
21 June 1773 in Marnhill (a couple of miles north of Hinton St Mary);
and on 11 July 1773 in Parish of Hinton St. Mary.

The Land Tax Returns for Dorset (Ancestry.com), and Hinton St Mary, list John Chin and Amos Chin. Whether it refers to our John Chin is uncertain- see * marks for John and Amos:

There is a Will of a John Chynn in 1676 at Puddletown, about 30 kms to the south of Hinton St Mary. How closely related he was to Christopher Chinn is unknown.

Will of John Chynn of Puddletown Dorset 1676

JOHN BUTT CHIN (senior) AND LAND PLUMLEIGH

John Butt Chin married Land Plumleigh, the daughter of Anthony Plumleigh and Elisabeth Pyle, on 8 Sept 1797 at St Michael’s Cornhill, London: [i]

P34- Year 1797, No 130- John Chin of this Parish, Bachelor, and Land Plumleigh of this Parish Spinster were married in this Church by Banns after being duly published no impediment, this Eighth Day of September in the Year One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-Seven.

By me- JB Rees Minister

Signed John Chin and Land Plumleigh

In presence of John Clarke, Margaret Clarke Henrietta Vaughan

Marriage record of John Chin and Land Plumleigh

Land was the daughter of Anthony and Elizabeth Plumleigh of Dartmouth. She was born on 8 January 1770 according to her obituary, and baptised on April 18, 1770. Her non-conformist baptism record names her as Dorathey Land Plumleigh, daughter of 'Mr' Plumleigh at St Saviour's Church Dartmouth which was the family church, only three months after her birth. Her father named her as Dorothy Chin in his will of 1804 (see chapter on the Plumleighs), but she seemed to prefer the name 'Land'.

Baptismal record of Dorathey Land Plumleigh at St Saviour's Church Dartmouth

Map of Southwark, Newington/Walworth area of London today

1811 Map of Southwark, Walworth area

NB. Gainsford Street top right- original home of the Chins

1806 Bowles Map of Southwark Walworth area

NB. Potters Feild top right corner (near Gainsford Street)- see Land Tax records below

NB. Church Street at the top of Kent street- John Chin living in Gloucester House, Church Street in 1816.

1827 Map of Newington- Union Place marked * where Rev. John Chin lived

Lion Street off Kent Street (bottom right)- Baptist church marked in black

(Maps refs: http://mapco.net/london.htm- Old London Maps)

John and Land had eleven children, of which, tragically only five survived:

1.John Butt Chin b.14/7/1804 Gainsford Street, Southwark, Sth London (sth of the Thames) although father gave address as Union Place New Kent Road; m. Ann Haddock 11 May 1826. (of whom, see Chapter 5: Haddocks)

2.Mary Chin b.c.1801 m. Edward James Oliver (boot and shoemaker) 11 April 1833 at the Holy Trinity Church, Newington, Surrey, d. 2 November 1864. They resided, between 1828 and 1837, at 3 Newington Causeway, Newington. They had at least four children – Mary (born 1835) and Sarah (born 1837), Eliza b.?, and Elena b.1850.

In the 1851 Census (almost illegible), Edward J Oliver 62 (? b.c.1789 at Bow: Westmark) was still living at 3 Newington Causeway, a boot and shoe maker; Mary 41, Wife; Mary 1, Dau.; Elena 1, Dau.; Eliza Hoster 54 House servant, Martha Bett servant.

The Times, London, Sat 5 November 1864 p1, issue 25022- DEATHS

The Times, London, Thurs 6 July 1865 p.1, issue 25230- MARRIAGES

3.Sarah Niel Chin b.1807 Walworth Surrey, m. Robert Salmon Mulley 30 Sept 1829 at St Giles Church Cripplegate London, d. 1886.

In the 1851 Census- Robert Salmon Mulley 44, b.1807 Ipswich Suffolk, stonemason; Sarah Neil Mulley 44; Robert 19 (b.11/4/1831 Thames St Broken Wharf London); Sarah 18 (b.11/10/1832 Bread St Cheapside London); Harriet 16 (b.1834 Bartholomew Close London); John 14 (b.12/9/1836 Bartholomew Close Homerton London); Henry 12 (b. Bridgewater St); George 9 (b. Fleet St London); Samuel 7 (b. Walworth Surrey); Alfred 5 (b. Walworth); Septimus 3 (b. Walworth).

By the 1861 Census- Robert Mulley, Statuary Stone mason, and Sarah (both 51?) were living at Stoke Damerel in Devon with their daughter Sarah 27 and her husband Thomas Easterbrook 24, labourer (and dau. Fanny Easterbrook -6 months), and sons John Malley 24, stone mason, and Samuel Mulley 16, blacksmith’s apprentice.

4.Martha Leah Chin b.1808, m. Henry John Haddock, stationer on 18/10/1827, d. 15 Aug 1837 (2 months after birth of youngest child George);

7 issue [ii] :

Martha bap 25.1.1829, unm.; Mary bap. 18.12.1830;

Eliza b.2.4.1832; Emma b.11.4.1833; Henry Paine b.c. Dec 1834,d 25.1.1835; Henry b. April 1836, d.14.4.1837; George b.15.6.1837, d. April-June 1838.

The widowed Henry Haddock remarried to Martha’s sister Eliza Land Chin between 1841-1844 (see below).

The Times, 20 October 1827 p.3- MARRIAGES

5.Eliza Land Chin b.1813 (1841 Census) unmarried 1841 living with mother in Union Place New Kent Rd, London, working as governess; she married her brother-in-law Henry John Haddock sometime between 1841 and 1844, as their child John Paine Chin Haddock was born between April and June 1845[iii]. Their second child Alice Chin Haddock was born about 1849 in Southwark.[iv]

1851 Census, Henry John Haddock 49, a stationer, wife Eliza L. 38, dau Emma 17, son John P.C. 5, dau Alice C. 2.

1861 Census has wife of Henry John Haddock 59 (Cashier Southwark Savings Bank) as Eliza Land Haddock aged 48 (ie. b.1813); Martha 31 dau. unm.; John Paine Chin 15 son, clerk (Custom House agent); Alice Chin 12, dau., scholar.

The Daily News, London, Tues 20 April, 1886, issue 12488- DEATHS

6.John Butt Chin the first son who died 4 January 1800 aged 21 months, burial in Parish of St John Horselydown, Bermondsey:

JOHN BUTT CHIN- BUILDER

John Chin ran a successful business as a builder and carpenter before deciding to follow his true calling as a preacher in the Baptist Church.

His daughter wrote in her Memoirs about her father when he was in his youth:

Information was received of an opening at Bristol which was thought to be advantageous; and, after the necessary arrangements were completed, he again left his home to be apprenticed to a respectable architect and builder near that city.

As the term of his apprenticeship had expired; and wishing to become proficient in his profession as surveyor and builder, he repaired at once to the metropolis.

He settled at Horsleydown (viz. Southwark, London), and was soon patronized by a person of some wealth and influence, who had noticed the upright and diligent manner in which he performed his various duties. Flattering prospects now opened before him, and, in the course of a few years, he found himself the principal of a large and flourishing business.

Then came a most affectionate and unanimous solicitation from the church for him to become their pastor. This caused him a severe conflict of spirit: he passed anxious days and sleepless nights. His family was increasing, and he trembled to throw himself and them for support on the infant cause at Walworth. His business was lucrative, but he found he must eventually relinquish it, if he became their stated minister. On the other hand, a new chapel was erected, which was soon well filled, and converts flocked to the standard of the cross.

For two years he preached to them as a supply, carrying on his own business also. But while he was thus hesitating, his usefulness increased; the place was filled to overflowing, and one considerably larger was required.

The duties now devolving upon him became increasingly arduous, and he found that regular preparations for the pulpit were quite incompatible with the multiplicity of his other pressing engagements.

He decided to relinquish his business, by which, in a few years, he might have become a wealthy man.

The Land Tax records for London (Ancestry.com) have the following:

17 June 1806- Parish of St John, Co. of Surrey- Gainsford Street
Rentals £40- Proprietor- Sr Wm Abdy (?); Occupier- John Chin, yard and shop; Sum assessed £2. os. 6d.

1809,- KIngs Row (possibly KIngs Road on map)
Rentals £45- Proprietor- Sr Wm Abdy; Occupier- John Chin 10 small houses; Sum assessed £3.7s.6d

1809- Potters Feilds (near Gainsford Street)
Rentals £23- Proprietor- Deborah Hodgson; Occupier- John Chin or __, 11 small houses; Sum assessed £4.10s.

1814- Potters Feilds
Rentals £70- Proprietor- Mark and Brown; Occupier- John Chin, 11 houses; Sum assessed £3.15s.10p

(refer to maps above)

The 'London Gazette' issue 18455, p.586, March 25 1828, contained the following entry, announcing the end of Chin’s career as a builder:

Notice is hereby given, that the Partnership lately subsisting between us the undersigned, Richard Cripps and John Butt Chin of Great Suffolk-Street Southwark, Carpenters and Builders, hath been dissolved by mutual consent.

Witness our hands this 1^st day of February 1828[v]

Richard Cripps

John Butt Chin

The 'Morning Chronicle' Wed March 26, 1828, issue 18261:
“Partnerships Dissolved- Richard Cripps and John Butt Chin of Great Suffolk-street, Southwark, carpenters and builders”.

The remainder of his life was devoted to his church. His religious devotion is explained in great detail in the following ‘Memoirs’ written by his daughter.

Baptist Board Minutes naming John Chin as a new member of the Baptist church in 1816

In 1830, Rev. John Chin was part of a deputation to the King:

The Times Fri 30 July 1830 p.2

DEATH AND WILL

The following obituary appeared in the 'Morning Chronicle' Saturday August 31 1839 issue 21769:

DIED

August 28, at his residence, Trinity Street Borough (ie Lambeth), the Rev. John Chin aged 66 years. He was more than 30 years pastor of the Baptist Church, Lion Street, Walworth. His illness which has been of 6 years continuance and very painful, has been sustained with uniform patience and resignation- “Mark the perfect man and behold the upright- the end of that man is peace”.

John Chin was buried in the Bunhill Fields Burial Ground in Islington, north London. This cemetery was used as a burial site for Nonconformists from the late 17th century until the mid 18th century and contains the graves of many notable people including authors John Bunyan (Pilgrim's Progress), Daniel Defoe (Robinson Crusoe), Thomas Hardy etc.

(Non Parochial registers RG4 Piece 4000)

John made a Will dated 4th December 1839. According to the will he was living at Union Place, New Kent Road, Walworth at the time. He moved to Trinity Street when close to death. His bequests were to be funded from the "rents, profits and proceeds of his estates and effects."

He made provision for the support of his wife for the term of her life and their unmarried daughter, Eliza while she resided with her mother. His wife could also choose the furniture, plate and books she desired.

He made bequests to his daughters Mary Oliver, Sarah Mulley and the children of his deceased daughter Martha Haddock's children.

He left his wearing apparel to his son John Butt Chin.

His named trustees/ Executors were: Edward James Oliver - husband of Mary; Henry John Haddock- husband of Martha; John Butt Chin- his son; Charles Sanc (an Undertaker); Benjamin Lewis- Baptist Minister.

He made a codicil in 1839 removing his son John as a trustee/ executor, probably because John left for the Colony of Sydney two years earlier.

Probate was granted 18 March 1840.

John's house was advertised for sale in The Times, in which there is a description:

The Times, Sat 30 Nov. 1844 p.8 issue 18782

See the original Will of John Butt Chin at the end of this chapter, and the full transcript.

MEMOIRS OF REV. JOHN BUTT CHIN

John’s daughter Mary Oliver wrote his memoirs after his death. It gives a wonderful insight into his life and his family. (George Pritchard also wrote John Chin's Memoirs in 1840- this can be seen at the bottom of this page, as it is a very lengthy and rather prosy document):

MEMOIR of the REV. JOHN CHIN, Late Pastor of the Baptist Church at Lion Street, Walworth.

BY HIS DAUGHTER, Mrs Oliver, and the Baptist Tract Society

Series Baptist Tract Society No 140

Pub for the Baptist Tract Society by Benjamin L.reenk (18_ _)

Copies held at John Rylands University Library Uni of Manchester & Regents Park College Library Oxford.

It is scarcely possible in the limited pages of a tract to do anything like justice to the memory of an individual whose life extended to nearly sixty-seven years; who honourably maintained the position of a popular, useful, and well-beloved minister of Jesus Christ for thirty-three years; and who was, in every respect, a faithful man of God. But as his memory is still verdant in the affections of many, to them this little account will be pleasing; while others may be interested in reviewing God’s providential dealings with one so highly honoured.

Mr John Chin was born on the 16^th of May, 1773, at Hinton, St Mary’s Dorset.- His parents were not distinguished for their high descent, but for the watchful care of a gracious God over them. They had both been orphans from their early infancy; yet were they mercifully preserved from many snares and temptations, into which more favoured youths have frequently fallen. They were married at rather an early age. They took a small farm at Hinton; and each being most prominently endowed with a rare combination of industry, frugality, and integrity, they succeeded in procuring a competency, so as to bring up a large family with credit and comfort. Mrs Butt Chin became the mother of nine daughters in succession; and it was not till she had nearly reached her fiftieth year that her eyes looked with inexpressible delight on a long-desired son – her last child.

(P2) His birth was the cause of great gratification to both parents, but more particularly to the mother, who had so long desired it. For some time previous to his birth, she had earnestly wrestled with God, at stated periods, that she might become the mother of a male child, and that he might be made a minister of the gospel. This desire was the more surprising as both parents were members of the Established Church, without the most distant prospect of any assistance or promotion in that quality, and, at that time, quite unacquainted with Dissenters. The most likely thing appeared to be, that he would succeed his father in his well-stocked farm. Various interpretations may be put upon these powerful impressions on the mind of this excellent woman, but her son, in afterlife, was accustomed to attribute them to the influence of that Spirit who worketh in His People “to will and to do”, who maketh intercessions in the saints according to the will of God, and inspires them to “hope against hope”. And now, when she clasped this welcome boy to her loving bosom, and saw in him an answer to her fervent prayers, she began to fear that, though God had granted her request, she might not live long enough to train him up in His love and fear. For this also she again earnestly prayed, and her petition was granted. She lived not only to see him happily married, and prosperous in business, but, what caused her inexpressible delight, engaged in the public ministry.

The subject of this memoir, when referring to his mother, always spoke of her in terms of the highest veneration and love, for her natural good sense, and deep-toned piety triumphed over all the disadvantages she had previously experienced. The word of God was her standard; it was always appealed to in times of difficulty, and from it she obtained wisdom profitable to direct in all things. She began very early to teach her little son to read the sacred Scriptures, and each evening, after the duties of the farm were over, little John might be seen seated on his wooden stool in the large chimney corner, conning over his stated portion of three chapters in the old family Bible.

(P3) When they happened to be long, he would become restless and very impatient, but there was no escape, - they must be read, and that carefully too,- and he soon found the best way was for him to proceed as quietly and diligently as possible. Some may think that this was exacting too much for a child of tender age; he himself was then quite of their opinion; but as he advanced in knowledge and understanding, he looked back on that discipline as one of his greatest blessings, and attributed to it the great facility with which he could refer to almost any part of the word of God, and from memory give the chapter and verse of any portion referred to.

The gospel at this time was not preached at Hinton. There was a small parish church, where “divine service” was conducted, but, alas! by “blind leaders of the blind.” The principal dignitary expected great reverence, punctual tithes, invitations, and good cheer at Christmas, christenings, and funerals, but he had no spiritual light to impart in return. This dreadful deficiency the good mother deeply deplored; but it did not hinder her from walking in the right path herself, or from training up her children, as far as was in her power, in “the way they should go.” There for, as this was the only place of worship, the family were regular and punctual in their attendance, the parents wisely considering that the proper observance of the Sabbath and the public worship of God were of the utmost importance to the future prosperity and well-being of their family. So strong was the desire for evangelical truth and spiritual instruction by this pious woman, that she would frequently walk seven miles over rough ploughed fields on a dark night, only accompanied by her little son and their large lantern, in order to hear a gospel sermon. This she thought no sacrifice, though she had risen at four o’clock in the morning, and had been actively engaged all the day.

There was one school in the village, and thither John Chin was sent for a short time, where he soon acquired all the good master had to impart, which consisted of the bare rudiments of useful education

(P4) He was considered a quick, clever boy, of a highly sensitive, and somewhat impetuous disposition, and though slightly built, he yielded to none of his own age in either physical or mental exercises.

He was accustomed from a very early age, to assist his father in the farm, and was very active and useful in agricultural pursuits; but sometimes parental authority seems to have been overstrained, not for want of affection, but perhaps with a desire of making the son more hardy and clever than common; and the little boy was expected frequently to perform those offices which the men declined to do on account of the lateness of the hour, or the severity of the weather. This, with other circumstances, worked powerfully on his susceptible mind, and he resolved not to remain at home and be a farmer. The sea first attracted his vivid imagination, and he laid his plans for escaping unperceived from the home of his childhood, and thought to enter upon some enterprise, hitherto undefined to himself; but his attempt failed, and for a short time he became apparently contented and quiet. His good mother, with all love and gentleness, continued to enforce the propriety of obedience, and a correct course of conduct. She fancied she had succeeded, as he pursued his daily avocations with more cheerfulness; but this did not long continue, for, one day, on returning from an errand on which he had been sent, and which he considered he had promptly executed, his father not only reproved him for his delay, but struck him more violently than he had ever done before. This was past endurance to his restive son, and he resolved at once and for ever to quit his native village. This he soon found an opportunity of doing. It was early in the morning, and though then but thirteen years of age, he walked thirty-two miles that day, in excellent spirits, and without feeling fatigued. The next morning he renewed his journey, and walked twelve miles further, when his ankle gave way, and he could not proceed. Being close to a farm-house, he went in and asked for employment

(p5) as a temporary relief; and this was quickly promised him. He thought but little of the aching hearts he had left behind in that now dreary and solitary cottage, though he was to his mother as the “light of the eye”, and his father could not be comforted. He deplored his undue severity to his son- it was a dark and mysterious providence to them both. After some enquiries, they discovered his retreat, and begged him to return; but nothing could induce him to comply with their request, until he obtained a promise from them that, at the earliest opportunity, he should be apprenticed to some mechanical profession. When this was obtained, to their great delight, he returned home. Nothing presented itself which appeared eligible, for some time, and he began to be impatient of delay. He was not yet the subject of Divine grace, but he believed that God heard and answered prayer, and, in the simplicity of his heart, he used frequently to retire into the orchard or into a field under a hedge, and earnestly pray to the Lord that He would appear for him, and provide him a suitable situation. At length information was received of an opening at Bristol which was thought to be advantageous; and, after the necessary arrangements were completed, he again left his home to be apprenticed to a respectable architect and builder near that city. So delighted was he with the prospect, that he walked with great cheerfulness the whole forty miles. When he first arrived there, he was much pleased with the change. The activity and bustle of a great commercial city was new and startling to him; there was something now on which to expend his energies, and to rouse the powers of mind and body to active exercise; and for a time he indulged in those pleasures and amusements which are so congenial to the unsanctified heart. His companions feared not God, and by degrees he neglected those outward observances of religion to which he had been accustomed so diligently to attend. But when the novelty had passed, and he began to reflect, he was unhappy. It was a

(P6) time of severe trial to him; he missed the comforts of his happy home, and had to endure great hardships and severity; but so anxious was he to obtain a thorough knowledge of his profession, that he never informed his parents of the bad treatment he received. He had longed to taste the false streams of worldly pleasure; he did taste, and sorrow and disappointment succeeded. Conscience, that voice of God, troubled him; the fearful sound, “The wages of sin is death,” followed him; his mother’s gentle voice seemed to whisper in his ear solemn admonitions; the dismal silence of his neglected closet appalled him; and without the sweet expression of a mother’s love or a father’s blessing, dejected and weary, he often crept into his comfortless bed, and wept himself asleep. Finding that he had been mistaken in his pursuit for happiness, he tried to resume his former habits, regularly reading a portion of the Scriptures, attending to private prayer, and going punctually to a place of worship; but he became more desponding than ever, and he found no peace even in the performance of his duties; they yielded him no satisfaction, much less could they atone for his past follies. The storm of God’s wrath terrified him; his mind became agitated as the troubled waters; death and the grave were objects of alarm and horror, in connexion with an offended Judge. “What must I do to be saved?” was now his constant, energetic enquiry. His physical strength began to give way under the influence of such powerful and contending emotions. But deliverance was at hand in a way he little anticipated. One morning, while walking out a little way from the town, he noticed a number of persons collected together in a field, and being anxious to ascertain the cause, he drew near, and found that service was being conducted in the open air by Mr Hey, Independent minister at Bristol. He had not stood long before the preacher, with deep pathos, repeated that beautiful passage of Scripture:- “What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!” The Spirit (7) of the living God descended with that soft and silvery sound, and not more quickly did the noisy waters sink into silence at the Saviour’s command, than did the perturbed tumult of his soul give way to joy and peace in believing. He now, by the eye of faith, beheld Christ the Lord, and, with a heart overflowing with love and gratitude, gave thanks to God for his unspeakable gift. The change was soon observed by his associates. He induced several of them to accompany him to hear Mr Hey, and he had every reason to believe the word preached was blest to several of them. Mr Hey’s ministry was peculiarly energetic and powerful. As a pastor, he was loving and attentive, and he soon discovered in this young convert indications of much future usefulness in the church of God. These bright hopes began to be speedily realised, for he lost no time in connecting himself with a few young men who went out into the alleys and the lanes to invite the starving poor to the gospel feast. He joined Mr Hey’s church, was strongly attached to his minister, received much instruction form his well-arranged, warm-hearted discourses, and became established thereby in the faith and hope of the gospel. It was here he became acquainted with an excellent young friend, who was also an active and highly-esteemed member of the church, and who eventually became the partner of joys and sorrows.

But the time had now arrived when he must leave all these endearing associations, as the term of his apprenticeship had expired; and wishing to become proficient in his profession as surveyor and builder, he repaired at once to the metropolis.

(p8) spirituality of his mind had not kept pace with his worldly advantages. He deeply felt the loss of the highly evangelical ministry he had enjoyed at Bristol, and mourned that he was without the “communion of saints.” He therefore joined the Independent Church near his own residence. He now became anxious to settle in life; and as he was a young man of prepossessing appearance, pleasing manners, and bright prospects, it was naturally suggested to him to look out for one whose fortune and connexions would be of great advantage to him; but he was too honourable, and too truthful; he would have despised himself, could he for a moment have entertained such an idea; besides, he had perceived in the object of his first affections those qualities which he esteemed above all price; and true to his to his previous engagement, he was united to Miss Plumleigh, of Bristol, in 1797.

She was descended from a family, long resident at Dartmouth, which had formerly suffered much persecution on account of their nonconformity. She was baptized at the age of seventeen by the late Rev. Isaiah Birt, by whom she was regarded with much esteem and affection. It pleased God to crown this union with his blessing, and to it Mr Chin always referred with thankfulness, his eye beaming with delight, while he dwelt on the excellencies of his valuable partner. Their family consisted of eleven children, four sons and seven daughters. Six died in infancy; the remaining five were baptised by their father, and introduced by him to the communion of the church at Lion-street, over which he was pastor.

While they were members of the Paedobaptist church at Horsleydown, their three eldest children were born. The first boy was a bright rosy little cherub, who completely engrossed his father’s strong affections. But the beauteous gift was drawing away the heart from the heavenly Giver, and his little idol was quickly laid low, and numbered with the dead. The mourning parents refused to be comforted,

(p9) because their darling was removed with a stroke. The next child, a daughter, also soon left them for brighter skies; thus the first wound was opened afresh, and they scarcely recovered from this affliction, when they received intelligence of the death of Mr Chin’s father. A few minutes before his decease he was in perfect health, and was driving round his farm with a grandson, when the light cart in which he was riding overturned. When he got up, he said, “I am not hurt; but, if I had been a heavy man, it would have killed me:’- he had scarcely uttered the words when he expired. Though his departure was thus sudden and solemn, there is satisfactory evidence that he was ready for the coming of his Lord. He was called by Divine grace late in life, to the great joy and comfort of his excellent wife and surviving children.

Their third child, a little girl, survived, and in her all their love and happiness were again centered; and this was the time in which her father’s principles were to be tested. Previously to his leaving Bristol he had seriously considered the subject of baptism, and doubted the propriety of infant sprinkling, but hitherto custom (that iron chain) and early prejudice had prevailed over his better judgement, and this fondly loved baby must be taken, like the others, to the chapel to be “christened”. But while the ceremony was being performed, and the unconscious babe was lying on the arm of the venerable minister, an impression so vivid and powerful was produced in his mind of the sad perversion of the beautiful and significant ordinance of believers’ baptism, that he said, “I could willingly have taken my little girl away for the good man, and run home with her to hide us both from observation, so thoroughly ashamed was I that I should lend myself to a practice so utterly at variance with God’s holy Word.” It is scarcely necessary to add that this was the last time he had a child christened.

P10 He was now full of love to God, and zeal for the conversion of perishing sinners, and used to walk many miles on the Lord’s-day to take the light of truth to those who were “sitting in darkness.” On one occasion, accompanied by a friend, he went to Lessness Heath, and observing a number of persons apparently without any object in view, they commenced singing a hymn, engaged in prayer, and his friend preached. The people were deeply interested, and, at the conclusion, begged that they would come again. This they promised to do on the following Sabbath, and Mr Chin was then to be the preacher. This visit was frequently repeated, and was the origin of the Baptist cause at Lessness Heath, in which he always took a lively interest. About this time, he visited Bristol, and the friends there having heard that he had preached in London, were exceedingly anxious to hear him. Distrust of himself, and the fear of man prevailed, so that he positively declined all invitations. This afterwards greatly distressed him, he felt he had conferred with flesh and blood, instead of being instant in season and out of season, and he resolved in the strength of the Lord that, in future, whenever an opportunity occurred, he would embrace it. This resolution was soon severely tested, for on his return for the country, he received an invitation to preach for Mr Percy, of Woolwich. A request, so unexpected, to occupy the pulpit of an eminent minister in a large and well-filled place of worship, somewhat startled him from his purpose, but having put his hand to the plough, he felt he dared not go back, and he went, though with great fear and trembling. The Lord stood by him, and strengthened him; the people were profited and highly gratified, and he found his text exemplified in his own experience, “Them that honor me, I will honor.” He was now constantly engaged as a supply at different places, and the Lord blessed his ministrations in a remarkable manner; but he had not yet been baptized, and he felt he could no longer put off

(p11) obedience to his Master’s will. He was introduced to the Rev. J. Upton, of Blackfriars, and was by him immersed and, with his wife, admitted a member of the church in that place. He entertained the highest esteem for his pastor, which was fully reciprocated; and a friendship then commenced, which death alone terminated. Mr Chin was encouraged by the church to continue his occasional labours, which he did with increased success. He was so well received, and made so useful at Dunstable, that the friends there urgently requested him to settle among them. He prayed that he might know the Lord’s will in this matter; the answer came in a singular and distressing providence. He was sent for in haste to inspect a building which appeared to be in danger of falling; and with his usual vigour and promptitude, he assisted his men in endeavouring to avert the fearful catastrophe: this he accomplished; but while so doing, he accidentally inflicted a deep wound in his right leg, which caused an excessive haemorrhage, so that he was obliged to be carried home, and a skilful surgeon immediately procured. An illness of six months succeeded, which quite set aside his engagements at Dunstable, which were never resumed, for, before he was sufficiently recovered to leave the house, he received a visit and an invitation from a deacon of a newly-formed church at Lion-street, Walworth. The promised visit was paid, and another invitation for three months followed, which was also acceded to, and then came a most affectionate and unanimous solicitation from the church for him to become their pastor. This caused him a severe conflict of spirit: he passed anxious days and sleepless nights. His family was increasing, and he trembled to throw himself and them for support on the infant cause at Walworth. His business was lucrative, but he found he must eventually relinquish it, if he became their stated minister. On the other hand, a new chapel was erected, which was soon well filled, and converts flocked to the standard of the cross. Fresh members

(p12) were constantly being added to the church, who became increasingly anxious that he should take the oversight thereof. But he fancied his gifts were not of an order to insure continued success; and for two years he preached to them as a supply, carrying on his own business also. But while he was thus hesitating, his usefulness increased; the place was filled to overflowing, and one considerably larger was required. Families of good standing and influence in society, attached themselves to his ministry, and promised him their liberal support, which promise was sacredly fulfilled by them and their children after them; nor did they stay the hand, till this faithful and good servant had entered that better land, whose inhabitants hunger and thirst no more.

The duties now devolving upon him became increasingly arduous, and he found that regular preparations for the pulpit were quite incompatible with the multiplicity of his other pressing engagements. His excellent wife saw the struggle of his spirit, and dreaded the consequences. When writing to a friend she says, “My dear husband returned home late on Saturday evening, after a fatiguing day’s work, and at once retired to his study, where he passed the greater part of the night in meditation and importunate prayer. So earnest was he in wrestling with God, that he seemed as if he could not go without a blessing. A few hours towards morning was all that he allowed to sleep.” The next day, when with deep solemnity he ascended the pulpit, his fine intellectual brow was somewhat weighed down with intense thought, but as he proceeded, the cloud vanished, his bright eye became radiant with the light of holy love, and he poured forth such continuous strains of redeeming mercy, that all could say, “Tis good to be here,” but none knew of the “Bethel visit,” or the anxious night of weeping.

He could now no longer resist the importunities of the dear friends at Lion-street to become their pastor. He remembered the admonition, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;” and he decided to relinquish his business, by which, in a few years, he might have become a wealthy man, and cast in his lot with them. Such singleness of heart and devotedness of purpose were his, that he made no stipulations for pecuniary support, but cast himself unreservedly on the care of the Almighty, and the affections of his people. Mr and Mrs Chin removed their communion from Blackfriars-road to Lion-street, Walworth; and in December, 1807, he was publicly ordained over his interesting charge. Mr Shenstone, Mr Freeman, Mr Upton, Mr Ivimey, Mr Keeble, and Mr Ball officiated; and it is a remarkable fact, that five out of these six popular ministers were unlearned men (that is, they had not received a collegiate education) yet were they highly honoured in winning souls to Christ, and men of acknowledged influence in the Baptist denomination. They were pastors over the largest Baptist churches in or near London, and continued till death with the people over whom they were first ordained. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord.” Surely this should be sufficient to slay the pride of man.

His aged mother still survived, and it may be imagined with what delight she received the intelligence of his ordination. A few years after this event, her son was summoned to be present at her funeral. She had attained the advanced age of 91. Her tranquil, happy death was in perfect keeping with her devotional and holy life. Her memory had become impaired, but she never forgot the time or the hour in which she was accustomed to present herself each morning before the throne of grace. On the day of her death, she arose from her bed, partook of breakfast, and retired to her room as usual; but not returning when she was expected, her daughter, with whom she resided, followed her, when she beheld her venerable parent still, with placid, undisturbed countenance, in the attitude of prayer by the bedside; but

P14 the happy spirit had escaped, and was before the throne of God in glory. She had been a widow seventeen years.

While Mr Chin was from home, he visited his native village. He longed again to walk in those fields, and look on those green hedges, where, when he was a little weary boy, he had invoked the aid of the God of heaven; and, while riding through those long lanes he had so often trod with a heavy heart, like Jacob, with love and wonder, he could say, “With my staff I passed over this Jordan and now I am become two bands.” As he approached the village of Hinton, he saw a group of little neglected boys playing by the roadside. One of them, a sprightly little fellow, with piercing black eyes, turned an inquisitive gaze on the gentleman as he passed. That look went to the heart of the traveller; he quickly drew up his horse, and asked him his name. The reply confirmed his suspicions: it was the child of a dear departed sister, now an orphan. He asked the little fellow whether he would like to go to London with him? He replied by bounding into the chaise like a young fawn. After being properly equipped, and the necessary arrangements made, he accompanied his uncle to town, who immediately presented him with a Bible, in the first leaf of which was written in legible characters, “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.” This made a lasting impression on his young heart. He lived to be a respectable tradesman, but what was a far greater pleasure to his good aunt and uncle, he gave good evidence of being a converted character, was baptized by the latter, became a Sunday-school teacher, and a useful member of the church at Lion-street; but the same fatal disorder which had consigned his mother to an early grave, was infused into his own system, and prostrated his strength before he had reached the prime of life. On his death-bed, his uncle said to him, “Joseph, what text shall I take for your funeral sermon?” He replied; “Uncle,- When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.”

It is not the intention of the writer of this little memoir to enter into particulars of the progress of the cause at Lion-street, or to enumerate the different valuable societies which emanated therefrom; such information may be obtained by reading “Pritchard’s Memoir of the Rev. J. Chin.” The object has been to introduce some interesting incidents not there referred to, and dwell more fully on the various exercises of his mind, while reviewing God’s providential dealings towards him. Suffice it to say, that the chapel was enlarged from time to time, and that the number of members increased from 36 to above 300. These were indeed “golden days” with the church at Lion-street. A holy unction attended the solemn, faithful, and energetic appeals from the pulpit. Careless sinners were arrested in their course, believers were established and built up in their most holy faith, and enjoyed in a somewhat unusual degree the fellowship of the gospel. This noble people willingly supported the cause with great liberality, in reference to which their affectionate pastor would appeal to them, and say, “Lacked ye any thing? Are not the most part of you in better circumstances than when you first put your shoulders to the wheel?”- The response must have been in the affirmative; for it is a fact worthy of remark, that all those families which contributed so largely of their substance, and were so thoroughly devoted to the service of God, were favoured with much prosperity in their worldly concerns, and are now influential and opulent: and, what is better still, the succeeding generations (many of whom he regarded with almost parental affection) have arisen to call the Redeemer blessed, and are now filling the places of those good and faithful; servants who have been called to serve in the Upper Temple.

The first serious obstruction to the full exercise of his ministry arose from an affection of the throat,

(P16) which, for the time being, caused a total failure of the voice. Sometimes by the free application of cold water it would return; sometimes it was otherwise, and the disappointed audience would separate in deep sorrow. In his diary, Sept 4^th, 1808, he says, “Rose at four; found my mind composed; applied with close attention to study and prayer till the time of public worship. Lord! Make thy word a blessing to their souls!- Preached in the evening; my voice gave way, and it was with hard labour I preached fifty minutes. Lord, give me strength as long as work, and work as long as strength.”

At the request of his people, several of his sermons were published. (NB- two of his sermons are at Oxford University, too fragile to scan.) An extract from one on the death of a Sunday-school teacher, seems almost prophetic of his own quiet hour of departure:- “The time and manager of our own removal is wisely and graciously hid from our sight. Death assails us by a thousand avenues, and in various forms. The tabernacle sometimes sinks under the weight of years, and in other cases it suddenly falls as by a convulsive shock. With some the golden bowl is dashed in a moment, and the lamp of life is extinguished; with others it burns weaker and weaker till it gradually goes out. Such was the departure of our late young friend; there were no fearful convulsions or alarming cries- no ghastly countenance or desperate struggle- a scene that would require a numerous attendance to dissipate the gloom; no; but like the last expiring ray of the setting sun, ‘his end was peace;’ and soft as solemn were the whispered tidings, ‘Our friend Elliott sleepeth.’”

He also published some interesting little books for the young, the profits of which (with his accustomed liberality) he gave to the Walworth Tract Society, by which its funds were raised in one year to the amount of ₤100.

In the year 1833, Mr Chin had a severe attack of influenza, which completely prostrated him, so as to lay the foundation of that disorder which eventually terminated his valuable life. His continued ill health rendered it necessary that a co-pastor should be obtained; and, with this end in view, Mr and Mrs Green, of Thrapstone, were admitted members of the church at Lion-street, on which occasion Mr Chin remarked to Mr Green,- “The giving up of the pastoral office has always been considered a solemn act. Moses, previous to his death, gave Joshua a charge; David did the same to Soloman: John the Baptist said of the Saviour, ‘He must increase, but I must decrease;’ and I, at the close of my public ministrations, admit you to this church. It is an important occasion for the church, because they have erected a spacious and convenient meeting-house, with suitable appendages and have established various institutions, the prosperity or decline of which is connected with the proceedings of this day. It is an important day for you, who have, at the request of the church, left a place where you were happy and useful. You have, however, come among a kind and sympathizing people, who never gave me cause to regret that I gave up my business, and accepted the pastoral office, and to whom I have always felt that I might confidently appeal for the supply of my wants.”

His affliction and weakness continued to increase, so that it was but seldom he could take any active part in public worship; though occasionally, during his illness, when his severe pains were partially mitigated, he was able to administer the Lord’s supper to his affectionate and gratified people. And never can they forget the solemnity of those interesting seasons, while he (who had so often stood before them in full health and vigour, now pale and attenuated as from the grave, with his affections, indeed, as strong as ever, but with a voice failing through weakness) spoke to them, in melting strains, of the wonders of redeeming, dying love; this was his favourite theme; oft had it echoed round those walls, and, to the last, the accents fell as softly and

(P18) sweetly as ever on the listening ear. The mourner was cheered, and the fainting spirit revived, till the heavenly strains vibrated through every breast, and pastor and people could exclaim, “This is none other than the house of God, and the very gate of heaven.” On one of these occasions, he said, “The portion read to you is very applicable to the present service, ‘He was made known to them in the breaking of bread.’ Oh, my friends, if he is made known to us in the breaking of bread this afternoon, we need not envy the disciples going to Emmaus, or any other disciples. He is known by the exercise of faith; when the believer can reach forth his hand, and feel the wounded side, and can say, ‘My Lord and my God.’ He makes himself known by producing brokenness of heart on account of sin. The longer we live, the more reason we shall find to be broken in heart, and the more we shall see of the value of a complete salvation effected by the power of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of them that believe.” On a similar occasion, he said, “I cannot conceal from myself that my presence amongst you all is acceptable. But though I am present with you, I am too weak to speak as I could wish. Mine has been a heavy affliction; it has kept me from the work which I love for a long time; but when God intends to make us feel, he knows where to strike. But this ordinance meets the sight as much as the ear, and if I cannot speak, we can all look, and receive by faith. A dying bed will remind us how little we have improved our opportunities, and how imperfect all our services have been, and will teach us how important it is that all our springs should be in God, in the Father’s love, the blood of Jesus Christ, and the sanctifying influence of God the Holy Ghost.”

In writing to a friend, he says, “This morning, the first thing I opened my Bible on, was the Shunamite’s answer, ‘It is well.’ If my heart was not in perfect harmony with hers, it gave me great pleasure to see what support might be enjoyed in a time of heavy and complicated affliction; and though at times, when weary of my groaning, I am disposed to inquire, ‘O Lord, how long?’ yet the habitual bent of my judgement will subscribe to the sentiment, ‘It is well;’ and I think there are no notes on earth that so much harmonize with the music of heaven, as when we can sing-

‘Good when he gives, supremely good,

Nor less when he denies;

E’en crosses from his sov’reign hand

Are blessings in disguise.’”

Frequent change of air was recommended, and Mr Chin visited and remained some time at Brighton, Seven-oaks, &c., but all was of no avail; the disease baffled all medical skill, conquered a constitution unusually robust and vigorous, and ended in his removal from this vale of tears to that state of happiness into which his spirit had long desired to enter. His affliction was of six year’s continuance. He alternately hoped and feared as to the result. Naturally alive to the sweets of friendship, and devotedly attached to his family, he seemed sometimes desirous to abide in the flesh, though this feeling never approached to anxiety; but if ever the wish for health increased, it was that he might be restored to his stated labours as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He would say, “If it were the Lord’s will to restore me to health, I would more earnestly, and, if I could, more persuasively than ever, warn sinners to ‘flee from the wrath to come,’ and more feelingly than ever encourage the fearful believer to trust a promise-making and a promise-performing God.” The last time he returned to Town, it was with difficulty he got home, and he soon took to his bed, from which he but once arose. On seeing his daughter after his return, he said, “Oh, my dear child, God has been very good to me; He has heard my prayer, and I am come home to die in the bosom of my family, and in the midst of my dear people.” His conversation was replete with instruction

(P20) well furnished with kind and wholesome admonitions, sage counsel, affectionate, instructive remarks, and striking expositions of God’s word. His Bible was his constant companion, and he required no Concordance to refer to chapter and verse. A friend remarks, “I can truly say that I never saw so much beauty in many passages of the sacred Scriptures as I did when quoted by my beloved pastor in his last sickness; nor do I ever remember any person’s memory being so stored with God’s word as was his; and, as it regards his patience, I do not recollect ever hearing an approach to a murmur; he seemed constantly to say, ‘It is the Lord; let him do as seemeth him good.” At times the pains in his limbs were almost insupportable, and it was truly distressing to hear the groans, and witness the agony of the dear suffered. After one of these severe paroxysms had a little subsided, he looked up to his daughter and, with tears in his eyes, said, “Oh my dear! Satan well knew that heavy affliction and great pain of body were powerful temptations to cause the spirit to rebel against God; hence, in Job’s case, he said to God, ‘Put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.’ No doubt but Satan had seen many curse God under such circumstances, but in Job’s case he was quite mistaken, for ‘in all this Job sinned not.’” The Christians can suffer and not sin. He said, “Do not grieve on my account: I am not unhappy. God sees fit to lay his hand heavily upon me, but I have many intervals of comparative ease, for which I praise him, and many, many mercies for which I bless him, and what is better still, I am patiently waiting and quietly hoping for God’s salvation.” At another time, he said, “God has indeed been a good God to me” he has led me and fed me all my life ling unto this day.”

One evening, after having passed a distressing day of suffering, while looking up to heaven, he said, “My Father, I thank thee that this day is gone, and one less remains on my score. Yes! Gone with all its pains and sufferings, never to return. Thus does billow after billow pass over me, and my Saviour sustains me from sinking.” Being asked if he wanted anything, he replied, “I want nothing but the presence of God, and patience to endure his will, and I trust, in his own time, he will send me deliverance. This is the only remedy for my malady.”

A dear daughter asked him how he felt. He replied, “My child, I cannot explain to you who are in perfect health, how I feel; I am weary with my groaning all the night; I water my couch with my tears. But why should I distress you” I ought rather to bid you pray that God would more abundantly manifest himself to my waiting spirit, and then receive me to everlasting happiness. Then will all my thoughts be fresh and young; my memory will bloom again with immortal verdure; my ideas will be new and abundant, as drops of morning dew.”

Looking affectionately at his beloved wife, he said, “There is my dear companion; we have had a long journey together; we have been young, and now are old, yet have we never been forsaken. The Lord sustain my dear wife when I am gone; yes, I will trust this charge also with my God, for_

‘He helps the stranger in distress,

The widow and fatherless.’”

To his eldest daughter he said, “My dear Mary. I have been thinking that I have many now in glory who have been very dear to me. I have a father and mother there, six sisters, and seven dear children to welcome me, besides many dear relatives and friends with whom I have walked to the house of God in company. Surely the interview will be delightful; we shall talk together, as did Christ with Peter, and Moses, and Elias; and Jesus will be the subject of the discourse. His glory will eclipse every other. My Christ, my precious Redeemer, I long to see thee seated on thy bright and glorious throne;

(P22) one view of thee, my exalted Saviour, will more than compensate for all my sufferings.” His daughter was much affected at seeing the great alteration which had taken place since her last visit. He held out his hand to receive hers, and said, “My dear child, why should you weep to see your father die so peacefully? I am about to ascend to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God. I charge you not to be distressed when I am gone, but fall on your knees and give God thanks, for his great goodness. I am now only waiting for Him to beckon me away.” He then took an affectionate leave of his family, and turning to his sorrowing partner, he said, “My dear wife, I will first tell you how thankful I feel to God for sparing you to be with me in my dying moments. The Lord God of Israel bless you; and I trust our children will attend your dying bed, as they now do mine,” Then addressing his eldest daughter, he said, “My child, I never expected to embrace you again; I thought in the night that the first news you heard in the morning would be, that your father was no more, and I sent my dying love to you all, but my life is prolonged, and I now say, Farewell. May the Lord God Almighty bless you, my child, my dear child, and bestow on you his choicest favors; may your dear husband be long spared to you, that you may be fellow helpers of the grace of life. May your dear children comfort your heart, as you have comforted mine. May you be useful and happy through life, and God grant that you may have a safe and easy passage over Jordan, and meet me at last in his everlasting kingdom.” When he came to his youngest daughter, he was particularly affected, saying, “This dear child has been sitting by my side all night- the Lord bless her with the blessing of Joseph- I praise God he has spared me to be the guide of her youth; she has not been written father less or motherless, and now she is with me to alleviated my sufferings; may she also meet me at God’s right hand.” He then affectionately addressed his son-in-law, and gave them directions concerning his body, and said, “I do not think lightly concerning my body; in it I have served my generation; it has contained a valuable jewel; it is part of the Redeemer’s purchase, and is destined to immortality; therefore I wish it treated with respect, but not with display. I long for evening, to undress, to lie me down with God.”

Those who attended him, had often seen him, as they supposed, very near death, but his fine constitution had surmounted the disease; now, however, it was evident the closing scene was at hand: still his breath was prayer; he held converse with heaven. One said to him, “Your sufferings are great.” He replied, “Yes, but I would not turn a straw to have them removed, without it was the will of God, for_

‘How light, when supported by grace,

Are all the afflictions I see,

To those the dear Lord of my peace,

My Jesus, has suffered for me.’

‘My mind is as calm as the setting sun.’ My Saviour is very precious. Come, dear Jesus, come quickly. I faint for thy salvation.” In the evening of the Sabbath before his death, he seemed in a delightful frame of mind. Longing to join the happy company above, he exclaimed,

“O what amazing joys they feel,

While to their golden harps they sing!”

On one of his daughters taking her leave of him she said, “I hope, my dear father, you will have a comfortable night’s rest.” He quickly replied, “I trust I shall rest with God, and if he should see fit to detain me on earth to-night, may he condescend to visit me with his sweet presence, that I may be partly on earth and partly in heaven, so that, in the body or out of the body, I may scarcely be able to tell. May the God of heaven visit me, not in his glorious majesty as at Sinai, but, as on Mount Tabor, encompass me with celestial brightness.” During the night he said but little, but by the sweet converse he seemed to hold with God, there can be no doubt that the wishes of his soul were realised.

(P24) The cold hand of death was now upon him; his bright, intelligent eye had lost its lustre, but his heart still beat with warm affections, and taking the hand of his wife, he said, “My dear! The time is come; we must part; I feel it much, but ‘thy Maker is thine husband, the Lord of Hosts is his name.’” To his daughters he said, “I thank you, my children, for all the great attention you have shewn me: one thing I will promise you, that you will never repent of it; and may the God who has ‘fed me all my life long, and the Angel who redeemed me from all evil,’ bless you, my children.”

Seeing his end fast approaching, one of his daughters said, “My father, you will soon see those in glory, who will be stars in your crown- those to whom you have been so useful; they are surely waiting now to welcome you home.” With a sweet loving smile, he said, “I shall, “ but with deep humility continued, “All I want is to be found in Him, ‘accepted in the beloved.’ My God, my Saviour, dear Lamb, eternity will be too short to praise thee for thy mercies.” Just before he expired he asked his youngest daughter for a Bible, and requested that she would read John xix. Placing her fingers on the words, “It is finished,” he said, “I leave you these words, my child, as my dying text, the same Christ left to his sorrowing disciples, to shew you the work of redemption is complete: ever value it my child, and live upon it.” He continued in prayer almost incessantly until his spirit took its flight. His last words were, “Come, Saviour, come,” and so saying, he fell asleep, August 18, 1839, in the sixty-seventh year of his age. Such a life and such a death require no comment. “The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance,” Psa. exii.6. “The name of the wicked shall rot,” Prov. x. 7. Dear reader! To which class do you belong?

Published for the Baptist Tract Society,

By Benjamin L. Green, 62 Paternoster Row

Price 1d, or 25 for 2s.

Briscoe, Printer, Banner-street, Finsbury

JOHN CHIN'S WIFE LAND PLUMLEIGH

In the 1841 Census, Land Chin was 71 (she was born 8 Jan 1770), daughter Eliza 28 (b.1813) listed as governess; and three other people- Richard Woodcock 56 a debt(?) collector, his wife Louise; and a Sarah Moore 21 living at Newington, Lambeth Borough.

Land Chin died 3 December 1850, and was interred in Bunhill Fields cemetery, north London with her husband.

Bunhill Fields cemetery record

Land Chin's obituary appeared in the “Primitive Church” magazine published in 1851. It was five pages long and gave an extraordinary insight into her life, her debilities and sufferings, and her religious beliefs:

The Primitive Church Magazine

Advocating the Constitution, Faith and Practice of the Apostolic Churches.

Vol VIII- New Series (NB on Google Books it says Vol 4): No 85- January 1851

Pub. London 1851

Page 32

Death: Died, Dec 3 1850, in the eighty-first year of her age, Mrs Land Chin, relict of the Rev. John Chin, late of Walworth. Her end was peace.

She was interred in Bunhill-field Cemetery on Monday December 9 1850.
On Lord’s-day evening Dec 14, her pastor Mr B. Lewis, preached a sermon on the occasion, from Heb.ii.

(We hope to present our friends with a memoir of the deceased in our next.-EDS)

Page 45

OBITUARY

MEMOIR OF MRS LAND CHIN.

Mrs Land Chin was born at Dartmouth, Jan. 8, 1770, and died Dec. 3, 1850, having nearly attained the advanced age of eighty-one years.

Her father Anthony Plumleigh, was a highly respected merchant in that place.

He belonged to the class of Christians then called “Puritans”, and was a man of deep piety.

Several of his ancestors were intimately acquainted with, and attended the ministry of that eminent servant of God, Mr Flavel, and in that account of their nonconformity. By many, Mr Plumleigh might have been considered too rigid in the regulations observed in his family, more particularly on the Lord’s-day; but his daughter often said she thought such observances had a much better influence on the minds of young people, than the lax and trifling manner in which it is now spent by many professing families. He read the Scriptures, and expounded them every Lords-day evening, having collected together the whole of his family and servants, addressing each individual in a solemn and impressive manner, as he considered the occasion might require. These services were so conducted, as to be looked forward to with deep interest and pleasure. He was a praying Christian. When referring to that circumstance, his daughter days, “He was in the constant habit of retiring to his closet for private devotion. I remember once going to the door, when about eight years of age, and listening to his petitions for us, till the tears flowed down so fast, I could stay no longer.” Having lost her mother when an infant, she was placed under the care of a pious lady, whom she said, took great care of her. At the instigation of some of his friends, but against his better judgement, Mr Plumleigh was induced to employ vessels in the American war, and soon he said, “the hand of his God went out against him;” for he lost most of them and other calamities succeeded, which beclouded his latter days; so that at the early age of fourteen, the subject of these remarks was obliged to leave the happy home of her childhood, and was cast on the Providence of God, in this wide, inhospitable world, without father, mother, or property. At this time, not-withstanding all the counsels and admonitions of her excellent father, (whose memory she ever revered,) and her early religious training, she had not felt her lost condition as a sinner, nor her need of a Saviour. She loved the world; gay company and amusements were her great delight, until she became acquainted with a minister of the gospel, a Mr Tozer, of Charmouth. While staying at his house, she attended his ministry, and the first sermon she heard him preach, was from Jer. Iii.4; “Wilt thou not from this time say, My Father, thou art the guide of my youth.” She said “Every word came with such power to my soul, that it all seemed designed for me, and my heart echoed back the response, ‘My Father, thou art the guide of my youth.’” Soon after this she went to reside at Plymouth, and attended the ministry of Mr Isaiah Birt, to whom she was afterwards strongly attached; she was baptized by him in the seventeenth year of her age, and became a useful and active member of the church of that place. It was under the ministry of that valuable servant of Jesus Christ, that she became established in the faith and hope of the gospel. He often bore a pleasing testimony to the constancy of her attachment to the cause, and of her active zeal while a member in that place. She subsequently removed to Bristol, where she became acquainted with her late highly respected husband; and they frequently conversed in the family circle in after life, on the happy Sabbaths they spent in the house of God together, at Castle-square, under the ministry of Mr Hay. In the providence of God, both eventually came to reside in London, were united in marriage in the year 1797, and lived happily together for above 42 years. She proved indeed a help-meet for her husband, in his various spiritual exercises; she often expressed in her family how much her mind was exercised, and how earnestly (p46) she pleaded with God, that he would appear for her dear husband, when she has seen him oppressed with the solemn responsibility of his work. In the early part of his ministry they frequently stayed up the greater part of the night, wrestling with God for his blessing. She lived to reap the rich fruits thereof in her own experience; for many of the sermons he preached were so abundantly blessed to her soul that she said, “she had not lost the sweet savour of them to her dying day.” Mrs Chin knew the joys and sorrows consequent on a numerous family. She was the mother of eleven children, four sons and seven daughters, six of whom died in infancy. The remaining five she had the happiness to see baptized by their honoured father, and join the church at Lion Street, Walworth, of which he was then the respected, laborious, useful, and much-loved pastor.

As a Christian mother she was most exemplary; for while she was ever affectionate, watchful, and careful of her children, she was far more anxious for their spiritual and eternal welfare, than for their present well-being. From their earliest infancy she prayed with, and for them. One of her daughters says, “Almost the first circumstance I can recollect, in connection with my beloved mother, is her constantly carrying me up stairs (when too young to walk,) where on bended knee, with my little arms encircling her neck, she would offer up such fervent petitions for me, that though I did not understand their meaning, I was deeply impressed with the solemnity of her manner, and the holy importunity with which she pleaded with her God. In her epistles to her children, which were numerous, she constantly and faithfully exhorted them to “flee from the wrath to come,” and to her earnest and solemn appeals more than one of her children date their conversion to God. As a member of the church she was unobtrusive and consistent, punctual in her attendance, and, while able, very active in the different societies to which she belonged. Many young Christians have had reason to be thankful for her kind counsel and pious admonitions.

Being the subject of great nervous depression and lowness of spirits, her Christian graces did not shine so conspicuously as they otherwise would have done; but the light burned steadily, if not brightly, and she was highly esteemed for her sincerity and consistency; and as a dear friend appropriately remarks of her, “if she did not always rejoice in God, she always trusted in his holy name.” She despised display of any sort, and what she considered conformity to the maxims or customs of the world, never, for a moment, met with her approbation or sanction. Early impressions remained with her, and she was very particular in her observance of the Lords-day. During the intervals of public worship, she spent as much time as her family duties would allow, in private devotion. In writing on this subject, she says, “I do not like spending my Sabbaths away from home; it seems to clog my mind, and dull my spirits; my enjoyment does not all consist in hearing, or attending public worship. Much as I value these blessings, I want to have to do with God in private. I have such an earthly mind, that I stand much in need of divine help. There is nothing like communion with God in prayer, pleading with him for Jesus’ sake only; then he won’t deny our suit, the ordinances of his house will be sanctified to us, and our souls profited thereby.”

She was a very humble Christian, entertaining very low views of herself, but very exalted views of her Saviour. In her letters, she dwelt constantly on the efficacy of the atonement. In one of them she says, “The more I contemplate it, the more do I admire the glorious plan of salvation.”

“Finish’d all the types and shadows

Of the ceremonial law.

Finish’d all that God hath promised,

Saints, from hence your comfort draw.’

“What should we do without a finished salvation, because we are defiled in every part; but he hath wrought out, and brought in an everlasting righteousness, and he makes us complete in it; greater is he that is for us, than all who are against us; the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong.”

As her years increased, so her sorrows seemed to multiply. Previously to the death of her dear husband, she lost a much-loved daughter (viz. Martha Leah married to Henry Haddock), who, dying of (p47) consumption at the early age of 28, left behind her five motherless children. In reference to this event, when writing to one of her daughters, she says, “Do not, my dear, let your children have too high a place in your affections. This has been my sin. I fondly called them my own; but I now see they were only lent me for a little while, and I bitterly feel what it is to be a bereaved mother. We just grasp our earthly comforts, and they are fled; but our God is an unchanging God, and I know, from his blessed Word, that all things are working for my good.

“His presence clears the soul,

And smooths the rugged way,

He often makes the crooked straight,

And turns the night to day.

We then move cheerful on,

The ground feels firm and good,

And lest we should mistake the way,

He lines it out with blood.”

“I have felt as if I should sink beneath the repeated strokes of a chastising God, but am still sustained, and I trust he will hear my requests, forgive my wanderings, and out my tears into his bottle, because we know we have an High Priest that is touched with the feeling of all our infirmities, who is passed into the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God. I had a sweet view of him on Sabbath, while singing those words,_

‘Clapped their triumphant wings, and cried,

The Glorious work is done.’

“What a solemn scene! And was it for thee, my soul, he left his glory, and came on earth to suffer, bleed, and die? Wondrous love! Amazing condescension! Let my hard heart be melted, and every power of my soul be brought to bow to the obedience of faith, and sweet submission to his sovereign will; and though tried with inward fears and tossed with outward storms and tempests, yet he will sustain the soul that rests in his love, and make, by all his dispensations, himself better known.’

On Aug 28, 1839, Mrs Chin became a widow, left, as she said, at the time of her life, when she most seemed to need a husband’s care and affectionate attention; for he was to her, as “Hopeful to Christian,” bidding her be of good cheer and constantly pointing her to the bright, instead of the gloomy side of each passing scene. Since her husband’s death, she received the intelligence that her only son (viz. John Butt Chin) had departed this life in a foreign land, leaving four dear orphan children among strangers. In writing on this afflictive dispensation, she says, “My soul is bowed down with grief, my heart within me is desolate, wave after wave passes over my defenceless head. O my God, show me wherefore thou dost content with thy poor worm, and in thy tender mercy, be thou the Father of the fatherless.”

In 1840, the church at Lion-street, then under the pastoral care of Mr Samuel Green, of which she had been a member so many years, having become open in its communion, she felt it her duty to apply for her dismission, and to join the church of Christ in Trinity-street, under the pastoral care of her, and her late husband’s friend, Mr Benjamin Lewis, where she continued to attend, until prevented by age and infirmities.

She had for many years suffered much with distressing pains in her head, which sometimes caused irritability and nervous dejection. This was great cause of grief to her, and she often mourned over it in the presence of her God, and prayed for grace and strength to fight against it. She had a natural dread of death, and of the article of dying. She used to say she thought Satan took advantage of this fear, in order to distress her mind and disturb her peace; and many were the petitions she offered to heaven, for grace and strength in her hour of trial, that the enemy might not be allowed to triumph over her. Jer. xii.5, dwelt much on her mind; “What wilt thou do in the swellings of Jordan?” When writing on this subject, at the close of her life, she says, “Since my dear husband passed over to Jordan, I seem to dread the passage more than ever; yet, at times, I contemplate it with some degree of hope, and say,_

‘Well, should the tyrant death display

His fiercest form, when we pass o’er,

Our skilful guide knows all the way,

From Jordan’s bank to Canaan’s shore.’

Then shall we shout victory through the blood of the Lamb.”

It was not till the January of 1850, that anything unusual occurred, as to the state of her health; but on the 28^th (p48) of that month, it was supposed she had a fit, which caused her to fall over several stairs. She was then staying with her son and daughter at Peckham. She intended returning home soon; but the condition in which she continued, did not justify her leaving then again, except for a short visit to another of her children at Bexley Heath. During this affliction, her mind was upon the whole tranquil. She said, she had not those lively manifestations of the love of God to her soul, which she longed to enjoy; but added, “He is my sun, though he refuses to shine.” The Bible was her constant companion, and when she could not read it herself, she loved to hear it read. She was particularly fond of John xiii and xiv., and said, “I can never tire of hearing those kind expressions which fell from the lips of my dear compassionate Saviour.” At one time her daughter began to read to her from Matt xxvii. The tears flowed fast down her aged cheeks, and she said, “My dear, I can scarcely bear to hear of these dreadful sufferings of my blessed Lord.

‘ ‘T were you, my sins, my cruel sins,

His chief tormenters wore,

Each of my crimes became a nail,

And unbelief a spear.’”

In the middle of October last, she returned to town with her son and daughter, at which circumstance she was much pleased, as she hoped to be able to attend the house of God again, and worship with his people. There was nothing connected with her affliction which she lamented so much, as her absence from public worship. She frequently said, when she saw the family preparing to go, “My soul longeth, yes, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord.”

To her pastor, Mr B. Lewis, she was much attached, and often refreshed in spirit by his visits, and said, “The Lord reward him for all his kindness and sympathy, so long manifested to one so unworthy, and also those dear friends who for eleven years have helped to cheer my lonely path of widowhood. The Lord bless them all. She always expressed herself as much gratified by the visits of her former pastor, Mr S. Green, of Lion-street, and Mr James Smith (then) of New Park-street. A book written by the latter entitled “The Messenger of Mercy”, was highly prized by her, and was her constant companion.

She was not confined to her room, till about a fortnight before her death. It was then evident that heart and flesh began to fail; but though the outward man decayed, the inner man was renewed day by day. The fear of dying which had constantly distressed her before, was now entirely removed, and death, instead of bringing his terrors, as he drew more near, as she had anticipated, was disarmed of his sting, and approached her as a welcome messenger. A few days previous to her death, she said, with holy longing to depart,-

“Oh! If my Lord would come and meet,

My soul would stretch her wings in haste,

Fly fearless through death’s iron gate,

Nor feel the terror as she past.”

She frequently spoke of heaven as “going home.” “I long to go home. To find myself there, will soon make amends for all the suffering I have ever felt. I long to join that happy company above, but sometimes fear I am too unworthy.” Feeling very weak, she said, “What a poor creature I am now. I can do nothing, I can scarcely think of anything; but I am thankful to say, I am at last brought entirely to submit my will to God’s will; he knows best how much afflictions I need. I leave it all in his hands. I only say to myself, Hold out, faith and patience, a little longer- a little longer.” This she repeated with peculiar emphasis and sweetness.

The day previous to her departure, she said, “Satan has been very busy with me to-day, trying to harass me; but that portion of Scripture came with great power to my soul, and relieved me from the distress of mind I endured: ‘When the enemy cometh in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.’ Then, “ she said, “ followed that peace which ‘passeth all understanding.’” He daughter seeing her very low, pressed her to take more nourishment, she said, with sweet affection, “Do not, my dear, be so anxious about my poor body, I feed on living bread.’ In the evening her son read and prayed with her, after which, she took leave of him with much affection, though neither apprehended it would be the last interview on earth.

(P49) She afterwards said she enjoyed the prayer very much, and the verse which he repeated to her, she said, comforted her through a sleepless night. It was,-

God is the refuge of his saints,

When storms of deep distress invade, “ &c

On the morning of the day on which she died, she was for some time earnestly engaged in prayer. She was heard to say, “Dearest Lord! Have pity upon thy poor servant, and take me, O take me to thyself, thou blessed Saviour! I long to be with thee.” She complained during the day of great debility; but was thought to be somewhat better than she had been the last few days. In the evening, she said to her daughter, “What should I do now without a God to go to, I feel myself so utterly helpless.” Soon after this she wished to get up. She rose up in the bed to dress, and looking upwards, as if in converse with a familiar, much-loved friend, she said, “My dear Redeemer.” That name which was so precious to her in life, was the last on her dying lips. A few moments afterwards, she merely said, “I am faint,” and lying back on her pillow, in a short time exchanged the cross for the crown, and earth for heaven.

“Softly her fainting head she lay

Upon her Maker’s breast,

Her Maker kissed her soul away,

And laid her flesh to rest.”

Thus was this aged disciple, like a shock of corn fully ripe, gathered into the heavenly garner.

Her death was improved by her highly-esteemed pastor at Trinity-street chapel, on Lord’s-day evening, Dec 15, from those words so exemplified in her experience: Heb ii.15; “And deliver them who, through fear of death, were all their life time subject to bondage.”

WILL OF JOHN BUTT CHIN

TRANSCRIPT OF WILL OF REV. JOHN BUTT CHIN

THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT

of me John Chin of Union Place New Kent Road in the County of Surrey Baptist Minister. I give and bequeath to my dear wife so much of my household furniture, plate, ...... ...... and books as she may choose to select after my decease to and for her own absolute use and benefit. I give and bequeath to my son John Butt Chin all my wearing apparel to and for his own absolute use and benefit . All the use and residue of my estate and effects whatsoever and wheresoever I give and bequeath to Edward James Oliver of Newington Causeway in the County of Surrey Bootmaker, also Henry John Haddock of the Borough of Southwark Stationer the said John Butt Chin of Harper Street New Kent Road aforesaid Gentleman and Charles Sanc(?) of Hampton StreetWalworth in the said County of Surrey Undertaker their heirs executors advises(?) and assigns to convert the whole ........... household estates into money as soon as tomorrow it may be after my decease and thereout (?) to pay and satisfy my .... funeral and testamentary expenses and legacies from and after full payment and satisfaction thereof upon ...... to pay the rents profits and proceeds in ..... of my said estate and effects after satisfying the several sums payable in support of my said household premises for ...... rent repairs and other outgoings to my said dear wife for her own use during her life and so long as my daughter Eliza shall reside........ alone shall be a sufficient discharge to my executors and that the said profits and proceeds shall not be subject to the .... control or engagements of any future husbands with whom she may intermarry but should my said daughter Eliza and my said wife agree to live apart from each other then I direct my said trustees and executors to pay out of the said house profits and proceeds of my said estate and effects to my said daughter Eliza the sum of twenty five pounds per ......annum by equal quarterly payments so long as she remains unmarried and it is my will that in case any part of the money which I have borrowed upon security of the said household premises shall be required to .............. that my trustees and executors shall by mortgage of a sufficient part of my household estates raise a sufficient sum to pay such monies the repayment of which shall be required it being my will that my household estates shall not if it can possibly be avoided be sold but in the event of my said trustees and executors not being able to raise a sufficient sum of money to pay such monies there payment of which shall be required then I direct my said trustees and executors to sell so much of my said household estates as will raise a sufficient sum of money to pay such monies the repayment of which shall be so required as aforesaid and upon further trust after the decease of my said dear wife to pay an annuity of forty pounds by equal quarterly payments to my said daughter Eliza while she shall remain on my said household estates and subject to such annuity from and after the decease of my said wife to accumulate in the Savings Bank in the names of my said trustees the residue of the said rents .... and profits until the same shall be sufficient to pay off the said incumbrances on my said household estates and then to apply such accumulations in paying off the same incumbrances until the whole thereof shall be paid off and from and after the payment of the said incumbrances to pay apply and dispose of the said rents profits and proceeds of my said estate and effects first in paying an annuity of fifty pounds instead of the said annuity of forty pounds by equal quarterly payments to my said daughter Eliza during the term of her natural life and whilst she shall remain unmarried and subject to such annuity and from and after the decease of my said dear wife and the payment of the said incumbrances to pay apply and dispose of the said profits and produce of my said estate and effects unto and amongst my son John Butt Chin and my daughters Mary Oliver Sarah Mulloy and Eliza Chin and the children of my late daughter Martha Haddock in equal shares and proportions during their respective natural lives/ the children of my said daughter Martha Haddock.........ing only the share to which my said daughter would have been entitled to if living for their maintenance and education until all of them shall attain the age of twenty one years and then in the same manner as I have herein after directed with regard to the children of my son and other daughters and I direct that the receipts(?) of my said daughter alone shall be good and in sufficient discharges to my trustees and executors and that such rents and profits shall not be subject to the debts control or engagements of the present or any future husbands of my said daughters and from and after the decease of either of them my said son or my said daughters I direct my executors to pay and apply the share of my son or daughters so dying in the said rents profits and produce for and towards the maintenance and education of the children of my said son or daughter so dying until they shall all attain the age of twenty one years and then upon trust to assign and transfer the same share and interest of my said son or daughter so dying to such of his or her children as shall have attained the age of twenty one years and then representations provided always and my will is that lastly my estate shall hereafter be called upon to pay any sum or sums of money in consequence of my having become ....... or ........ my said son in law Henry John Haddock in any security then that such sum or sums of money shall be retained and deducted out of the share or interest which the children of my said daughter Martha Haddock shall or may take in the said rents profits and produce of my estate and effects before any payment shall be made to or for the benefit of the said children of my said late daughter Martha Haddock provided also and it is my will that in case either of my said daughters shall die without having children who shall live to attain the age of twenty one years then the share and interest of my daughters so dying without children shall go and ........ to the survivors or survivor of such as my daughters and their children and so vested(?) and payable to her and them in such manner and at such time respectively as are ..... before ......with respect to his and their original shares but it is my will and I so thereby expressly declare and desire that in case my said daughters or either of them shall ...... sell assign incumber or transfer or in any manner dispose of or ...... to the said dividends interest and annual produce hereby directed to be paid to them or any part thereof then and in such case and from and immediately after such alienation sale assignment or transfer the said bequests or bequest so made thereof as aforesaid and of which such alienation sale assignment or transfer shall have been so made shall waste(?) and be void to all interests and purposes as if the same had not been mentioned in this my will and the said rents profits and annual produce should be paid and applied in the same manner as is herein before directed in the event of the death of either of my said daughters provided always and I do always share that the receipt or receipts in writing of the said Edward James Oliver, Henry John Haddock, John Butt Chin and Charles Sanc or the survivors or survivor of them or the heirs executors advisors(?) and assigns of such survivor for any sum or sums of money payable to them or him under or by virtue of this my will or in or about the execution of any of the trusts or powers hereinbefore discharge or sufficient and effectual discharges for the same or so much thereof respectively as in such receipt or receipts shall be expressed or ...... to become ......... and that the person or persons to whom the same shall be given his her or their executors advisors or assigns shall not afterwards be answerable or accountable for any loss........... or non application or be in any wise compelled to see to the application of the money therein mentioned and acknowledged to be ....... provided always and I so hereby further declare that if the said trustee thereby appointed or either of them or any trustee or trustees to be appointed or their respective heirs executors or advisors or any or either of them shall happen to die or be desirous of being discharged of and from or refuse or.... in or because incapable to act in the trusts hereby ........ in him or them respectively then and so often as it shall so happen it shall be lawful for the surviving or continuing trustee or trustees of the trust estates would or provided the trustee of trustees whereof shall so depart this life or decline or become incapable to act as aforesaid or the heirs executors or advisors of the last surviving and continuing trustee by writing under their his or her hands or hand to appoint one of more person or persons to be a trustee

or trustees in the .......... of the trustee trustees survivor refusing or becoming incapable to act therein as aforesaid and upon every such appointment the said trustee estates monies and promises shall be conveyed assigned and transferred so and in such manner that the same may become vested in such new trustee or trustees jointly with the surviving or continuing trustee or trustees shall have such and the same powers and authority and restrictions to all intents and purposes whatsoever as if he had been .......... or trustee this my will and that any one or more of them shall not be answerable or accountable for the other or others of them or for the actions receipts neglects or defaults of the other or others of them but .... and ..... of them only for his own and neglects(?) and defaults and that any one or more of them shall not be answerable or accountable for any Banker Broker or other person with whom or in whose hands any part of the said trust monies shall or may be deposited lodged for safe custody otherwise in the execution of the trusts herein before mentioned and that they or any of them shall not be answerable or accountable for the insufficiency or ........ of any security or securities stocks or funds in or upon which the said trust monies or any other involuntary cost or damage that may happen in the execution of the aforementioned trusts or in relation thereto except the same shall happen by or through their own wilful default respectively and also that it shall and may be lawful for the said trustees herein before named and any future trustee or trustees to be appointed as aforesaid and every or any of them their and every of their executors advisors and assigns by and out of the monies which shall come to their respective hands to retain and reimburse himself and themselves respectively and also to allow in his and their co-trustee and co trustees all such costs ....damages and ..... which they or any of them shall or may suffer sustain expend ........ be at or be put unto in or about the execution of the aforesaid trusts and in relation thereto and I nominate institute and appoint the said Edward James Oliver, Henry John Haddock, John Butt Chin and Charles Sanc EXECUTORS of this my will. In witness whereof I have to .... sheet of this my will contained in six sheets of paper subscribed my name and to this last sheet my seal also this fourth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven.

JOHN CHIN (SEAL)

Signed sealed published and delivered by the said John Chin as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereto set our names as witnesses

J.A. Mote 21 Penton Place Pentonville

Eliza Frost Union Place New Kent Road

THIS IS A CODICIL to my said will I hereby direct that in the event of my said daughter Eliza marrying my said trustees shall pay her the sum of 50 pounds by way of....but should they not be able to spare the whole fifty pounds on such event happening then I direct that they shall p[ay the said sum by two instalments of twenty five pounds each in two successive years the first of such payments to be made on the day of my said daughters marriage In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year last with

....... JOHN CHIN (Seal)

Signed sealed published and delivered by the said testator John Chin as and for a codicil in his last will and testament in the presence of us who on his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses

J.A. Mote

21 Penton Place Pentonville_____ Eliza Frost

AND it is my will also that should either of my daughters Mary Oliver or Sarah Mulloy become widows or should my daughter Eliza Chin marry and afterwards become a widow then in each and every case my executors shall pay out of the rents profits and proceeds of my said estate twenty five pounds per annum in quarterly payments to each said widow until the whole of the mortgages are paid off by their....... part of the rents profits and proceeds of my said estate and after the said encumbrances or mortgages are paid off then all my children whether married or unmarried or their children as before mentioned to share the whole proceeds remain between them

JOHN CHIN (seal)

Witness Eliza Frost Elizabeth Keable

THIS IS A THIRD CODICIL whereas I did in my last will and testament bearing date December the fourth in one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven appoint my son John Butt Chin to be one of the executors of my said will this is to ...... that I so hereby revoke and nullify that appointment so that he be not an executor of my said will Benjamin Lewis of Trinity Street in the parish of Saint ...... Surrey Baptist Minister to be and act as one of my EXECUTORS with the other persons therein named. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty fourth day of July one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine.

JOHN CHIN (seal)

Signed sealed published and delivered by the said testator John Chin as and for a third codicil in his last will and testament in the presence of us who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereto subscribed our names as witnesses this twenty fourth day of July one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine

Ann Gregory Sarah Gregory 9 Trinity Street

PROVED at London with three codicils 18th March 1840 before the Worship John Elliot Pasley......... by the oaths of Edward James Oliver, Henry Haddock and Charles Sanc the executors named in the will and ....... Benjamin Lewis the executor named in the third codicil to whom ........... was granted having been first sworn duly to administer

POINTS OF INTEREST:

John Butt Chin removed as executor 24^th July 1839

Rev. John Chin- probate granted 18 Mar 1840

Daughters named: Mary Oliver, Sarah Mulloy, Eliza Chin (unmarried at the time), the late Martha Haddock (died before will 4 Dec 1837)

Trustees:

Edward James Oliver Bootmaker Newington Causeway (husband of daughter Mary)

Henry John Haddock Stationer Borough of Southwark (husband of daughter Martha and then daughter Eliza)

Charles Sanc Undertaker Hampton St Walworth

and Benjamin Lewis Baptist Minister Trinity Street Surrey

Rev. John Chin lived at Union Place New Kent Road, Walworth

MEMOIR OF THE REV JOHN CHIN

More than thirty years Pastor of the Baptist Church in Lion Street, Walworth

The Discourse occasioned by his Death

By George Pritchard

London 1840

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

Introductory remarks—Mr. Chin‘s birth-His parents—Early convictions—Leaves home—Is apprenticed—Attends the ministry of the Gospel—Unites with a Christian Church—— Removes to London—Engages in business-Joins a Baptist Church—ls called to the ministry ...... . ........................

CHAPTER II.

Walworth and its neighbourhood—The origin of the Baptist Church in East Street, Walworth—The origin of the Church in Lion Street—Mr. Chin's introduction to it—His reluctance to undertake the pastoral office—His ordination ..............

CHAPTER 111.

Ministers engaged at Mr. Chin's ordination-The effects of his Ministry-Successive enlargements of the Chapel—Formation of various Societies—His occasional indisposition— Commencement of his lengthened affliction .......... ....... .........

CHAPTER 1V.

Continued affliction—Settlement of a Co-pastor—Mr. Chin visits the country—His letters while there—His return—His conversations— His death... .................. ............

CHAPTER V.

First Section, Additional Letters—Second Section, Extracts from ,26, 46, 78 Sermons—

Third Section, Miscellaneous Sentences ............ 132

CHAPTER VI.

Poetry-Funeral Sermon—Conclusion . ......................... .. 206

CHAPTER 1

Introductory remarks—Mr. Chin‘s birth-His parents—Early convictions—Leaves home—Is apprenticed—Attends the ministry of the Gospel—Unites with a Christian Church——Removes to London—Engages in business-Joins a Baptist Church—ls called to the ministry

ALTHOUGH, in preparing the biography of a departed friend, conscientious endeavour will not supply the absence of correct information, and may fail to secure that interest which, in the perusal of such publications, is often too eagerly desired; yet, with a singleness of purpose, derived from the influence of hallowed principles, it will uniformly seek to accomplish an object compared with which every other must be inferior—the glory of God.

To the attainment of this noblest of all objects it is essential, in recording the events of human life, that no opportunity of distinct reference to the sovereign control of the divine administration should be permitted to escape. The more fertile the history of any individual in incidents adapted thus to awaken and elevate attention, the more likely is it to suggest reflections, in devoutly pursuing which occasion will often recur to acknowledge, with adoring wonder—~“ This is the Lord’s doing and it is marvellous in our eyes.” Nor, indeed, can there be a life of any continuance, whether concealed in the shade of obscurity, or exposed, by official engagements, to public gaze, so entirely destitute of vicissitude as not to yield some occurrences, the consideration of which would induce a pious observer to confess, “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” Equity, however, may demand that the reader of the following pages should be premonished, their contents supply no aliment to gratify an appetite for romance ; on the contrary, they briefly record such facts concerning a departed and venerated Christian minister as have been preserved, either in written memoranda or in the impressive reminiscences of attached friendship; and which, appearing to be invested with an interest that might be beneficially perpetuated, are now introduced to more general inspection, accompanied with an earnest desire that their publication may encourage the confidence, and animate the zeal of many a surviving servant and follower of Jesus Christ, and thus assist in attaining the principal design of Christian biography.

The Rev. John Chin was born in the village of Hinton St. Mary’s, near Blandford, Dorsetshire, May 16, 1773; where his parents resided for many years upon a small farm, the diligent cultivation of which enabled them to provide for the necessities of a numerous family, of which the subject of this memoir was the youngest. It is remarkable that his father and mother were both left orphans, at an age so tender as not to be sensible, at the time it occurred, of the severe loss they sustained by the removal of their parents. As members of the Established Church they were exemplary in their conscientious regard to its appointments, and not less so in training the several branches of their family to an imitation of their example. Their lengthened residence in Hinton, together with their persevering industry and uniform adherence, in all their intercourse, to the principles of uprightness and integrity procured for them no inconsiderable measure of respect, and esteem, which, to immediate descendants, has not unfrequently proved a more permanent source of advantage than an ample fortune or a large estate. This reference to the history of Mr. Chin’s parents supplies another occasion for devoutly admiring that tender regard so often graciously exercised towards those, who, bereft in infancy, of their natural guardians, are signally cast upon the fostering care of divine providence. The mother of our lamented friend, having had a succession of nine daughters, became, as is not uncommon, exceedingly desirous to embrace a son; the accomplishment of this desire, however, was deferred until she approached the fiftieth year of her age, her husband being seven years in advance. When, at this somewhat late period, the prospect of an addition to her family was afforded, which proved to be the last, and who survived all that preceded him; she piously solicited that, should her long cherished preference be granted, he might be a Christian and a Christian minister. The latter part of this request must be considered extraordinary, when it is understood that all the probabilities were in favour of the expected child succeeding his father in the cultivation of the farm on which he was born, rather than of his occupying a dissenting pulpit in the neighbourhood of the metropolis; but this is by no means the only instance in which impressions, powerfully excited, have been devoutly expressed, and which, how difficult soever it may be to explain their origin, subsequent events have appeared to sanction and interpret. At length, almost “ as one born out of due time,” it was the privilege of these honoured parents to welcome the birth of their beloved and only son.

Mr. Chin was accustomed, in the after periods of his life, to advert with filial gratitude to the affectionate solicitude with which his venerated mother superintended his earliest years. Her matronly prudence was anxiously exerted to secure his domestic comfort, and the influence of her pious example to form the elements of his moral character. Among the means to which she resorted for she accomplishment of the latter, may be mentioned her trenuous and persevering endeavours to impress upon his young mind the necessity of an undeviating attention to verbal integrity, an inflexible adherence to upright dealing, and a daily perusal of the holy Scriptures. To enforce attention to the 'Word of God, it was her uniform practice, when he was sufficiently instructed for the purpose, to exact the reading of three chapters in her presence, on the evening of every day. To him, at that period, this was sometimes a service far from acceptable, especially when the sections prescribed were of a more than ordinary length. And, indeed, how commendable soever the motive that originated the requirement, it may be justly doubted whether rigidly to insist upon compliance was not more likely to induce aversion than to inspire affectionate reverence for divine truth. The usual argument employed by his pious mother, when she observed in her beloved son symptoms of weariness, in discharging this filial duty, was to urge him to proceed, assuring him that she did so, hoping that a day would arrive when he would feel truly thankful for having been made early acquainted with the inspired volume. Nor was this mistaken anticipation,—that day did arrive; for, in the facility with which, as a public instructor, he was enabled to refer to the sacred oracles, he distinctly recognized and gratefully acknowledged the tender concern which had been manifested in imbuing his young mind with a knowledge of their infinitely important contents.

Dim was the ray of spiritual illumination which emanated from the pulpit of his native village, yet regular attendance at the parish church, as an indispensable law of the family, was conscientiously maintained, except when, attracted by some brighter light, the mother, accompanied by her son, would travel six or seven miles, partly over plowed lands, to obtain instruction more decidedly evangelical. But here it may not be improper to pause for the purpose of inquiring, in so far as this might be considered a religious education, what were its immediate effects? Should the reply be less satisfactory than pious parents would generally expect, they may be reminded that they were just what, under similar circumstances, are usually produced. Being now about eight years of age he was the subject of frequent, and often strong, conviction of sin—saw clearly the importance of personal religion—could not be satisfied without using a form of prayer,—and often experienced keen remorse, under a consciousness of violated duty. Let it not then be hastily and injudiciously imagined, that because, in connexion with these efforts of maternal solicitude, everything was not secured, nothing was obtained; for that some evils were avoided, some desirable habits formed, and some important principles brought into operation, cannot be questioned. After this, however, the kindly progress of the seed, which had begun to spring, was effectually checked, and permitted for a considerable time to remain buried deep beneath the unhallowed dust of slighted admonition and wilful disobedience.

At this early period of his life the germ of original depravity began to diffuse its deleterious influence; the effects of which became painfully obvious in perverse temper and corrupt inclination. Weariness of parental authority, increased by too frequent intercourse with youthful companions whose principles and pursuits were subjected to no salutary restraint, gradually produced, not only an affecting indifference to home, but a romantic desire to forsake the bosom on which he had so securely reposed—the scene of unnumbered mercies and obligations,—and embark in some adventurous and undefined voyage of discovery, of which the consequences, how attractively soever an undisciplined imagination had invested them, were anything but distinctly perceptible. So far, indeed, did he commit himself to this visionary enterprize, that he secretly prepared for his departure, and had not the tenderness of parental vigilance intercepted his plan, he would have offered himself to the service of the sea.

The youthful mind once thoroughly unsettled, and continually hovering around an inextinguishable desire of change, can seldom be brought to rest, until by some unsuccessful experiment, it has detected the fallacy of its too sanguine anticipations; and the change thus effected, not admitting of any further material or immediate alteration, it is rescued, at least for a time, from the agitations excited by illusive projects. Defeated in his design, but not the more satisfied with his situation, the subject of these pages, was only impatiently waiting some more favourable opportunity of removing from his native village, nor were his habits or manners, during the delay, at all improved. When the determination for accomplishing a favourite object is actually formed, a very slight indication will sometimes be interpreted as an interposition of providence, permitting, if not directing, its execution. One day, when he was about thirteen years of age, his father sent him a few miles to transact some business, which having performed, in his own estimate at least, with considerable dispatch, he was greatly surprised, on his return, to find, that, instead of receiving the commendation to which be presumed he was entitled, he was harshly reproved for unnecessary delay, and even chastised with more severity than at almost any former period of his life. Whether during his absence any untoward event had clouded the mind of his father, and excited this paroxysm of displeasure, has not been ascertained, but his subsequent regrets, on account of the inordinate expression of it, were bitter and permanent. This event occurred in the early part of the day, and was explained by the son, as a clear intimation that the period was now fully arrived for the accomplishment of his predetermined purpose. ‘Without further delay, therefore, he left the home of his infancy, and, during the remainder of that, to him, memorable day, though yet little more than a child, he walked two and thirty miles, without depression, and scarcely sensible of fatigue. Refreshed by the rest of the night, on the following morning he renewed his journey, but, having proceeded twelve miles, his strength failed, if not his spirits, and, being within sight of a farm house, he resolved there to solicit employment. His application was favourably received ; and, though it does not appear to have made any part of his plan to continue, for any length of time, in such a situation, yet, as a temporary resource, it was cheerfully embraced.

In the meantime, the disquietude occasioned to his parents by his sudden departure and absence, was so considerable as to make them exceedingly desirous of facilitating his return. His father especially lamented what, upon reflection, he was disposed to conclude had been an unseasonable, if not an undue exercise of his authority. Having, therefore, discovered his retreat, he affectionately urged him to relieve the anxiety of the family, by speedily reuniting himself with its fellowship. If not weary of the secluded rural spot in which he had passed the first years of his life, yet, unwilling to be farther trained in the pursuits of agriculture, he made it a condition of his return, that, as soon as convenient, he should be apprenticed to some regular mechanical profession, and, if practicable, in the vicinity of a large town. Promise of compliance with this request, as far as possible, being conceded, after some time, to the joy of his parents, he returned to Hinton.

After remaining at home with his parents much longer than he desired, an opening for his removal seemed to be presented; as it did not, however, comprehend the particular objects to which his attention was principally directed, it was declined.

Hitherto, although his character had exhibited no decided evidence of divine transformation, yet, in consequence of the care which had been taken, especially by the pious solicitude of his excellent mother, to impress upon his mind the importance of prayer, he had long been accustomed to use a form of private devotion; and being now exceedingly anxious to obtain a situation in accordance with his wishes, and, having been taught that all events are subjected to the control of the providence of God, he determined to pray especially to him, that he would be pleased to provide, in this instance, an employment by which he might secure an honest maintenance in after life. For this purpose his oratory was sometimes beneath a tree in the orchard, and, at others, under the hedge, in a field, where he offered up his sincere and repeated request that his desire, in this respect, might be speedily accomplished. At length, through the medium of one of his sisters, then living at Trowbridge, information was received that a carpenter and builder, of the name of James, residing near Bristol, was desirous of obtaining an apprentice. This appearing to promise what had been earnestly sought, application was immediately made, and preliminary arrangements being satisfactorily conducted, he once more, with as little delay as possible, though with far other views and feelings than before, left the dwelling of his parents, cheerfully walking the whole distance ,—forty miles,—that he might commence a vocation to which he anticipated his future life would be devoted. In an overwhelming majority of instances, youth certainly is not that period of life in which it may be expected, that the probable consequences of attaining an object eagerly desired, will be previously admitted to calm and dispassionate consideration. The affections completely engrossed in admiring an image, the creation of fancy rather than reason, exclude from the mind that extended and impartial survey of the duties and difficulties inseparably connected with any considerable turn in human affairs, which seems essential to form a correct judgment of the change, or' to secure the advantages and avoid the evils in immediate prospect. Let young people be admonished how they become impatient to be released from the‘ vigilant superintendence of a father and the tender solicitude of a mother, lest, on some future occasion, they sigh in vain for the possession of privileges which, during their continuance, were too little valued, but to the enjoyment of which there is now no possibility of return. In his new position, the subject of this biographical sketch, experienced much more of laborious servitude and Painful deprivation, to exercise his endurance, than had come within the range of his limited calculation. It is, therefore, more than probable that the endearments of home now became more enhanced in his esteem, than at any former period of his life, but their renewed enjoyment was no longer to be realized, and perhaps even their remembrance might be embittered by a consciousness that while they were within reach they were not appreciated to their full amount. Yet, severely as he felt the discipline through which he was now passing, it was, providentially considered, mercifully designed for his ulterior advantage. In the meantime the propriety of his moral deportment was affectingly deteriorated. Freed from the restraints imposed by the immediate influence of parental inspection and authority, apprenticed to a builder in the neighbourhood of Bristol, it was not long before the Philistines of depravity were upon him, the checks of conscience, like the green withes which bound Sampson, “ were broken as a thread of tow when it toucheth the fire,” and he was led captive by Satan at his will. The natural energy of his character, considerable through life, was, at this time unhappily devoted to the service of sin; so that, if not the foremost, he was Very far from being the last, among those with whom he was drawn into an unholy emulation in running the race of impiety. From the age of sixteen to nineteen, it appears that it might have emphatically been said concerning him, “having no hope, and without God in the world.” How frequently has moral darkness been nearest to total, just before the rays of a spiritual illumination have been vouchsafed to render it visible. Having reached the extreme point, in a course of disobedience, to which he was permitted to proceed, and been long bound in the grave-clothes of spiritual death, the moment was now not distant, in which it was to be proclaimed, by Him who is “ the resurrection and the life,”—“ Loose him and let him go.” The agency employed on this occasion was that of a poor but pious man, occupied in some department of the same temporal calling with himself, who, observing his young associate in labour becoming more and more ensnared by his companions in folly, ventured to administer a gentle but seasonable reproof, which, however, like a keenly pointed and barbed arrow, penetrated so deeply that it could be extracted only by the hand of divine mercy. To appease the anguish of conscience, recourse was immediately had to such abbreviations of external impropriety, together with certain punctilious forms of mechanical devotion, which, under early religious impressions, in the absence of clearer light, are ordinarily substituted for “repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” But, as in all such cases, these human efforts were found to be too feeble either to stem the torrent of vice or to silence the clamours of an internal accuser. Mortified by disappointment, and struggling with defeat, his feelings became irritated and his mind increasingly oppressed—as yet “ the way of peace he knew not.”

About this time he became a hearer of Mr. Hey, an eminent Independent minister, in the City of Bristol, to whom he appears first to have listened at an occasional service in the open air. Though now much discouraged, he did not entirely despair of obtaining acceptance with God by his personal exertions ; he, therefore, multiplied his endeavours and vigorously sought by his own performances to meet the requirements of divine law—alas ! it was all in vain. The clouds of terror became darker, the winds of temptation blew a hurricane, and the billows of mental distress were tempestuous. In the midst of the tossings and agitations of this violent storm, his mind was mercifully directed to the Saviour of lost sinners as the anchorage of his soul. Of his infinitely gracious character and all sufficient mediation, hitherto he had attained to no clear and consolatory discovery; but, just in this extremity of his peril, he was led to the contemplation of the words, “ What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him ?” Is it so? was the reflection—then he is able to calm the surges of my mind. And, having been brought to this happy conclusion, he immediately suspended the employment in which he was at the moment engaged, and proceeded where awhile he might uninterruptedly meditate on the infinite glories of him who made and preserves all things, and to whom they are universally subjected. In this sovereign Lord he beheld the exalted Mediator, who “is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him.” Thus, by divine influence, his perturbed spirit was delightfully wafted into the haven of spiritual repose, from which, during the subsequent stages of his life, notwithstanding the variations in experience, he was never, for any considerable period, either driven or drawn. The nature and circumstances of the happy change now effected were sufficiently remarkable to excite observation, and its benevolent operation was soon exhibited in the earnestness with which this new disciple of the cross endeavoured to collect his former companions beneath the waving of its banner. Nor were these early efforts to rescue the perishing fruitless; for there is much reason to believe that several, who, by his persuasion, were induced to sit under the sound of a gospel ministry, sought and obtained the mercy in which he rejoiced. Though now a regular and zealous attendant upon the more public ordinances of religion, he, for some time, continued unconnected, as a member, with any Christian community, hoping, as, by young converts, is by no means uncommon, to attain, by delay, to a greater meetness for the privilege.

At length, perceiving it to be the obvious path of duty, he united himself with the church in Bristol, the ministry of whose pastor—Mr. Hey—had been rendered eminently useful to him. Even previously to adopting this course, the subject of baptism had engaged his attention, and so far had he proceeded, by the assistance of the Scriptures, in its examination as to be convinced he was unbaptized; but, being in prospect of union with a Paedobaptist church, and endeavouring, though without success, to reconcile their practice with the result of his inquiry, his convictions, in reference to this ordinance, did not receive that unhesitating obedience to which they were entitled, and the subject of baptism was suffered, for, several years, to remain in abeyance. After forming this first connexion with the visible church, he immediately commenced, in association with several pious young men, aggressive efforts on the surrounding empire of darkness, visiting the cottages in the neighbourhood, addressing their inhabitants, endeavouring to arouse their minds to a serious contemplation of the imminent danger to which they were exposed as transgressors, and directing their attention to “the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” His pastor, observing the habitual fervour of his piety and the zeal and promptitude with which he engaged in these self-denying services, intimated it as his persuasion that, ere long, he would be occupied in the regular discharge of the Christian ministry.

When the term of his apprenticeship expired, he was anxious to secure such further proficiency in his temporal profession as is seldom to be attained in a provincial town. To effect this object he determined on retiring from a situation endeared to him by many sacred associations, much enjoyment of spiritual communion, and many opportunities for benevolent exertion, and visiting the metropolis. On arriving in London, as is too often the case, he found himself thrown among an immense population, without a judgment sufficiently matured, by experience, to guide his inquiries, or to determine his course. Mercifully for him his heart was fortified, by evangelical principles, against those popular fascinations with which this great city abounds, and by which such multitudes, on their introduction to it, are frequently drawn within the vortex of criminality, and, alas! not unfrequently disappear in the abyss of destruction. It is possible, however, for the elevation of the moral character to be maintained, while, by intercourse with vagrant professors of religion, and incoherent teachers of Christianity, the freshness, purity, and spiritual fervour of a young mind may be seriously injured. London exhibits, both among conformists and non-conformists, preachers of almost every shade of theological sentiment, from the proudest humility of Arminianism, to the most daring presumption of Antinomianism; and, when first exposed, in such a place, to the danger of hearing conflicting parties continually proclaiming, “ Lo, here is Christ, or Lo, he is there,” the partially established often find it too difficult to conform to the prohibition, “ Go not after them, nor follow them.” Numerous and affecting, indeed, are the instances in which persons, unprotected by judicious instruction, have been unwarily betrayed into connexions of which, though perhaps subsequently liberated, the consequences have sometimes been long and painfully experienced.

The ministry from which Mr. Chin was providentially removed, was highly evangelical: that on which he was induced to attend, soon after his arrival in London, notwithstanding its assumed superiority, in the abundant exhibition of the gospel, to almost every other, was profanely ingenious, bitterly censorious, and lamentably defective. He was not long in discovering that under such an instructor he was neither likely to be led into all truth, nor greatly assisted in the cultivation and exercise of the Christian graces; especially those eminent fruits of the Spirit,—love, gentleness, and meekness. He began to perceive, that, as in the human structure, so in every scheme of instruction, the effect of unnatural enlargement, in any part must be distortion, destructive not only of symmetry and beauty, but often producing a general, if not fatal, unhealthiness of the entire system. While attending, in this connexion, he observed also, and, indeed, felt, the withering influence arising from the injudicious statement of principles, which, though immensely valuable in themselves, were continually inculcated as mere abstractions, without any adequate attention to their sympathy with Christian affection, and their practical bearing on personal holiness and united effort in the advancement of the Redeemer’s kingdom.

With deep concern he witnessed the callous indifference with which many of his fellow worshippers appeared to treat the condition of the unconverted, and finding that, by too frequent association with such persons, he was exposed to the danger of being overcome by the same paralysing influence, he prudently determined to withdraw.

Under the direction and blessing of divine providence, in the absence of those pecuniary recources, which, by parents or friends, are so often supplied to persons commencing business, and surrounded almost entirely by strangers, Mr. Chin, principally relied, for the successful prosecution of his earthly calling, upon his skill and industry; and in how large a proportion of instances, where considerable advances of property have proved unavailing to secure a prosperous result, have these, by persevering application, been rendered amply sufficient.

“The blessing of the Lord it maketh rich.” In the neighbourhood of Horsleydown, which, about this time, he had selected as the place of his residence, a person of some wealth and influence becoming acquainted with his valuable qualifications as an ingenious, active, and upright man in his vocation, determined to afford him assistance and encouragement. Thus patronized and introduced to employment, he was gradually becoming established, and that, too, not without flattering prospects of considerable ultimate prosperity opening to his view. To be “ diligent in business,” however, and “ fervent in spirit,” is a spiritual elevation not ordinarily attained. He soon found that the too eager pursuit of a lawful object may so engross the time and attention, as to occasion, if not the absolute neglect of some paramount duty, yet, so diminished an obedience to its claims as to leave no doubt that its estimate practically is, in some degree at least, reduced from the position it previously occupied. Seldom, indeed, does it occur that efforts to increase the amount of earthly good are vigorously pushed, without inflicting some injury on that interest, which to a Christian, in the happiest exercises of his mind, is infinitely dearer than every other. For some time, Mr. Chin distressingly felt the deteriorating influence

of worldly solicitude, which, without disturbing his religious principles, had seriously interfered with the earnestness of his devotion, and obstructed the progress of his spiritual improvement. Aroused and alarmed at this state of fearful drowsiness which had almost insensibly stolen upon him, and carefully surveying the circumstances which had contributed to induce it, he perceived that, though a constant attendant on public worship, yet, not having been lately in communion with a Christian church, he had sustained no inconsiderable loss; and, therefore, as one step towards recovery from the declension, which he now deeply lamented, he united with a Paedobaptist church, in the vicinity of his residence; an event in his history, of which the consequences were highly important.

Whether solitariness, as respects domestic life, was within his enumeration of the impeding circumstances to the maturing of his Christian character, to the deliberate consideration of which his attention had been so impressively directed, is not intimated, but it is certain that, about this time, another union was in contemplation; in the presence of which every other merely temporal connexion, must be regarded as subordinate. Before he left the country he became acquainted with an estimable friend, whom a wise and gracious Providence had destined to be his most tenderly attached and beloved associate throughout the journey of life. As she still survives, in her widowed solitude, illumined, however, by the bright celestial radiance of immortal hope, it is the more imperative to be cautious and delicate in this reference to the commencement and merciful continuance of her companionship with her valued husband. Mrs. Chin, whose original name was Land Plumleigh, was descended from a family, which, in times of persecution, suffered much on account of their non-conformity. She was born at Dartmouth, June 8, 1770. Early distinguished by the knowledge and enjoyment of evangelical truth, she publicly professed her attachment to the Saviour, and, in the seventeenth year of her age, was baptized by the late Rev. Isaiah Birt, then residing at Plymouth. Subsequently removed to Bristol, she there first became acquainted with him to whom, for more than forty years, she sustained the endeared relation and discharged the onerous duties of an affectionate and prudent wife. Unhappily, instances are not of extremely rare occurrence in which young men, having secured the tenderest regard of female attachment, during a transient local separation, enter into some new engagement, and unfeelingly abandon the enslaved victim of their professed affection to pine, in secret, beneath the consuming pressure of—alas! a too vivid and cherished remembrance of the faithless friend. Would it were possible to affirm that no Christian, and especially no Christian minister, has ever been chargeable with such dereliction of truth and honour. It cannot, however, be too strongly impressed upon the minds of such deeply aggrieved females, that a union with one who could heartlessly violate so sacred an engagement would, it is highly probable, have been succeeded by sorrow, even more pungent than the keen anguish occasioned by the perfidious treatment to which they have been exposed. In the interval between leaving Bristol and his marriage, Mr. Chin was not altogether without inducements to yield, to what some would represent as the dictate of prudence, if not the demand of necessity; and, as a young man, just attempting to establish himself in business, relinquish a distant connexion, of which early mutual regard was the chief recommendation; and endeavour to select a companion whose marriage portion might assist him to overcome difficulties, not easily to be avoided, in what is usually termed beginning the world. Happily, in his case, this temptation was firmly resisted, into which many have fallen, and, among whom, not a few have proved it to be disastrous; for, in such instances, unless fortune and accomplishments are met with adequate comforts and accommodations, conjugal harmony is almost sure to disappear amidst the frequent recurrence of mutual regrets and irritation; and, on the other hand, if an establishment is attempted, answerable to previous habits and anticipated indulgences, a ruinous expenditure is incurred, and life is continually embittered, if not abridged, by doubtful expedients and distressing embarrassments. In Mrs. Chin her husband was favoured with the essential qualities of human felicity; piety, affection, prudence, and industry. Divine Providence intended and formed her to be what, during his life, she so eminently became, “ a help meet for him.” They were united September 8, 1797, and, to this event, especially in the company of his more intimate friends, Mr. Chin was accustomed to refer,—his eye beaming with pleasure,-——in terms expressive of high satisfaction and grateful acknowledgement. His family consisted of eleven children, four sons and seven daughters. Of this number it was his happiness to baptize and receive into the communion of the Christian church five; four of whom survive, to adorn, it is earnestly hoped, their religious profession, and to alleviate and cheer the solitude of their widowed parent; whose wounded spirit, must, in no inconsiderable degree, be soothed and tranquilized by the pleasing recollection that, throughout an affliction, of more than usual severity and continuance, her constant and welcome attention ministered so greatly to the comfort and relief of her suffering husband ; and that now, as a “widow indeed, trusting in God,” she is privileged with the cheering hope that, in due time, she also shall inherit that heavenly rest to which he is departed.

Sometime after Mr. Chin had been a member of the church in Horsleydown, he made attempts, with the entire concurrence of his pastor, in the neighbourhood of London, similar to those in which, before he left the' country, he was benevolently occupied; and, in the year 1800, he proceeded, under the sanction of the Greenwich Tabernacle Itinerant Society, to visit various places, chiefly in the county of Kent. These visits of mercy to the cottages of the uninstructed poor were accompanied, there is reason to conclude, not only with advantage to those who, from time to time, were assembled in them, but also to their youthful teachers ; they afforded opportunities highly favourable to their attaining a facility and confidence in communicating instruction, by which, subsequently, when they were introduced to more enlarged and public scenes of usefulness, their services were rendered less formidable to themselves and more acceptable to their hearers. In one of these sabbath excursions, Mr. Chin and an itinerant associate, in their way towards Erith, observing, on Lessness Heath, a group of unoccupied persons in the attire of labourers, determined to pause, and, on that spot, for the first time, erect the standard of the Cross. At the suggestion of Mr. Chin, his companion delivered a short discourse, he engaging in the devotional part of the service. The audience, which, during the exercise, increased to forty persons, being attentive and appearing much interested, the preachers were encouraged, and, before the congregation dispersed, Mr. Chin was induced to announce that it was his intention to renew the interview with them on the following Lord's-day. The proposed visit to those villagers occurred August 17, 1800, and, by the arrangement, he was, on this occasion, to be the preacher. His text was Matt. iv.17, “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Such was the commencement of the cause at Lessness Heath, in which Mr. Chin ever afterwards took a deep interest, and which, attended with the ordinary alternations of prosperity and adversity, is yet continued.

From the interesting scenes of his earliest life he had now been several years absent. His reminiscences of persons and places were vivid, and the fervour of his imagination magnifying the attractions of his native retirement, and the busier haunts of his advancing youth, it was quite natural, if not commendable, that he should be desirous of reviewing the sequestered abode with its adjoining fields and orchard, which were never to be entirely obliterated from his memory; and of conversing once more with those endeared individuals who sustained his helpless infancy, or who, when his mind was first opening to a perception of his moral responsibility, directed his attention to the only refuge from the justly apprehended danger. In his visit to Bristol, on this occasion, he found that information of his being now accustomed to preach in public had preceded him. This originated an urgent request, that, on some evening, during his stay, he might be heard from one of the pulpits in that place. This invitation, entirely declined at the time, he afterwards deeply regretted that he did not accept; and, fearing that elsewhere he might be exposed to a similar temptation, of conferring too much with flesh and blood when called upon to announce the glad tidings of salvation, be determined, in the fear of God, that on every future occasion, wherever he might be favoured with an opportunity of preaching the gospel it should be embraced. It was not long before the pious resolution, thus formed, was severely tested; for, on his return from the country, he was solicited to supply a vacant service at Woolwich, occasioned by the absence of the late Mr. Percy. This unexpected request, that he would occupy the pulpit of an eminent minister, in a large place of worship, induced a pause; but, recollecting that he had opened his mouth to the Lord and could not go back, with fear and trembling he accepted the invitation; selecting as his text, 1 Sam. ii.30. “Them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.” The assistance with which he was signally favoured, on this occasion, became to him a memorable illustration of the passage on which he founded his discourse. The sermon he delivered made so decided an impression in his favour, that, at certain intervals, for several succeeding years, by the particular desire of that congregation, his visits to Woolwich were repeated; and when, subsequently, it became necessary that he should collect for the erection of the chapel at Walworth, he received from those respected friends, in the liberal exercise of their Christian benevolence, a substantial proof that their esteem for him was not abated. Nor did he omit, in a sermon he preached on this gratifying occasion, to refer to the motto of his first address to them; intimating that, be trusted, they mutually felt themselves to be under deep and lasting obligations, gratefully to acknowledge that the Lord had honoured them.

During a considerable part of the time that Mr. Chin had continued a member of the church in Horsleydown, his mind had been again much exercised on the subject of Christian baptism. That he was unbaptized there remained no doubt upon his mind; nor was it less evident to him that it was the will of the Saviour that all his disciples should follow him in this divine institution, yet, as in a multitude of similar instances, up to this time, his principles and his practice, in relation to this solemn rite, were directly at variance. At length, however, the time had fully arrived, when, in his case, frivolous excuses could no longer he suffered to obstruct the path of obedience. In itinerating excursions, he had already been much associated with several pious young men, members of the Baptist Church, in Church Street, Blackfriars, of which, for so many years, the late highly esteemed Rev. James Upton was the pastor; than whom it would be difficult to refer to a minister who possessed so many excellences, and who discovered so few defects—remembered and affectionately regarded, by the writer of these pages, more than forty years. To him Mr. Chin applied for baptism, which, having been administered, be, together with his beloved companion, previously baptized, were received into the communion of that church. Here he considered it to be no less his privilege than his duty, to solicit the judgment of his pastor and the members of the church upon the important subject of his continuing to go forth as a preacher of the gospel. By his speaking repeatedly in the presence of this numerous church and its respected pastor, ample opportunity was afforded for considering and replying to this weighty inquiry. After mature deliberation, he was informed that it was their united opinion he should be encouraged to minister the Divine Word, in subordination

To such openings for the exercise of his gifts, as the providence of God might present; and, in prayerful connexion with this decision upon his case, he was solemnly inducted into the more regular discharge of the Christian ministry.

CHAPTER II.

Walworth and its neighbourhood— The origin of the Baptist Church in East Street, Walworth— The origin of the church in Lion Street—Mr. Chin's introduction to it—His reluctance to under take the pastoral office—His ordination.

Every intelligent reader, whether of general or select history, becomes deeply interested in examining the position, extent, and manners of the several countries through which the researches of the historian may conduct him; carefully attending to their aboriginal condition, their facilities for improvement, and the success with which they have been cultivated. With what sacred pleasure, then, may a Christian be supposed to reflect on any memorial of the circumstances attending the introduction, establishment and increase of the kingdom of Christ in some adjacent district of his native land.

Myriads of the inhabitants of too densely populated London, have, within the last half century, taken refuge in the rural environs of the metropolis; until the approaches of country to town have approximated so closely as to render indistinct, if not to obliterate, the line of separation. Among the multitude who have thus sought either partial or total seclusion from the incessant occupations of this emporium of the world, many have abstracted themselves and their families, with the pious intention of yielding that homage to the superior claims of personal and domestic religion, to the pursuit of which they had long found their previous liability to continual interruption highly injurious. Influenced by such sentiments, it is certainly not more than might be expected that they should seek the spiritual welfare of the neighbourhood to which they had resorted for repose from overwhelming temporal employments. Finding others like-minded with themselves, they united in the formation of suburban Christian churches, in relation to several of which their prosperity offers an abundant occasion for devout thankfulness; though it must be acknowledged that, to a considerable extent, they have become enriched by accessions which have left the venerable communities , from which they have been dismissed, with scarcely the hope of retrieving the losses they have thus sustained. Oh! For more of the spirit of the Baptist, “He must increase, but I must decrease;” and of the apostle, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

Many, who with the writer, distinctly remember the neighbourhood of Walworth considerably more than fifty years- then better known by the designation of St George’s Fields- can attest that the buildings were comparatively few, and generally far apart. To fill up the interstices, to their present appearance, occupied a lengthened period; but now, habitations, forming numerous streets, and edifices erected for commercial, benevolent, and literary objects, have covered the verdant fields with piles of brick and stone, to a surprising extent; leaving scarcely a landmark by which to trace the distinguished spots on which crowds assembled to listen to political declamation. In this instance, however, as in most others of a similar description, the furtherance of the gospel has been the result. At a convenient place, in East Street, Walworth, a few pious persons agreed to assemble together for public worship; and, whatever may have been the previous religious advantages of the surrounding population, in that event, principally originated those commodious chapels and large congregations which are now to be found in that neighbourhood. Among the persons whose ministerial services were solicited at East Street, those of the Rev. Joseph Swain were so highly appreciated, that, when it was determined to form a Baptist Church there, he received a cordial invitation to become its pastor.

At this interesting period Mr. Swain was thirty years of age. His first abiding serious impressions are recorded, by himself, to have been received in 1782. In the following year he was baptized by Dr. Rippon, and admitted a member of the church then meeting in Carter Lane, Tooley Street. Having been eight years in fellowship with that Christian community, many opportunities for discovering that he possessed talents for public usefulness had been afforded, and, in June 1791, he was encouraged by his pastor and the church to give himself “to prayer and to the ministry of the Word.” The next week witnessed the commencement of his services at East Street, and, in December, the same year, a church, gathered principally in connexion with his labours, consisting of twenty-seven persons, was formed there. At their unanimous and urgent request he became their pastor, and was publicly ordained February 8, 1792. Before he had accepted the pastorate at Walworth, a number of warmly attached friends had induced him to commence a lecture on Lord’s-days and Wednesday evenings, at the meeting house in Devonshire Square, Bishopsgate Street. These services drew large congregations, and were continued up to the period of his death. So many persons were brought together to listen to the acceptable ministrations at Walworth, that it soon became necessary to enlarge the place of worship, and this had not been long effected when the chapel became so crowded as to make its further extension indispensable; for which purpose the church and congregation commenced a liberal contribution. The accomplishment of this object was, however, delayed by the very unexpected and affecting death of their beloved pastor. To say nothing of the mental exhaustion, Mr. Swain’s exertions were much beyond the measure of his physical power. Beside occasional services, he regularly preached three times on the Lord’s day, and two lectures in the week; and as he could not be induced to omit any one of these labours, neither did he seem able to diminish the fervour and energy with which he performed them. It soon became obvious—alas! too soon, that while he was thus shining brightly, he was consuming rapidly. Only a few days more than four years after his ordination, this eminently successful minister was arrested in his highly interesting career by an acute disease, which, in less than a fortnight, brought him, in the thirty-sixth year of his age, “to the house appointed for all living." “ Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right ?” He was somewhat familiar with the Muses, and by no means destitute of poetic imagination, as may be seen in the hymns he composed for his congregation, and in a poem which he wrote, extending to eight books, entitled, Redemption ,- which passed through several editions. But his devout lyre was suddenly unstrung, and, in relation to his luminous ministry, “thelamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord.” The solemn event occasioned two funeral discourses, one delivered by Dr. Rippon, at Surrey chapel, and the other at Walworth, by Mr. Upton; the latter was afterwards published. The bereaved flock deeply mourned their departed shepherd, but the “ Chief Shepherd”—“ whoever liveth ,”—did not permit them to continue long without a superintendent of the fold. Dr. Jenkins, formerly of Wrexham, in Denbighshire, who had, for some time, been preaching, under very discouraging circumstances, at Blandford Street, London, was invited to become Mr. Swain’s successor; and having, after due consideration, accepted this call, he entered upon the regular discharge of its arduous duties. Dr. Jenkins was, at this period, between fifty and sixty years of age, and, though far superior to his deeply regretted predecessor, in literary acquirement and elaborate preparation for the pulpit, yet, as might be expected, he was by no means his equal in energy and animation; but, to general hearers, the latter being, almost beyond comparison, more attractive than the former, the impression made by the new pastor, notwithstanding the strain of his ministry was highly evangelical, was neither so striking in its immediate influence, nor so rapidly effective, in the enlargement of the church, as was produced in connexion with that of the departed minister. Several years, however, were passed, by this church, in the enjoyment of peace; not unattended with encouraging prosperity; and Dr. Jenkins was enabled to collect around him many persons who highly appreciated his communications. At length, as is deplorably too frequent in our churches, as if they had no other way of exhibiting their imperfections to the world, disagreement arose, disaffection ensued, and separation was the result. Thirty-six members withdrew from the pastoral care of Dr. Jenkins, opened another place in the neighbourhood for public worship, and formed themselves into a distinct church; of whom two or three “remain unto this present,” but the rest “are fallen asleep.” The following, with the omission of a very few words, is a correct copy of a document entitled, Declaration, signed by each individual at the period of their incorporation.“ We, whose names are hereafter first inserted in this book, having separated ourselves from the church of Christ meeting in East Street, Walworth, under the pastoral care of Dr. Joseph Jenkins, meeting for the public worship of God, behind Beckford Row, Walworth, having been baptized, by immersion, on a profession of our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ ;—believing and owning the doctrines of particular and personal election, special and particular redemption, through the sacrifice, blood, and death of the Lord Jesus Christ; as, also, special, powerful, and efficacious grace in conversion ; and the perseverance of the saints, in grace, finally to eternal glory ; and do mutually and cordially agree this day to give up ourselves publicly, in a solemn manner, to the Lord and each other, to worship God and walk together, in love, as a church of the Lord Jesus Christ; in all his truths, ordinances, and commands, according to the revelation of his Word, as the Lord shall enable us, by his grace, yielding ourselves up to the Lord Jesus Christ, as our lawgiver, judge, king, and only Saviour. In testimony of this our sacred covenant-agreement with the Lord and each other, we have this—the Lord’s day—the eighth of September, and in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and five, set and subscribed our names, in the presence of God, angels, and each other.”

The consequences involved in so important a transaction, though, at the time, not always sufficiently considered, are much too serious to be treated with indifference. Among these, that of obtaining the services of an acceptable pastor is certainly not the least. To the securing of this object the prayers and inquiries of the Walworth friends were now directed; and, while they were thus devoutly engaged, the machinery of divine Providence, in its mysterious operations, was preparing for their cordial reception the honoured individual, in connexion with whose instrumentality “the little one” was to “become a thousand.”

Shortly after Mr. Chin had been introduced to the church under the care of Mr. Upton, he was solicited to exercise his ministry at Dunstable, which he did for some time on every alternate Lord’s day. On one of these occasions, in which both minister and congregation had been indulged with more than an ordinary measure of enjoyment in their attendance upon public worship, Mr. Chin was urged to accept an invitation to preach there statedly for several months, with the design, no doubt, of such probationary services terminating in his permanent settlement as their pastor. Under impressions of mind, at the moment, not at all adverse to compliance with this request, and, it being represented to him that delay was undesirable, he intimated his assent. Calm reflection, however, upon what had taken place, discovered to him that there had been too much of precipitance in his decision, and his judgment was now aroused to deliberate and determine upon certain weighty points, to which sufficient previous consideration had not been given. Alarmed, agitated, distressed; he hesitated to retract—he feared to go forward—thoughtful through the day, and wakeful during the night, he was oppressed in his spirit, and ‘earnestly prayed for deliverance—it arrived ; but not through the medium of any interposition by which he had anticipated his possible escape. He was, at this time, prosperous and in much request in his temporal avocation. Being sent for to inspect a building supposed to be in danger of falling, and perceiving that promptitude in the application of means for its support, was essential to its safety, he immediately united with the men, in his employ, in vigorous efforts to make the necessary arrangements, and while intensely engaged in the pursuit of this object, he inflicted so severe a wound on his right leg as to require immediate surgical aid. Induced by his anxiety to secure the building, he ventured, even after this, to render his personal assistance, which so much aggravated the injury he had just sustained that it became necessary he should be conveyed home, where, for several weeks, he was confined to his chamber, and subsequently for a much longer period he was restricted from occupying himself in anything requiring physical effort. By this painful visitation his prayers, in relation to Dunstable, were answered; the engagement was necessarily postponed, and does not appear, ever after, to have been renewed. In this event he saw—he felt—he said, “ Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters ; and thy foot steps are not known.” Before he became quite convalescent, he was visited by one of the Deacons of the newly formed church at Walworth, commissioned to solicit his ministerial assistance, as soon as his returning strength would permit; to which he consented.

Both the parents of Mr. Chin had the privilege to survive the call of their beloved and only son to the Christian ministry. The feelings of such relatives—themselves truly pious—no considerate person would attempt to describe, especially those of that mother who, even before the birth of her child devoutly solicited that, if it were a son, he might not only become a Christian, but also a Christian minister. With what unutterable emotions of humble gratitude must she have received the report of an event which embraced, at once, the answer to her early supplications and the accomplishment of her earnest desire! Near this period, however, his venerable father, whose years numbered more than fourscore, was removed by almost sudden death. At this advanced age he was still occupied in the management of the small farm, on which, during his lengthened life, he had lived. He was accustomed now, in a light cart, to ride over those fields which previously he had so constantly trodden. On one of these occasions proceeding as usual, accompanied by a grandson, the conveyance was overturned and fell upon him. He arose, unconscious that he had sustained any serious injury, and assisted in raising the vehicle, after which he immediately sunk down and suddenly expired. The bitterness of this event, to his aged companion and beloved son, was greatly diminished by their knowing that for many previous years, the sanctity of his life had satisfactorily testified to the renewing influence of divine grace upon his heart.

It must certainly be conceded that circumstances ex ercise so commanding an influence over the human mind, in determining its preference, as to render a very dispassionate consideration of them, essential to a safe and honourable course of conduct; and it may be presumed that to a deficiency of correct information, as to such circumstances, may be referred, in part at least, the surprise—not to say suspicion—so frequently expressed, when Christian ministers unexpectedly remove from stations they have occupied, or suddenly attach themselves to new and almost untried connexions. On these subjects there is often a meddling officiousness which will scarcely “let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind,” and which seems entirely to forget, that “to his own master he stands or falls.” In the particular instance, however, now under review, the circumstances which led to Mr. Chin’s pastoral relation must, by all who know them, be acknowledged to have fully justified the prudent deliberation with which he proceeded; and there can be no doubt, to his own reflection, must have often become a source of tranquilizing satisfaction. Before he became practically a baptist, he had repeatedly been a bearer of Mr. Swain, and his successor, Dr. Jenkins, and the zeal, affection, and harmony apparent among the people, attracted his particular attention; although, therefore, he had engaged to visit the separatists, he could not possibly avoid the conviction, that, as schism, in the body, had originated in impropriety somewhere, his steps must be measured and his caution vigilantly exerted.

The promised visit appears to have been made early in 1806, and to have been very favourably received; for, at a church meeting, holden on the 10th of February, in that year, it was unanimously determined that Mr. Chin should be invited to supply the pulpit for three months; with which he complied. At the same meeting, it having

been found that the place in which they assembled, though a school-room of some capacity, was too limited to accommodate their increasing congregation, it was resolved, “ That this church do agree and unite to build a place in the most eligible situation that can be obtained for that purpose.” Immediately upon the passing of this resolution, one of the Deacons stated that ground, for the purpose of building, might be obtained in a new street, called Lion Street, Walworth, in the parish of Newington, Surrey; and so prompt and decisive were these movements, that, before the meeting adjourned, it was unanimously voted, that the brother who had made this report should be empowered to secure a sufficient extent of ground for the accomplishment of their contemplated object. The result of Mr. Chin’s services at the expiration of the three months for which he had been invited proved highly satisfactory. The church and congregation were increased and increasing, and to his person and ministry there was evidently a growing and strong attachment. The church, therefore, at its regular meeting, June 9, 1806, resolved that he be requested to “continue his labours six months longer, with a view to the pastoral office.” This renewed and important solicitation was entrusted to the Deacons to convey, and by them, after mature deliberation, he conveyed a written reply, which, upon examination, was found to contain, though expressed in the kindest terms, a refusal to accede to that part of their request which referred to his becoming, at the termination of the next six months, their pastor. It is probable that the disappointment of the church on this occasion was severe; it is certain, by the following resolution, which was immediately passed, that their regret was considerable :—“ That this church feel the most lively sorrow on Mr. John Chin’s refusal of their invitation, though so affectionately expressed, and earnestly request he will continue his useful labours among us as usual ; trusting the Lord will give him to see his way more clear to accept a call at some future period.” Rashly and precipitantly engaging in the permanent and responsible duties of the pastoral office is often followed by its own punishment, in the early disaffection and desertion of those who perhaps were most active in effecting the settlement ; but any approach to coquetry in forming so sacred a connexion is detestable. No minister could be more remote than Mr. Chin, from the former of these errors, and, as to the latter, he was unspotted. The reasons which had the greatest share in determining his mind so repeatedly to decline accepting the call of the church, to take the oversight of them in the Lord, whether sufficient or not to justify so lengthened a delay, were anything but frivolous. Of these the principal was the estimation in which he held his qualifications for the Christian ministry, compared with the requirements of its permanent exercise as a stated pastor. Ample testimony had already been afforded, that, as an occasional preacher, his services were both acceptable and useful ; but his trembling diffidence, as to the probable result of continually appearing in the presence of the same people, as their spiritual instructor, awed him for nearly two years into a continued resistance of their importunity.

At this time also the imperative claims of an increasing family began to be serious, and he feared that the infant interest, which desired his services, might be discouraged by making strenuous efforts for his support, which, after a time, they would find themselves unable to sustain. In addition, too, he had so assiduously cultivated his business connexion, that his prospects were sufficiently flattering to occasion some hesitancy as to the propriety of at once foregoing these agreeable anticipations, and subjecting himself and family to a slender, if not a precarious maintenance ; while to unite his temporal calling with pastoral obligation he perceived would involve the success of both in imminent peril. Upon the whole, therefore, had it accorded with the views and feelings of the newly formed church, he would have been perfectly content to have remained, exerting himself to the utmost for their spiritual advantage, and supplying their pulpit every Lord’s day, without accepting an office whose duties and difficulties he apprehended were too onerous for him to undertake. Having, however, no reluctance to continue his useful labours among them, he cordially complied with this part of their request, and remained as the regular supply of their pulpit. In the meantime so much zeal and energy were applied to the erection of their new place of Worship, that, on the 24th of June, 1806, little more than four months after they had determined to build, it was publicly opened, and, at the request of the church, a sermon, preached on the occasion, by Mr. John Keeble, then of Blandford Street, London, was published. The provision thus made for an enlarged congregation was followed by a still increasing attendance; and the church became exceedingly earnest that the beloved minister who had been honoured as the instrument in so considerably augmenting their numbers should take the oversight of them in the Lord, as their recognized pastor. Under this impression, at their meeting, October 14th, in the same year, “ The church took into consideration the labours of Mr. John Chin, when, it appearing he was made increasingly useful both in the church and congregation—a motion was made and seconded, that he be again invited to continue his labours to this church forthree months longer, with a view, at the end of that time, to take upon him the pastoral care thereof—trusting it will appear to him to be the will of God.” Mr. Chin having advanced so far, a safe retreat was scarcely possible, nor, indeed, did he desire it; but, at the same time, to advance, to the full extent of this renewed invitation, appeared to him almost as formidable. As in the former instance, therefore, all that he could be induced to undertake, was the continued occupancy of the pulpit during the proposed period. Perceiving the apprehensive state of their highly esteemed minister’s mind, the church exercised an affectionate patience and prudent forbearance, and allowed things to proceed as they had hitherto done, until the 14^th April, 1807, when they, once more, requested him to continue his acceptable services four months longer, expressing, at the same time, their hope, that, at the expiration of this protracted period, the accomplishment of their importunate desire would be no longer deferred. Perhaps it will be suggested, that in so long declining to accept the proffered office, he allowed his fears and scruples to proceed to too great an extent. If he were not actually ensnared by this error, it is certain that he began to be alarmed lest he should be. It occurred to him whether he had not now carried his resistance to the call of the church so far, as not merely to discourage its members, but as might even seem to imply a want of cheerful submission to its Head. He justly concluded, that, in proportion as it appeared to be the will of God, he should surrender himself up to the performance of this great work, he might confidently repose in him for every needed supply, and that, were it ever ultimately to be discovered he had misinterpreted the divine intention, in considering himself called to occupy that station, the church was so anxious he should fill, he could retrace his

steps and resume his temporal avocation,-—-a reflection too seldom cherished by young ,men entering the ministry, and still more unfrequently pursued into practise, when circumstances plainly indicate that such a course would be highly honourable. From the date of the last invitation to him to become their pastor, six months were suffered to elapse before the church were privileged to receive his gratifying reply, and, from some expressions it contains, it is easy to perceive that, in yielding to their wishes, he “conferred not with flesh and blood.”

“My dear brethren and sisters, who compose the church of Christ meeting in Lion Street—My sincere prayer is, and long hath been, that grace, mercy, and peace, may be abundantly enjoyed among you. As the appointed period for your church-meeting is just at hand, necessity makes me break through every difficulty to answer your late kind invitation to the pastoral office of your church; the importance of which, the Lord knows, I feel the deepest conviction of,---unworthiness of,-—and unfitness for: a deep sense of which hath often been a heavy clog to my poor soul, and often makes me cry to Him that is the friend of them that hath no helper; and at other times shamefully to hide my head ‘among the stuff.’ And though, of late, the Lord hath favoured me with increasing confidence in himself, yet, I rejoice with trembling, and am often saying, ‘Who is sufficient for these things?’ But through much mercy can add, my ‘sufficiency is of God.’ And I do believe his design is to bring me among you in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of peace, through your prayers and a supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. And to this I have been persuaded by a variety of providential circumstances without, and God’s gracious dealings within; and that of your unwearied attention to my poor labours, and unabated affection, for near two years, is not the least. Nor have I lived insensible of this; for, though I could not accede to your repeated invitations before, yet, I have long possessed a hope I should live and die in habits of friendship with you; nor would any more rejoice in your prosperity. My situation in life has been no small obstruction to my public exercises; and how the Lord will, in future, dispose of me, I have yet to learn, and to wait upon him for: yet, I trust, I have felt the authority of his Word where he saith, ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all other things shall be added unto you.’

“The spirit of prayer that hath long been enjoyed, and, of late, increased, is to me a pleasing evidence of approaching good, nor am I unmindful of the care of our heavenly Father in raising up so many to put their shoulders to the ark, and offer their free-will offerings before the Lord. I am happy to find you are disposed to make some necessary arrangements calculated to promote your internal peace and prosperity, and, my prayer is, that you may be blessed with divine direction, hoping such steps will, in due time, lead to a happy and useful union.

“I subscribe myself,

“Your very affectionate brother and willing servant,

“October 13, 1807. "Joan CHIN.”

It is scarcely possible to peruse the preceding communication without being pleasingly impressed with the Christian simplicity of its writer; which is particularly noticeable in the vein of unaffected humility by which every sentence is pervaded; and especially in the entire omission of any reference to pecuniary stipulation; for the “free-will offerings ” alluded to, in the close of the letter, intended, if not exclusively, chiefly, the generous efforts then making to provide for the debt upon their new place of worship. In the last paragraph, also, Mr. Chin mentions “some necessary arrangements calculated to promote internal peace and prosperity;” among which, there can be no doubt, he had very much in view a more complete restoration of amity between the churches in East Street and Lion Street, than had existed since the separation.

How common soever it may be to say that “good is brought out of evil,” nothing can possibly convert wrong into right. That, in the divine administration, what in itself is unjustifiable is often overruled for the accomplishment of the most gracious purposes, all must admit, but no measure of prosperity is ever to be adduced as evidence that God approves what His law forbids, or as an apology for a rash and unholy procedure.

Whatever is essentially good or evil is immutable, and no circumstances of prosperity or adversity can change.

Neither time, nor even eternity, though continually revealing previously hidden purposes, will ever affect the identity of truth and error. Formerly, the churches in question had been one, now, for a considerable time, they had been divided into two distinct communities, and, as in such cases, through the imperfection of human nature, is all but universal, alienation was the unamiable consequence. It is obvious, that whatever might have originated the uneasiness which terminated in separation, Mr. Chin, being, at that time, entirely unconnected with both parties, could have no participation, and it is, therefore, the more creditable to that Christian candour which distinguished his future life, that he appears to have made it a preliminary to his own union with the friends at Lion Street, that some measure should be adopted for harmonizing their mutual interests, and effecting a co-operation as cordial as might be consistent with their independent existence. Happily, neither in the commencement nor the progress of the disagreement had anything occurred to present an insuperable difficulty to such a reconciliation. In conformity with this desirable state of feeling, the following letter, signed by the Deacons, was addressed to the parent church; and obtained the object affectionately sought.

“The Church of Christ, of the Baptist denomination, meeting, in Lion Street, Newington: to the church of Christ, of the same faith and order, under the pastoral care of Dr. Joseph Jenkins, meeting in East Street, Walworth, send greeting:

“Dear brethren,—The Lord having blessed and prospered us as a church, (as he hath also you, for which we

desire to rejoice,) and, being in prospect of having a pastor settled over us, in the person of Mr. John Chin, wish to be on amicable terms with the churches professing the same principles; and, more particularly you, with whom most of us have been in habits of Christian communion and fellowship, desire that past occurrences may be wholly buried in oblivion, and we may, while sojourning here below, live as brethren of the same common family, possessing the same hope, and expecting the same end, promised to believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.—Signed on behalf of the church this the 13th of October, 1807.”

The cheerful acceptance with which this overture was received, was certainly not less honourable to the principles of those to whom it was made, than to theirs by whom it was so seasonably presented. As a further preliminary to Mr. Chin’ ordination, he and his beloved wife were dismissed from membership with the church under the care of Mr. Upton and admitted to the fellowship of that meeting in Lion Street, and, as it was thought highly probable their new place of worship would be too limited to accommodate the assembly which was expected to attend the public settlement, the use of the Meeting-house in Church Street, Blackfriars, was solicited, and readily granted for the occasion. This important transaction occurred Tuesday, 29th December, 1807, and the esteemed ministers engaged in the interesting service were the followingz—Mr. VV. Shenston, of Alie Street, Whitechapel, commenced; Mr. Freeman, of Woolwich, presented supplication for the pastor; Mr. Upton, of Church Street, gave the charge; Mr. Ivimey, of Eagle Street, offered prayer for the church; Mr. Keeble, of Blandford Street, addressed the church; and Mr. Ball, of Greenwich, concluded the solemnity with prayer. The writer personally knew these devoted servants of Jesus Christ; all of whom have left these mortal scenes, and are, he trusts, now inheriting, as the gracious recompence of their labours, the joy of their

Lord.

CHAPTER III.

Ministers engaged at Mr. Chin’s ordination—The efforts of his Ministry—Successive enlargements of the Chapel—Formation of various Societies—His occasional indisposition--- Commencement of his lengthened affliction.

One of the most popular preachers of his time, in the metropolis, long since departed from this world, having, on a particular occasion, delivered a most impressive discourse, after descending from the pulpit was thus addressed by one of his admiring hearers: “Pray, sir, at which of the colleges did you receive your education for the ministry ?” “ At the carpenter’s bench,” was the reply; an answer, it is presumed, by no means anticipated, and not likely to have been soon forgotten. Were some to utter a lament that Mr. Chin was elevated to the pastor’s chair with so little literary preparation, it would not be deemed surprising; for, in the hearts of men, there is a fearful unwillingness that God should be exclusively glorified in the selection of instruments for the accomplishment of his noblest designs. It is cheerfully admitted that sound intelligence of every description is of great importance to the Christian minister, but what would have been the practical result upon Mr. Chin’s pastoral labours, if, previously to his settlement at ‘Walworth, instead of occupying several years of his life in occasional preaching, connected with a sedulous cultivation of his earthly calling, he had been immured in some retreat of learning, collecting a few fragments of elementary knowledge, no well-disciplined mind would venture to predict. From the commencement of his stated services, it became obvious, to competent judges, that while his acquaintance with men and things was such as cannot be expected from those who are comparatively abstracted from society, his attainments, in connexion with the edifying lessons he had received in the school of Providence, and more especially by the teaching of the Holy Spirit, in the knowledge of the human heart and the mystery of mercy, as exhibited in the glorious scheme of redemption, abundantly qualified him to assail the delusive security of the un-awakened conscience, and to feed the lambs and the sheep of Christ’s flock. And, to his beloved charge, the continued success of his ministry, through so many years, afforded a most gratifying confirmation of the favourable anticipations which they had indulged, concerning the effect of his ministry from its earliest efforts among them. Connected, too, with these remarks and with the public ordination of Mr. Chin, there is an incident too striking and of too much interest to be allowed to pass without more distinct reference. The six ministers, each of whom took part in that service, and whose names have already been introduced, resided so much in the same neighbourhood as to admit of personal intimacy, and they were so nearly agreed in their views of Christian doctrine and discipline, as to make their intercourse which each other cordial and harmonious; they were all what is usually termed uneducated; or, as some might prefer their being denominated, “ unlearned and ignorant men ;” that is, their early literary advantages had been slender; they had not passed through any of the schools of science and philosophy to the occupation of the pulpit, nor was any appendage of initial letters attached to their names to distinguish them from one another,—to supersede the dignified, because inspired ,and affectionate designation of “ brethren,” or to render its application, in any instance, uncourteous. Concerning these respected ministers it is further remarkable, that four of them presided, for many years, over churches in London or its immediate vicinity; that, in relation to five of them, at least, the churches and congregations under their pastoral superintendence, became so enlarged that few of the churches in the Baptist denomination, ’whether in London or the country, were equal in extent; and that, until dismissed by death, they continued pastors of the respective churches over which they had been originally ordained. It will scarcely be inquired what is the inference to be educed from a statement of facts confessedly so deserving of being remembered and recorded. Certainly not that any opportunity of enlarging the boundary of I knowledge, whether human or divine, should be unimproved, nor that, in connexion with discharging the onerous duties of the Christian ministry, the acquisitions of solid learning are unimportant, but that it should be distinctly perceived and gratefully acknowledged, that whenever it so pleases God,—and that it has very often been his pleasure cannot be denied,—-he can effect his magnificent purposes without invoking their aid; nay, in seeming disdain of their frequently too lofty bearing, he can refuse to operate in connexion with their proferred assistance; and, selecting instruments who can bring nothing to his service calculated to obscure the splendour of his power, more fully demonstrate the necessity of continued adherence to the divine precepts, “ Therefore let no man glory in men ;” and, “ He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."

When Mr. Chin was publicly ordained pastor of the church at Walworth, he had expended more than half the duration of his life. A diligent observer of what passed around him, naturally penetrating, accustomed to reflect, and, in the faith “not a novice,” he exhibited, in the earliest discharge of his official duties, a discernment and prudence, that secured to him a confidence which to much less maturity of years and experience, can seldom be safely conceded. He was not long, however, in discovering that to whatever proficiency he might have attained, in that knowledge which is so essential to one called to “take care of the church of God,” some things were not yet sufficiently learned, while others, hitherto altogether unknown, remained to be impressively inculcated by future events.

On the subject of keeping or not keeping a regulardiary, names of considerable eminence may be arrayed on either side. If it be asked, what has been the general practice of those whose leisure may be supposed to have supplied sufficient opportunity for pursuing such a course? the answer must be, that few comparatively appear to have entered upon it at all, that, even of these, much the greater part have attended to it in a very desultory manner, while others, who seem to have commenced with the firm intention of maintaining a daily record, either from some change of mind, as to the desirableness of the practice itself, or, as is more probable, from the unexpected and urgent claims of what have been deemed more important duties, have abandoned it altogether. Perhaps principally for the reason last assigned, Mr. Chin, who, shortly after his ordination, began very regularly to minute down daily occurrences and the exercises of his mind in connexion with them, soon had recourse to their insertion at distant intervals, and, at length, appears to have entirely declined occupying any portion of his time in this manner. The following extracts are selected from his journal.

“Thursday September 1, 1808. As it hath pleased God of his grace and providence to station me in his vineyard, as a labourer, to prune and water the plants of grace, I feel a deep convictiom in my mind of the necessity of a close application to my work, and the best improvement of my time for the good of souls. On a review of the few months I have statedly laboured among the people of my charge, I have to lament the little improvement I have made, and the loss of much precious time, by worldly cares, uninteresting conversation, and immoderate sleep. With shame I draw this picture of myself in so early a stage of my ministry. If these be the first fruits, what must the gleanings be! Well may I lament in the following lines—

‘How little of my time has been redeem‘d for God,

How justly I deserve his scourging chast'ning rod.‘

“September 2. Arose this morning, my mind somewhat relieved from the uncomfortable frame of yesterday.

Found some freedom in prayer. Spent the appointed time in study. Visited my people till near nine. The Lord give me a grateful heart for the blessing of health.”

“September 3. Being Saturday, at home the whole day, endeavouring to provide for my flock. But, oh ! what a heart have I for such a work. Surely God has but few, if any, whose minds are so dull in his work, and so active in pursuit of other objects of no moment. Retired to rest at half-past ten.”

“September 4. Rose at four; found my mind composed. Applied with close attention to study till time of public worship. Found liberty in preaching, and the people seemed particularly attentive. Lord make thy Word a blessing to their souls. Afternoon administered the Lord’s supper ; not so pleasingly affected as I have been at this solemn feast. Preached in the evening; my voice gave way about the middle of the discourse, and it was with hard labour I preached fifty minutes.*

(* By such attacks his ministry subsequently was often interrupted.)

Lord give me strength as long as work, and work as long as strength."

“September 8. E. S. called in the evening, and I hope the Lord hath begun a work of grace in his heart, time will prove; in this I rejoice with trembling. How many run well for a season, then fall away ! Lord keep him in thy truth and defend him by thy power, that we may witness thy faithfulness! ‘Instead of the fathers shall come up the children.’ And may time bring my dear boy forth as a witness to the same promise.”

“December 9. Preached Wednesday night from the character of Lydia; intending it as the first of a course of lectures on some scriptural characters, on whom the grace of God was eminently bestowed. O Lord give me ability for this arduous work, and may thy grace enable me and the dear people of my charge, to follow them, who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises.”

“December 11. Rose at four o’clock this morning, Engaged in preparing for the pulpit. Preached in the morning; was much shut up in my own soul, so as to be ashamed to see the people after the service; begun to think I had better decline the work ; but was much surprised in finding many of the people particularly blessed. In the evening preached Matt. ix. 28, had much more liberty of expression, but not much nearness to God,

Lord revive thy work in my soul.”

“December 23. This week is drawing to a close. A week to be remembered by many among us. Tuesday evening, being a special church meeting, six persons gave in their experience, and on Wednesday I administered the ordinance of baptism to nine persons. Mr. Upton preached from Acts, ‘Lord, what wouldest thou have me to do.’ Oh, that the Lord would impress my heart, with his goodness, in making one so unworthy the instrument of any good to souls; and may those that are about to join us be ornamental to the cause of Jesus Christ. Their souls are dear to me, and may I have grace and wisdom to feed their souls with truth.”

“Lord’s-day, January 1, 1809. Retired last evening, my mind much depressed and could not study. Rose this morning at three o'clock sweetly refreshed and composed. Applied to study with peculiar pleasure and softness of spirit, in reviewing the mercies of the past year; had good time in preaching. Being ordinance, day, ten out of twelve were solemnly admitted to the table of the Lord ; but I could feel but little more than my own hardness. Evening, preached on the work of regeneration—with more freedom of words than of affection. Lord make me this year more holy, industrious, and zealous, than I have been, and more useful in thy cause in bringing souls to Christ.”

“December 2. I have been much diverted this year from the quiet possession of my study, and the regular pursuits of my ministry. In the beginning of the year I spent three months in collecting for the meeting-house, and the Lord made my journey prosperous." “ 1810, August 10. Through the kind care of a gracious God, I am this day returned from the ordination of brother Shirley : in whose settlement, unworthy as I am, I was engaged. The day was spent in a manner truly pleasant; I hope, profitable to many; and I have been much delighted in seeing so many among whom I have preached at different times and places. The day before, being an anniversary at Eynsford, brother Upton preached morning and evening and I in the afternoon. Lord make it truly useful to some souls! ”

Thus much may suffice to disclose, in some degree, the alternations of hope and fear, of joy and sorrow, which often agitate the bosom of a pious and zealous servant of Jesus Christ.

At the period of Mr. Chin’s settlement, the mistaken opponents of Sunday schools, if not so numerous, were scarcely less vigorous than their benevolent friends. He, however, was not at all discouraged by this circumstance; for it seems highly probable, that, in the very first church meeting at which he presided, he called the attention of the church to the moral destitution of the children in the vicinity, of the chapel, as, at the second, dated “ 14 February 1809.” “A motion was made and seconded that a Sunday school be instituted under the sanction of this church ;” and immediately seven brethren, of whom the first was the pastor, were chosen and requested to organize and superintend its operation. In diminishing the amount of debt originally incurred by the erection of their chapel—nearly nine hundred pounds,-—the church had exerted themselves nobly, but yet, at the period when Mr. Chin became its acknowledged pastor more than half that sum remained undischarged; and, as he was commendably solicitous that this burden might be entirely removed, he appears to have visited, for that purpose, in the commencement of this year, Woolwich and other places with acceptance and success. At the same time the church and congregation increasing so much as to make further accommodation for the regular attendance indispensable, it was determined that five brethren be intrusted with the care of erecting galleries, the cost of which was 120l. What will not faith, when accompanied by judicious and persevering exertion, accomplish ! It is also highly gratifying to observe, that, while these vigorous efforts were making to provide for the spiritual necessities of the surrounding population, their temporal comfort was not overlooked; for, June 11, 1811, on the suggestion of Mr. Chin, it was resolved, “ That a society be formed, under the patronage of this church, for the purpose of visiting and relieving the sick poor at their habitations; and that the brethren meet on Monday evening next the 17th instant, after the meeting for prayer, to adjust their plan of proceedure in the same.”

Nor was this project of benevolence, like too many of a similar description, permitted, after a few feeble endeavours, to languish and fall into desuetude. For this institution alone, during the first six months of its operation, more than sixty pounds were contributed. On the 13th of August, in the same year, the church had the happiness of receiving an official report communicating the pleasing intelligence of the entire liquidation of the debt upon their place of worship. Both on account of the creditable manner in which this document is drawn up, and on account of the efficient labours of Mr. Chin, as pastor and collector, in contributing to remove this burden, it is too interesting to be omitted in this record of his services.

“Report of the proceedings of the Trustees of the Meeting House in Lion Street.

“Since the last report made to the church by the Trustees, they have been engaged in defraying the remaining debt, and the means appropriated for that purpose have been the various subscriptions collected by the exertions of Mr. Chin in and about London, and the subscriptions of various persons, received by the collectors of the penny society, whose diligence in this work has materially assisted the Trustees. The Trustees inform the church that they held a meeting on the 15^th of July last; when the accounts of the Treasurer were inspected, whereby it appeared he had discharged all the claims of those friends who had lent various sums to enable the Trustees to pay the trademen employed in building the Meeting, and had cash enough in his hands to pay some small demands for repairs which had been contracted since. And the Treasurer has since paid away the whole of the balance in his hands in discharge of such debts, “The Trustees, therefore, have now the satisfaction to state to the church that all claims and demands upon, or in respect of, the building the Meeting, the erection of the galleries, the incidental repairs, and all the claims of those friends who advanced various sums to the Trustees, have been fully paid and discharged ; and the meeting house is now, through the blessing of God, freed from any debt and encumbrance whatever. “The Trustees cannot conclude this report without remarking the kind providence that hath enabled them, in the short period of five years, to discharge the whole of the debt, and they do entertain a grateful sense of the liberality of those friends who have contributed towards the accomplishment of this object, and trust it will continue to appear that the Lord has a great work to perform, and that, by the preaching of the Word of life therein, many precious souls may be converted to God, and become living witnesses of the power of sovereign grace—Signed 13th August, 1811.”

Such, then, was the effect of “ a willing mind” among a people who, when they first became responsible for the amount so happily discharged, were neither numerous nor opulent. Together with their beloved pastor they seemed now afresh to go on their way rejoicing, prepared to occupy their liberated hands in some new work of faith and labour of love; nor were they long- unemployed; for, in less than two months after the above gratifying report had been presented, it is recorded that, “ Mr. Chin represented to the church the propriety and necessity of enlarging the Meeting-house, on account of the great increase of hearers and the consequent want of room to accommodate them.” When it was immediately resolved, “that the Meeting-house be enlarged, and that a Committee, consisting of fourteen members, be chosen to superintend the same, and report to the church from time to time the progress therein made.” In carrying out this resolution, his general knowledge in relation to building, essentially served the church, nor did he scruple upon any particular emergency, or to supply any desirable improvement, to labour with his own hands.These appear to have been golden days, indeed, with the Church at Lion Street; for, towards the expense of this enlargement, which was between five and six hundred pounds, the subscriptions reported, in about two months, amounted to more than half that sum, and the whole cost, besides the purchase of a piece of ground to increase accommodation in the vestry and school room, appears to have been discharged in May, 1813; and the pastor had the happiness to receive a vote of grateful acknowledgment from the church on account of his zealous and persevering attention to its interests. When ministers and people thus harmoniously co-operate, how attractive is the position they occupy, how delightful the illustration they exhibit of their principles, and how characteristic of him who said, “ By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye love one another.”

On the first of April in the following year, Mr. Chin united with his ministering brethren, Upton, Ivimey, Shenston, and the writer of these pages, in the formation of a “Society for Promoting Village Preaching in the Neighbourhood of London.” One of the resolutions agreed to at this meeting by the brethren just mentioned, was, “ That, we whose names are affixed to these resolutions, agree to meet—if God permit—in the vestry of Eagle Street Meeting-house, on the Monday after the first Lord’s day, in every month, for prayer and consultation, and to direct the labours of the Itinerants.” In these labours Mr. Chin took his full share, both of service and responsibility. Out of the exertions of this society, in connexion with the blessing of God, originated several baptist churches which are now existing, and its operations were continued till November, 1818, when, at its regular meeting, the following resolution was adopted, “That the Baptist Itinerant Society now embracing the objects of this Committee, it is most desirable to co-operate with that Society, and that the separate exertions of this Committee be discontinued.” Mr. Chin was a cordial friend to missionary enterprize, both home and foreign, and availed himself of the earliest opportunity he could employ, to afford practical evidence of his attachment to the latter, by exerting himself and stirring up his friends in behalf of the Baptist Missionary Society, and this, too, at the, same time that he was vigorously endeavouring to promote the objects of the Society for the neighbourhood of the Metropolis, to which reference has just been made. It had been customary with the friends at Lion Street, to celebrate the anniversary of opening their Chapel, on which occasion, as is usual, sermons were preached and collections made towards defraying the expenses incurred by its original erection and repeated enlargements. These impediments removed, the pastor and his flock did not permit the Stream of their benevolence, in its fertilizing influence, to be arrested, but, in the year 1815, directed its tributary flow to augment the confluence destined to roll onward tothe shores of India. It was, therefore, resolved, that “the anniversary of the opening of the Meeting-house, should be held on Monday the fifteenth of May next, commonly called Whit-Monday, and that three sermons should be preached, and collections made at the doors, to assist the Baptist Mission.” And it is afterwards recorded, that, on that occasion, the contributions exceeded thirty-two pounds; an amount which, taking all circumstances into consideration, sufficiently shews that the purpose was formed and executed with all the heart. A reaction of the most delightful description was also going on at home. -The Lord was graciously pleased to accompany the ministrations of Mr. Chin with so abundant a blessing, that the extended place of worship was not yet capacious enough to admit the numbers who flocked to listen to his spiritual communications. In less than a month, therefore, after the effort for the Baptist Mission, on its being stated, that, on account of the increased and still increasing attendance on the ministry of the Word, further enlargement of the Chapel had become indispensable, it was proposed to add to its dimensions by taking in an adjoining house, which was immediately resolved; and, before the end of the year, nearly a hundred and thirty pounds were subscribed and invested towards the anticipated outlay. Such proceedings have a silent eloquence which tells upon the character of the minister and the church, with a persuasive force peculiarly its own, and which requires no addition from the pen of the biographer or historian, to render it more impressive.

A few years after the establishment of the Sunday school, the teachers, in connexion with the children, originated “The Lion Street Sunday-school Tract Society';” and, under the fostering care of Mr. Chin, this juvenile institution was nurtured, and privileged to attain a strength which fully justified its attempting to diffuse more widely the influence of its benevolent operation, and adopt a title more in accordance with its extended efforts, “The Walworth Tract Society.” Further to aid the growing exertions of this valuable institution, he prepared a brief narrative of its commencement, design, and proceedings, which being presented to its conductors, was published, and proved so acceptable, that, in one year, it augmented the funds it was intended to assist, to the amount of nearly one hundred pounds. The little work by which the funds of this valuable institution were so materially assisted as to enable its active agency to extend the boundary of its operation, and adopt a designation more applicable to its enlarged exertions, was perhaps Mr. Chin’s first effort as an author. It has the following title, The Compassion of Jesus Christ to Children .' exemplified in a Dialogue founded on Facts, &c., and is calculated, in an eminent degree, to secure the attention and impress the minds of children. The conversation is conducted principally between Jemima Hopeful and Sarah Careless. In one part the former says to her companion, “My dear young friend, I must interrupt you; I thought just now, your mind was more seriously disposed, but I see you are Sarah Careless still; and I must tell you that your mode of reasoning is as unwise as it is ungrateful to God and dangerous to yourself. In the first place, as God is the only source of happiness, there can be no real pleasure but in the enjoyment of his favour; you know there can be no light without the sun, neither can there be any happiness without God. The pleasures of sin are mixed with reflections and distressing consequences—as one of our hymns expresses it,—

"Tis but a drop of flatt’ring sweets,

And dash'd with bitter bowls !‘

“Then again think how ungrateful it is to God, by whose kindness you are supplied with so many blessings, deliberately to devote your youthful days to the service of sin and folly, and propose to offer Him a few days or years of decrepit age: nor are you sure that God will accept it at your hands. And how dangerous to calculate upon a long life, when so many around us are dying daily. I was greatly affected yesterday, by hearing of the death of Mr. Bounce; you know what a gay man he was, and how he always made a point of riding out in his high gig every Lord’s-day. Well, he came home on the Thursday—complained of his head—went to bed—and his disorder soon proved a brain fever, and being, what is called a high liver, it carried him off, in two days, raving mad! Now, let me ask you what time or opportunity had he to prepare himself for heaven; or should you like to meet your Judge under similar circumstances.”

In relation to this useful tract, it is exceedingly gratifying to add, that, since its first publication, it has passed through a number of editions, and is still in frequent demand. The perusal of its pages, connected with an attentive consideration of the author’s ministry, affords the most pleasing evidence, that he was well qualified to administer milk to babes, and “ strong meat to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use, have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

The incalculable benefits which have been derived from the persevering endeavours of those who have been engaged in this local Tract Society,—and it is still continued,—-cannot be ascertained until that day when the secrets of all hearts shall be made known. That it has been instrumental in enlightening many a benighted mind, subduing the enmity of many an unrenewed spirit, and cheering the heart of many a timid and disconsolate Christian cannot be doubted. Such auxiliaries to the labours of the study and the pulpit are entitled to the liberal support of every church and congregation, and are not unusually accompanied by a delightful increase of both. That kindness of heart which prompted Mr. Chin to suggest to his brethren the desirableness of a society for visiting the sick chamber, induced him also to direct the attention of his female friends more especially, to the affecting deprivations so often experienced in that season of peculiar trial and sorrow, when any exercise of compassion, in whatever degree alleviating the bitterness of the painful hour, and contributing to administer comfort, during a period when its absence is so severely felt, cannot fail to interest the sufferer, and call forth emotions of the liveliest gratitude. In conformity with his wishes, a society of this beneficent description was formed; by which numbers have been relieved, and, as one, and that by no means the least of the contemplated results, have been brought under the influence of private and public instruction. This society remains in active operation, under the title of the Dorcas Society. It has already been seen that, in 1815, the collections after three sermons, on the anniversary of opening the Meeting-house, had been devoted to the Baptist Missionary Society, but the pastor of the flourishing church in Lion Street, was not to be contented with an occasional effort of that description, how creditable soever might be the amount of such contribution. “ The liberal heart deserveth liberal things.” Mr. Chin proposed the formation of an auxiliary society in aid of this object, which, from the following minute, he appears to have brought under the consideration of the church at their meeting in April 14, l818. “Mr. Chin suggested the propriety of forming a female society for assisting the Baptist Mission, and, upon the subject being considered, it was resolved that such society he formed, and that the pastor and deacons take the necessary measures for carrying this resolution into effect.” The wisdom of this arrangement became abundantly apparent. Those hearts were appealed to which are always most susceptible, and those hands were employed on whose diligence and perseverance the firmest reliance may be uniformly placed.

In the following year, the Society was regularly organized, and, besides the original object, embraced the Baptist Irish Society, and the promotion of the gospel on the continent. In adverting to these varied labours of Christian charity, it is scarcely possible not to be impressed with the delightful fact that, in them all, the cheerful concurrence and cordial co-operation of pastor and people, while it presented the attractiveness of entire harmony, must have afforded a striking illustration of standing “fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel.”

In the following year, 1819, a further claim on the Christian liberality of the friends at Lion Street became indispensable: for the Sunday School, progressively enlarging with the increase of the church and congregation, the previous accommodation was found to be much too limited for the comfort of the children and teachers, and as the only way of making the enlargement was by purchasing adjoining premises, it could not be effected but at a considerable expense. To the honour, however, of the pastor and his affectionate charge, this was unhesitatingly incurred and cheerfully subscribed. The premises were purchased and the required accommodation speedily provided. Between Dr. Jenkins and Mr. Chin there never had been any disagreement, and the churches respectively under their care had now, for a number of years, been in a state of fraternal union with each other. In the beginning of this year the venerable pastor of the church in East Lane, was called, at an advanced age, to rest from his labours, and the writer of these pages, who was requested to off at the funeral, retains a pleasing remembrance of the Christian sympathy which Mr. Chin, who was present on the mournful occasion, discovered in connexion with that event, “ Behold, how good and how pleasant it is, for brethren to dwell together in unity.” It might, indeed, have been said of Mr. Chin, as the pastor of the church in Lion Street, as it was said of David the king of Israel, that “he went on, and grew great; and the Lord God of hosts was with him.” With a meeting house so large as the power of an ordinary voice can fill, a congregation quite equal to its extent, and a church peaceful, affectionate, and continually increasing, they appear to have been all of one heart and of one mind, and as if “ great grace were upon them all .”

Though bereaved, as has been recorded, of his father, up to this date there remained one on whom Mr. Chin had concentrated his filial affection, and to whom, in the peculiarly endeared phrase, “ my mother,” he delighted to refer. She had survived her husband about fifteen years, and attained the unusual age of ninety-two years, when her lengthened course appears also suddenly, though gently, to have terminated. Having retired, as was her frequent practice, for the exercise of devotion, and being much longer absent than she was generally, her daughter, with whom she resided, entered the room, discovered the untenanted tabernacle in the attitude of prayer, but the undying spirit had made its happy transit to its celestial home. With mingled emotions of grief and joy her honoured son testified, at the time, his regret and submission, and, in the same spirit, he was subsequently often heard to advert to the event. The usual effect of addressing a large and crowded audience, is to excite an animation in the speaker to the full extent of his ordinary strength, if not beyond it. Mr. Chin, naturally energetic, when so circumstanced, could not restrain his ardour, and occasionally exceeding the power of his voice, suddenly lest the faculty of distinct articulation—was unable to proceed with his discourse, and, in some instances, it required time and medical assistance before he could resume his pulpit labours. There is, indeed, much reason to conclude that the fervor of his mind connected with, perhaps, his too frequent physical exertions, began, thus early, to undermine a constitution originally vigorous, and lay the foundation of that severe and lengthened affliction, which terminated in his death. It has been seen, that, to render their place of worship spacious and commodious, much had already been done by the friends at Lion Street; but there still remained one thing, which, previously to its having been accomplished must have subjected both minister and congregation to considerable inconvenience. To avoid expense, as much as possible, in making enlargements, the elevation of the building remained unaltered, and consequently the ceiling was now, by several feet, too low for the extent of the area. In the commencement of 1824, it was, therefore, determined that the roof of the chapel be raised six feet,—that sundry alterations be made for the accommodation of a still increasing attendance on the ministry of the Word,-—and that, with a view to the accomplishment of this desirable object, besides introducing a greater number of pews, additional galleries should be erected for the use of the Sunday school. In carrying out this spirited design, as very often occurs, much unanticipated expense was in dispensably incurred, the ultimate amount of which exceeded 900l. For the superintendence of these improvements a committee, consisting of the pastor and deacons, with leave to add to their number, was appointed, and to defray the cost a separate fund was instituted. When the whole was completed an interesting report of the proceedings was read to the church, of which the three following paragraphs form the conclusion.

“Thus, by the kind providence of God, the whole of the tradesmens’ bills will shortly be discharged, and the remaining debt be transferred to a few individuals whose the building fund, and the church will be relieved from any serious pressure or inconvenience.

“The subscribers to the building fund have very considerably increased both in numbers and in amount of subscriptions; and there is reason to believe will still increase; for it can scarcely be thought there is an individual to be found, enjoying the advantages and comforts arising from the recent alterations and improvements, who will not be found anxious to contribute towards defraying the expenses thereby necessarily incurred.

“Your Committee, in conclusion, are happy in stating their firm conviction, that, by the steady and vigorous support of this fund, the whole expense will be gradually paid off with ease and comfort.”

In reviewing these achievements of united and cordial co-operation, it would be scarcely possible net to adopt the inspired exclamation, “Happy is that people, that is in such a case; yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.”

So copious had been the showers of heavenly blessing which had accompanied the spiritual and energetic labours of Mr. Chin, that, from thirty-six members originally forming the church, it had now increased to more than three hundred.

Mr. Chin had become, in the year 1816, a member of what is usually, though improperly, denominated the

Board of Baptist Ministers, in London and its environs ; originally meeting at the Jamaica Coffee House, in the afternoon of every Tuesday, but now assembling, unfrequently, at the Baptist Mission House, Fen Court. He lived in affectionate intercourse with his ministering brethren generally, but in closer intimacy, as is universally the case, with some than with others. Among those who shared more largely in his attachment was Mr. Keeble, the highly esteemed and successful pastor of the Baptist Church meeting in Blandford Street, London. The two brethren were in many respects alike and dissimilar, yet their friendship was cordial and continued until, in the early part of this year, 1824, Mr. Keeble was removed by death. The writer delivered the address at the interment, and Mr. Chin preached the funeral sermon, which was subsequently published; it is founded on the words of the apostle, 2 Cor. xii. ll, “ Though I be nothing,” and contains a very striking narrative of the principal events in the life of that deceased minister, preceded by much that is valuable in evangelical statement. The manner in which the preacher commences his discourse must have fixed the attention of all his hearers. “ It is in obedience to the request of your late venerable pastor that I stand before you this morning; and, after an intimate acquaintance with him, for more than seventeen years, I can truly say, it is the first of his commands that I have found grievous. While he lived, I esteemed him highly for his ‘ work’s sake.’ I loved him as a brother minister—I respected him as an affectionate and faithful friend; but, when his death was announced, my esteem of his worth rose much higher. I felt unusual respect for his Christian and ministerial character ; but, above all, my thoughts traced his ascending spirit, and my heart responded to the prophet’s words, ‘ My father! my father! the chariots of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.’ He was well acquainted with exercises like that in which I am now engaged, and knew that something would be expected to be said about him after his decease. To this his modesty was much averse. It was with difficulty he could be prevailed upon to select any portion of Scripture for the occasion. But, at last, he said, ‘Well, if you must have a text, take this—‘Though I be nothing.’ ” His solemn and persuasive address to the unconverted in concluding the sermon is impressively forcible. “ I cannot close this solemnity without expressing my anxious concern for some of you, who have long attended the faithful ministry of the Word here, and yet without spiritual profit. Your danger has often been pointed out, but you have not taken the alarm. Your attention has often been invited to the Saviour of sinners, set before you in the glory of his person, and the riches of his grace, ‘but you have seen no beauty in him that you should desire him.’ Many faithful sermons have been drawn through your minds, but they have had no command over your affections; you are more disposed to stifle conviction than to admit it. You love darkness rather than light; and will you yet turn a deaf ear ? Hath this solemn providence no impressive claim upon your attention? You have lost a faithful monitor, a wise instructor, a kind friend, who anxiously cared for your souls. He is gone to give an account of his ministry, and will he not bear testimony that he hath bestowed upon you labour in vain? Oh may you be profitably impressed with your alarming condition, and, while lamenting your infidelity and obduracy, be led to look for salvation to that Saviour of whom you have been so often informed! ‘ He is able to save to the uttermost all who come to God by him.’ ”

By the death of a youth, in 1825, a teacher in the Sunday school at Lion Street, a request was made to Mr . Chin to allow the discourse he had delivered on the occasion, and which was taken, at the time, by a short handwriter, to appear from the press; to this solicitation Mr. Chin seems to have yielded with considerable reluctance, for the sermon, though printed, was not published. It is entitled, “The last enemy,” the text being, 1 Cor. xv. 26, “ The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” The following passage, in this edifying discourse, cannot be seriously perused without advantage. “Death is an enemy to churches,——when death takes away a minister worn out in his labours and who is ripe for heaven and glory, the loss is supportable, as was the case with Paul the aged, who had finished his course. But how often does death intrude under very different circumstances; some who have just entered on their ministerial course, and, in the midst of usefulness, have been called to resign their labours, and leave their charge to ‘weep that they should see their faces no more.’ Such was the case with the excellent Samuel Pearce, of Birmingham, of whom it may truly be said, ‘ he was a burning and a shining light.’ And how short was the career of that valuable man of God, Joseph Swain, of whose zeal, affection, and usefulness, some of you are yet living witnesses. Nor can we forget the painful removal of the amiable and highly promising Spencer, of Liverpool, who had only just collected a numerous congregation, and, then, left them to lament their loss with tears of unavailing sorrow. And this adversary will soon separate you and me, ‘your fathers, where are they, and do the prophets live forever?’ This foe often separates chief friends, and turns the happiest family into a house of mourning. The loving wife becomes the mournful widow, and, in the anguish of her soul, cries, ‘Call me not Naomi, call me Mara, for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.’ Rachel weeps for her children, and refuses to be comforted because they are not. And how greatly was David distressed for Absalom, when he exclaimed; ‘Oh! My son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom, would God I had died for thee, 0h ! Absalom, my son, my son !’ And that our condescending Redeemer may shew that, in all the affliction of his people, he was afflicted, he appeared at the grave of Lazarus; and, when he saw Mary weeping, and the Jews also weeping, ‘ Jesus wept.’ His troubled spirit could no longer be restrained,—for ‘he is touched with the feelings of our infirmities;’ ‘ He knoweth our frame, he remembereth that we are dust.’ And, by this act of tenderness and sympathy, he justifies the moderate grief of afflicted families, when properly directed. ‘ Weep not for me, but for yourselves and your children.”’ “ Thus ‘ he being dead yet speaketh;’ let him be heard again. The time and manner of our own removal is wisely and graciously bid from our sight; death assails us by a thousand avenues, and in various forms. The tabernacle sometimes sinks under the weight of years; in other cases it suddenly falls, as by a convulsive shock. With some ‘ the golden bowl,’ is dashed in a moment, and the lamp of life is extinguished. With others, it burns weaker and weaker, till it imperceptibly goes out. Such was the departure of our late young friend. There were no fearful convulsions, or alarming cries, no ghastly countenance, or desperate struggle—a scene that would require a numerous attendance to disperse the gloom collected around such a dying bed. No! but like the last expiring ray of the setting sun,-—his end was peace !

And soft as solemn were the whispered tidings, ‘ Our friend Elliott sleepeth.’

“ It is but one step further that death can push its conquest: when the soul has escaped its grasp, the body remains within its power; and while dear friends and relations are bearing away the unconscious remains to the tomb, the king of terrors is commanding the terrible army of corruption to demolish the finest piece of architecture ever erected in our world—once the admiration and glory of the inhabitant: ‘I am fearfully and wonderfully made, marvellous are thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well.’ ”

Had Mr. Chin been solicitous of being more known and esteemed through the medium of the press, it is obvious, from the passages thus transcribed, that with ordinary application, such an object was far from being unattainable by him; but as regards such distinction, he seemed to say as the“ great woman,” when asked by the prophet: “ Wouldest thou be spoken for to the king ?” “ I dwell among my own people.” To occupy diligently and usefully, as a Christian pastor, the station assigned to him by divine Providence,—faithfully preaching the gospel, and affectionately cultivating personal intercourse with his attached flock, were to him sources, not only of the purest, but also of the highest gratification, and, in the ardent pursuit of which, he was honoured to participate largely in the most satisfactory testimonies of the divine approbation.

Besides the publications already noticed, there remains only one to which reference can be made. It was occasioned by the death of a young female, and is entitled, “ The Birth-Day Anticipated and Death Realized,” &c. Like the former, its primary design is to direct the attention of youth to their spiritual and eternal interests. The second edition appeared in 1830 ; from which the following extract is taken :-—-“ Your attention is claimed by the advantages of youth. We have never heard any regret that they sought the Lord too soon: but the sin and folly of youth have often been the grief and shame of old age; and many, like Ephraim, have expressed their anguish in the most humiliating way : ‘I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did hear the reproach of my youth.’ Youthful sins unpardoned will be the sting of old age; and those are laid under great obligations to God, who, with David, can say, in advanced life, ‘ O God, thou hast taught me from my youth !’ Beza, in his last will and testament, among other things, gave God thanks for this, ‘that he was called to the knowledge of the truth at sixteen years of age, and so was prevented many sins and much sorrow.’ Youth is the time in which there is the greatest ardour discovered in the pursuit of happiness. But everything short of a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and the enjoyment of his salvation, will leave you destitute of that much desired good. Carnal pleasures allure to deceive; at best they are of short continuance, and mixed with much bitter alloy, and the end thereof is death. The young Hebrew, in Pharoah’s court, discovered his wisdom when he chose rather to suffer with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. Real happiness is only to be enjoyed in God. Is it not true felicity to have in God a Father that will never die, whose resources will never fail, and who, when earthly comforts flee, will appear more abundantly gracious? This was the comfort of David in early life, ‘When my father and my mother forsake me, then Lord will take me up.’ And what a source of consolation is treasured up in the happy assurance that Jesus Christ is a friend that loveth at all times—a brother that is born for adversity. And there is another Comforter, who abides with the believing soul forever, to unfold the doctrines of grace, to apply the promises, to bless the ordinances, and thus to make our meditations sweet, to promote our communion with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ, to assure us of an interest in the heavenly inheritance and to guide and keep us to the possession of it. Truly ‘happy are the people who are in such a case, whose God the Lord is.’ This is a source of pure pleasure; the fountain-head is in heaven, the streams of which make glad the city of our God on earth. It cheers and animates the weary traveller; ‘He shall drink of the brook in the way.’ It is permanent in duration. It will outlive and supply the want of outward enjoyment ; it will console in affliction, and afford joy in death; it is a well of water springing up into everlasting life. ‘Oh taste and see that the Lord is good l—blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.’ All that have tried the pleasures of the world and of religion, are ready to declare that the worst days, in the service of God, are better than the best in the service of sin: that there is far more pleasure in restraining evil passions than in the indulgence of them. Whatever report may be made by those whose hearts are lukewarm and divided, those who follow the Lord fully will avow that ‘wisdom’s ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.’ ” Thus, not with mere moral suasion, but in evangelic strains was this sainted minister accustomed to plead with souls and allure them to the fold of Christ.

Though up to this date affliction had not seriously interfered with the devoted and persevering exertions of Mr. Chin, yet his naturally vigorous physical Powers were beginning to yield to the influence of incipient disease.

At the close of this year, 1830, he had indefatigably laboured for twenty-three years in an arduous service, which demands all the heart, and all the mind, and all the strength, of those, who, as he did, conscientiously surrender themselves to its claims. In the office which he so usefully and honourably filled, there are “fightings within and fears without,” private and public trials, the operation of which, upon the apprehensive spirit and the fragile body, is only known to those who pass through them; and even its high and holy enjoyments waste the mortal energies. To Mr. Chin preparation for the pulpit—and he was not accustomed to preach without preparation—was ordinarily an effort more exhausting than to many of his ministering brethren. In delivering his discourses, his beloved charge frequently feared that his animation would prove too much for his bodily strength; yet, the usual fervour of his mind, while speaking in public, appeared involuntarily to carry him beyond the precise boundary which affectionate solicitude would have placed as the utmost limit of its exercise; and occasionally seemed even to refuse submission to the salutary restraint which his own reflection had determined him to impose.

At length, however, the effect of these continued exertions, content no longer with distantly hinting that the consequence might become speedily serious, in terms less equivocal and more imperative, demanded a practical attention to its rapidly advancing influence, beyond that which had hitherto been conceded to its more mild remonstrances. In a word, Mr. Chin found his strength to be declining; and, fearing that the interests of the church in Lion Street, to which, from its commencement, he had unreservedly consecrated all his powers, which, in connexion with his unceasing superintendence, had arrived at such a prosperous maturity, and which was interwoven with every fibre of his heart, might, through his diminished energies, languish and decline, of which he discovered, or at least thought he did, some indications beginning already to appear, he became earnestly solicitous that some measure should be adopted, which, under God, might avert a calamity, any tendency to which he could not but anxiously deprecate. To one of his friends, therefore, in whose judgment and affection he was accustomed to repose confidence, he suggested what the circumstances of the case appeared to him to require, and his own readiness to make the sacrifice that might be necessary, in order to secure the object—the services of a junior minister or co-pastor. Mr. Chin was, at this time, under sixty years of age, and it was thought that nervous depression might have presented a gloomy picture to his mind, which had no corresponding original; in fact he was induced, by the cheering conversation of his friend, to hope, that his health and spirits might be so revived, and even established, as to justify the postponement of such an arrangement to a much later period in his history.

Though there is every reason to conclude, that, after this period, Mr. Chin’s labours were continued with frequent and considerable bodily suffering, yet, they were prolonged until August, 1833. On the first of that month, he was taken suddenly and seriously ill: medical assistance was speedily obtained, and the opinion pronounced was very discouraging. So apprehensive was he of the near approach of death, that he sent for his venerated friend, Mr. Upton, and requested, that, upon his removal, he would preach his funeral discourse. The time of his departure, however, was not yet arrived. For many years he had been an active and laborious teacher, now, for a few years, it was appointed to him that he should be a passive and suffering instructor. During several months, everything which the healing art, by means of medicine, could suggest, was attempted, but without any apparent advantage, until it became to him so exceedingly loathsome, that he declined its further use. About this time the writer visited him, and retains an impressive remembrance of his tremulous voice and emaciated appearance; he was, however, much gratified then, as he was in subsequent interviews, by observing how the oppressiveness of affliction is sustained and even lightened, by the influence of that hope “which maketh not ashamed,” because it is “full of immortality.”

CHAPTER IV.

Continued affliction—Settlement of a Co-pastor—Mr. Chin visits the country—His letters while there—His return- His conversations -His death.

IN the present state, the church as well as the world, has its epochs ; periods when it is called to pass through affecting changes, sometimes involving great peril, and, in many instances, followed by consequences for which no human penetration is competent to provide. The permanent suspension or entire cessation of the labours of an affectionate pastor, who, having for more than a quarter of a century, faithfully and diligently ministered to the spiritual requirements of “ all the flock over which the Holy Ghost made him overseer,” marks an era of this description, and produces a solemn and impressive pause in which, with meek devotion the past should be carefully surveyed, and the opening future met with humble diffidence and dependence.

To such a momentous turn in its history, the church at Lion Street, was conducted, when it pleased God in the exercise of his sovereign providence, to lay aside from his delightful employ, their beloved pastor. Through the remaining part of the year, 1833, his pulpit was supplied by the occasional services of various ministers.

Some notes of conversations preserved by a valued friend, a Deacon of the church, who visited him at this season are as follow: Mr. Chin said, “I remember you all affectionately, and commend you to God; and that is all I can do. I should have liked to live to see Zion in greater prosperity. For two years past I have felt that my powers of preaching were gone, that is, my lungs were diseased, and though they were patched up, they were not equal to the effort. I hope God will send you a spiritual man; whatever else he possesses, he will do you no good, unless he is a man of God. I can trust God, he never forsook any that put their trust in him. I have served him for many years very imperfectly, but sincerely, and he will not forsake me now.”

In another interview, he said, “You will have plenty of men hovering about you who want a place, but you must remember that it is not every man that wants the place, that is fit for it.” He complained of very distressing feelings when he awoke from sleep; great horror of mind, and a feeling of intense heat, but he said, “This arises from disease, it has nothing to do with my religion. Some good people have connected such feelings with their religion; but I know that they have nothing to do with my interest in Christ, my relation to him, nor my salvation by him.”

In the commencement of the following year, there appearing, from his still declining health, to be no prospect of anything beyond his sometimes appearing in his accustomed place, the church, with his entire concurrence met to deliberate on the propriety of seeking some suitable minister to be united with him in the pastorate, which was accordingly determined; and, after some inquiries, their attention was directed to their present worthy pastor.

In the month of September, 1834, that eminently pious, laborious, and useful minister, the Rev. James Upton, was taken to his heavenly reward. Among the numerous ministers who attended his funeral, Mr. Chin was present, who seemed then to he himself much nearer the grave than the event proved. He intimated, on that occasion, to some of his brethren, that in the following month, his respected colleague would be publicly designated as co-pastor of the church in Lion Street. This, to him almost overpowering event, occurred on the 22^nd of October, and although the pleasure be derived from the solemn transactions of that memorable day was very obvious, yet even those pleasurable feelings, connected with the short exercise in which he was engaged in the progress of the services, were nearly too much for his few remains of strength, as became painfully apparent in his pallid countenance, feeble voice and infirm step. Previously to this public act, Mr. Chin had received Mr. Green into the fellowship of the church in Lion Street; on which interesting occasion he remarked, “The giving up the pastoral office has always been considered a solemn act. Moses, previously to his death, gave Joshua a charge. David did the same to Solomon. John the Baptist said of the Saviour, ‘He must increase, but I must decrease.’ Jesus Christ, previously to his ascension, commanded his apostles to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. And Paul, when he had finished his course, exhorted Timothy to proceed with the work, and to commit the things which he had heard to faithful men who should teach others also. And I, at the close of my public ministrations, admit you to this church, in conformity with the practice of baptist churches, who elect their officers from among themselves, in order that you may take upon yourself the pastoral office. It is an important occasion for the church, because they have erected a convenient Meeting house, with suitable appendages, and have established various institutions, the prosperity or decline of which is connected with the proceedings of this day. It is an important day for you who have, at the request of the church, left a place where you was happy and useful. You have, however, come amongst a kind and sympathizing people, who never gave me cause to regret that I gave up my business and accepted the pastoral office, and to whom I have always felt that I might confidently appeal for the supply of my wants.”

Thus, if the onerous cares of his official station were not entirely removed, they were, by being divided, greatly lessened. But for the interests of the church he still “ naturally cared,” and, be he wherever he might, while he breathed, that was on his mind, and in his heart, a principal concern.

At the public annual meeting of the Baptist Missionary Society in June, 1835, Mr. Chin was present during part of the proceedings, when, calling the writer aside, he mentioned his desire that he would,-—Mr'. Upton being removed,—should he survive, preach his funeral sermon ; assigning, as his reason for this request, that he had known no other minister, now living, so long and so intimately. At this time he was so weak and attenuated, that his continuing to inhabit so frail a body more than four years longer was, in the highest degree, improbable. The reader, it is thought, will peruse with interest the following notes of conversations which occurred at different periods during his long affliction. They have been preserved and communicated by the kind friend to whom reference has already been made.“ In one of these visits, on my remarking how much my time was occupied in business, he said, ‘ There is no harm in close attention to the duties of one’s station in life.’ I replied, ‘ But there is great danger of imbibing a worldly spirit.’ ‘Yes,’ he said, ‘ that must he prayed against; the danger lies in our not being aware of its advances. It creeps on so slowly and imperceptibly that we do not see the necessity of praying against its influence. I remember that I found family prayer generally indicated the state of my own feelings; but,’ said he, ‘ private prayer is more to be relied upon; all public prayer partakes much of habit. I have known ministers in the decline of spirituality, when their preaching has lost its savour, be as spiritual as ever in their prayers. And I remember remarking how spiritual and heavenly minded a certain individual had been in the character of his prayers, even while he had been pursuing an immoral course, and I shall not forget his reply, ‘ That was habit, sir ;’ but in secret prayer every true Christian will find his season vary with the state of his mind.’ Some observation on business led him to say, ‘ The excellency of the religious character lies in its due proportions. The Christian is to be diligent in business; he fails as a Christian, if he is not: so he is also to be fervent in spirit; he fails as a Christian, if he is not, and by this fair proportion he will be serving God.’

“On referring to the death of Mr. B—, be said, ‘ I was grieved to see him suffer so much the last time I saw him; and, on returning home, wondered how God could permit one whom he loved so much to suffer so much. The next thing I heard respecting him was, that he was dead; then the apostle’s words seemed to solve the difficulty, —Light afflictions, but for a moment, but an eternal weight glory.’ I said, How apt we are to judge of God by a partial view of his proceedings. ‘Yes,’ he said, ‘ and, in so doing, we forget how much we are deceived by the medium through which we see him. We know, in nature, how altered a scene looks, if we look at it through a coloured medium. Well, the eye of our understanding is darkened, and here we can never see clearly the perfections of God. I have been struck with a pane of glass in my window, which is wavey and uneven; the consequence is, that it presents all the objects on the other side in a most incorrect manner. It is the medium which deceives me, if I fancy, for a moment, that objects are of such strange forms.’

“On speaking about difficulties in religion, he said, ‘The Christian is called upon to exercise confidence in God; He is wiser than we,—we may rest satisfied that he can explain what we cannot understand.’

“Seeing him 'on another occasion, I cautioned him against spending his strength in conversation, and expressed a hope that he would be stronger in a few days, and more able to converse on any subject he might wish to speak upon to me. He said, ‘ I only wish to speak about the cause of God, and to tell you how I think you may best promote the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ; but I find I cannot,—I am too weak to bear it.’ Sometime after, he said, ‘ If I am called away, I must not complain ; I have had but little interruption from illness, and have been most mercifully dealt with.’ At a subsequent period. “I spent a considerable time with him. He detailed to me some excellent observations which his physician had made, and was deeply affected by the kindness which he had evinced on his visit. I told him he might consider such a circumstance as an interposition of Providence, in answer to the prayers of his people. He said, ‘ God will never be deaf to the prayers of his saints.’ Upon my asking him, if his mind was tranquil, he said, he had ‘ desired his family not to approach him, that he might enjoy the Sabbath alone, but such was his weakness, that he had spent nearly all the morning in trying to find an easy position ; under such a state of things,’ he said, ‘tranquility is out of the question. But, with regard to the great truths of the gospel, for years I have had an unshaken confidence. As to myself, I cannot look upon a single day without seeing enough to humble me in the dust, and never did any sinner obtain more merciful acceptance with God.’

“On this occasion he told me that he had entered upon the ministry thirty-three years since, and felt that he ought to be very thankful that his reputation had been preserved, so that now he had reason to think he stood as well with the religious public as at any time of his life; he repeated several times, that to be so kept ought to call for much gratitude. “He strongly urged great attention to obtain good supplies for the pulpit,—-men of real spirituality. He here said, ‘All the show and parade of external profession may do very well to draw attention,—but men of personal religion must be found. External religion and personal religion may be seen separately, but they should be found together. Of what avail would merely external profession be to me now. This is not a case on which the tribes being gathered together can do any good, or calling around me the elders of the church. Mine is now a work which must be performed personally, each one must die for himself, and struggle with nature alone.’

“Sunday.—Again saw Mr. Chin. He appeared somewhat better, but spoke despondingly of his recovery. He said, ‘I do not know that I feel any anxiety to live, or to know what lines are written for me; but you know our hopes are connected with life : but, I think, if I recovered sufficiently to see the church comfortably settled, I should be ready to say, ‘ Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace.’ He here became so deeply affected that I left him with sincerely affectionate desires for his recovery.

“Saw him again after some days : he was sitting up, and seemed much better. He repeated what the doctors had said to encourage him, and expressed himself grateful to God, that he had provided him with the assistance of men of understanding; He said he was peculiarly comfortable in the thought that his people remembered him so kindly in their prayers. ‘ It is no small mercy,’ he said, ‘ that during this affliction I have not been subject to a desponding mind; my views of God’s character and of my personal interest in his favour have been undisturbed. But I have learned much from this affliction. There is a great deal about religious services which we think much of when in health, that dwindles into insignificance here; then religion is associated with forms, and the spirits are called forth by pleasing terms, but here religion comes to one point,-—-the reality of one’s hope.’

“Nov. 20, 1836. It being my turn to pray with him, I took my two boys with me; he received them very affectionately, taking the youngest first. ‘ Well, William, I do not know of any William in the Bible, but there is a King William, and I hope you will be a king and reign over your sinful nature, through grace, and reign over the world, and, at last, reign forever with Jesus Christ in heaven. The Lord bless you, my dear.’ He then embraced him, and took the elder, John. ‘ Why, John was the disciple whom Jesus loved; that was a great privilege to be loved by Jesus Christ, when he was on the earth, and he is worthy of your love ; do not you think he is, John? Yes, my dear, and I trust your heart will reply,

‘Oh, may I rather cease to be,

Than not my Saviour love.’

“He then blessed him, and kindly embraced him.

“He stated, that during all his illness, he had enjoyed unusual spirits, and had been free from gloom on religious subjects; but, during the last few days, he had experienced great depression of spirits, and trembled lest at last he should be without interest in Christ. ‘Ah,’ he said,

‘how feelingly have I sung—

‘How can I bear the piercing thought,’&c.

And yet I have evidences, which I cannot dispute, of a work of grace having been in exercise, and Jesus Christ will cast out none that come to him by faith. I can find no strong-hold but the refuge provided in the gospel; all nature is silent about a refuge for guilty sinners.’ I reminded him that David had felt the advantage of this refuge. ‘ The name of the Lord is a strong tower,’ &c.‘ Ah, and I do hope I shall find refuge there, and I can, with sincere feeling, say, if ever I do get to heaven,

‘Then loudest of the crowd I’ll sing ;'

That such an unworthy sinner should find entrance there. It is a great mercy to be kept from sin before conversion. I was a bold sinner, and so great was the alteration in my character ‘ that my neighbours marked the wondrous change.’ And now, sins I had forgotten, and phrases that have never escaped from my lips, all crowd upon my mind; my whole catalogue of sins seems brought to remembrance. If I had to go through life again, I should be very anxious to avoid all intercourse with profligate men.

‘With regard to my public ministry I do not know that I should much alter the strain of my preaching. I have earnestly and sincerely consulted my Bible for all I have advanced, and God has greatly blessed it to the conversion and edification of souls. Had I to begin my course again, I should, I think, give greater consideration to some theological questions, but I have never been a man for systems. The beauty of all preaching and praying is simplicity. I would rather hear now a few simple remarks from the heart, than the most laboured sermon or the most eloquent prayer.

‘The conflict is not over yet; and it is a painful part of it that I am passing through. When I first was convinced of sin, my convictions were exceedingly deep, and after wards the joy was proportion any great; but now I have deep convictions and painful struggles with my sinful heart, and have looked for the same returning joy, but it is mysteriously withheld,—the conflict must continue, but I trust grace will be continued too.

‘I feel like a man bidding adieu to all around him,—about to leave it. You and other friends come, and I know not that I shall ever see you again. You think I am dying; let me remind you,—that you are a dying man too, your time must come, live as a dying man.’ "

Sometime in the year, 1836, his esteemed friend, to whom repeated reference has been made, after visiting his beloved pastor, recorded the following conversation.

“I said to him—It is now a long time since you were first taken. ‘ Yes, my dear friend,! nearly three years, and now I seem to be waiting for the salvation of God, in which I trust I shall not be disappointed.’

“I said, you are not the first believer by many, who has said ‘I have waited for thy salvation.’ ‘No; and it affords me much consolation that I am not the first believer who has suffered, and in suffering I am experiencing what the Bible tells us must be endured; ‘ through tribulation we must enter the kingdom.’ It is chastening, and ‘ whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.’ Besides which, I am here following the experience of our Lord,—I trust it is a purifying process.’

“I reminded him, that he had often told us, that we were not left alone during the process, but the Refiner was carefully watching. ‘ Yes; I spoke what was theoretically true; but I had only experienced little. I now feel it a great blessing that the religion of my health will do for sickness; I am deprived of the outward means, but the inward consolations are the same: true religion is a religion for a poor unworthy sinner, reaching him through sovereign grace, and promising continued grace. I feel that I should love to meet the people of God again, but, if not here, I shall, I trust, meet them at the throne of glory.’ ”

After the commencement of these affecting, though edifying interviews, Mr. Chin was but very unfrequently able to attend the public worship of God at Lion Street. On one of these rare occasions, having been long absent, he spoke at the Lord’s table to the following effect :— “ I cannot conceal from myself that my presence amongst you is acceptable to you all. But though I am present with you, I am too weak to speak as I could wish. Mine has been a heavy affliction; it has kept me from the work which I love for a long time; but when God intends to make us feel, he knows where to strike. But this ordinance meets the sight as much as the ear, and if I cannot speak we can all look and receive by faith. A dying bed will remind us how little we have improved our opportunities, and how imperfect all our services have been; and will teach us how important it is that all our springs should be in God, in the Father’s love, in the blood of Jesus Christ, and the sanctifying influence of God the Holy Ghost.”

At another time, on a similar occasion, he said, “ The portion read you is very applicable to the present service. ‘He was made known to them in the breaking of bread.’ Oh,my friends, if he is made known to us in the breaking of bread this afternoon, we need not envy the disciples going to Emmaus, or any other disciples. He is known by the exercise of faith. When the believer can reach forth his hand and feel the wounded side and the pierced hands and feet, and can say, ‘ My Lord and my God,’ he makes himself known by producing brokenness of heart on account of sin. The longer we live, the more reason we shall find to be broken in heart, and the more we shall see of the value of a complete salvation, effected by the power of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of those who believe.’ ”From the attack in August, 1833, to the period of his dissolution, Mr. Chin could not be said to have at all returned to health. Paroxysms of suffering, not easy to endure, with merciful intervals of comparative ease, gratefully acknowledged, were almost his constant companions,—week after week, and month after month. During the lengthened period of his affliction, be several times visited the country, frequently Sevenoaks, in Kent; and those changes appear generally to have had a salutary influence, both upon the body and the mind. This will be obvious from the following letters addressed principally to a most estimable friend, whose unwavering and unwearied Christian kindness and attention he had many years experienced and always very highly valued.

To Mrs. F.

“ 24, West Street, Brighton, August 15, 1886

“I intended writing to you long before this, but could not get any tidings of you, but all of whom I enquired agreed you had not been seen in the neighbourhood of Walworth; and hence I concluded you did not return from Dover at the time you appointed when you wrote me last; and, as I can hardly expect I shall hear from you direct, without writing first, I resolved to dismiss this to Walworth, supposing it will find you somewhere, some when. We left Sevenoaks soon after I wrote you last, and came to Brighton by way of Tunbridgewells, and as far as nature can contribute to promote pleasure, she has furnished abundant stores of beautiful scenery, in the greatest variety and of the richest quality; the heart is to be despised, as unfit for a human breast, that does not respond to the sentiment expressed by the prophet, ‘ How great is his goodness, how great is his beauty ;’ and this must be the feeling of every rational being, but for some obstruction to which sin has rendered as all liable, and of which ignorance is the first and chief,—‘ for whoso is wise and will observe these things, even he shall understand the loving-kindness of the Lord.’ Another cause is guilt which presents the God of nature as an enemy, and cuts off all claim of relation and interest, and sometimes stirs up the rebellion of the heart against the wisdom and goodness of God in the distribution of his bounty; where by the eye becomes evil because he is good, and calls for the rebuke of the great benefactor, ‘Have I not a right to do what I will with my own ?’ And a third reason is, in some cases,-and this is often my own—severe pain of body; this often throws a veil over created beauty, and grateful praise is turned to doleful complaint. ‘ I thought on God, and was troubled ; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed ; will God cast off forever, and will he be favourable no more ?’ But I am happy to tell you that neither of these causes prevailed with me on the occasion referred to, for I have not had a day so free from pain for so many hours together, as that in which I removed from Sevenoaks to Brighton. We left at ten, and arrived at six o’clock; got lodgings the same evening, which did pretty well for the time being; but we have since moved, and much to our increased comfort. The next day I began the operation of shampooing, which I have continued up to the present time. It is a most painful as well as very expensive process, and it is truly and literally a furnace of affliction, and should it extract my malady as fast as my money, I should expect a speedy as well as a complete cure; but I must say, with reluctance, the longer I continue this application the weaker is my hope of much benefit, and must conclude this account of myself, by informing my friend I stand much in need of her prayers on my account for more faith and more patience; for I am called at present to endure much pain and am held in protracted suspense. Hitherto, I hope, by the grace of God, I have been preserved from sinful murmuring or charging God foolishly; and I must, too, attribute to the same source a new occasion of grateful pleasure,—the pleasure of ease from pain, a blessing long enjoyed, but its worth but little known and seldom acknowledged until my late and heavy affliction. Oh, that I may experimentally know and joyfully sing,

‘From all their afflictions his glory shall spring,

And the deeper their sorrows the louder they ’ll sing.‘

“I am interrupted by the thought that you will complain I have sent you a letter without any news. Well, yesterday, while at tea, a fire broke out close by, Middle Street, that destroyed, in a few minutes, three houses, and all the property of the inhabitants,—small tradesmen with large families. We are surrounded by old acquaintance; Mr. and Mrs. P , lodging only a few doors from us, Mr. and Mrs. S near, my dear Mary and Martha living just by, and their company is a great comfort to me in my troubles. My dear Eliza is not well,— very languid, want of appetite, &c. Mrs. Chin much as usual, but, in general, improved in health. I have not been able to sit up to write so much for the last ten days as this; there are several I want much to write to, but yours is the first, and as, by this time, I suppose you have made your visits and received your congratulations,—in which allow me to join.—I hope you will be sufficiently at leisure to write to your old friend, and say where you have been, where you are, and how you are, what you are doing, and what you intend to do. Why cannot you and A— come to Brighton for a week or two? Please to give my Christian love to Mr. W—, Mr. J—, and Mr. M—, with their good wives, as well to dear A—, with the assurance they live in the remembrance and affection of your sincere friend,

“ JOHN CHIN.”

To the Same.

“ Brighton, August 30, 1886.

“ MY DEAR FRIEND,—The return of Mr. H. affords me an opportunity of informing you your old friend is yet alive, and yet in the furnace of affliction, and has just faith and patience enough to keep him from sinking under his burden, and is, therefore, under great obligations to that unseen hand by which he is sustained and preserved amidst great temptations, to sinful disquietude; cast down, but not destroyed, his mind is not permitted to sink into torpid insensibility, but is rather kept in constant motion from hope to disappointment, and from disappointment to hope. So that a week’s or a month’s experience, on a review, affords me no great variety. It is not worthwhile to enumerate the past, and as for the present, I have just begun a new course of treatment, under the direction of a celebrated medical gentleman, but- I have not yet had time enough to form an opinion of what will be the effect I am now using the German Spa waters, and which I use under a full conviction that the Angel of the covenant can make them as efficacious as he did the waters of Bethesda ; but whether that be his will I have to wait to know; but my chief concern is, that in patience I may possess my soul, and then, should all the waters in Brighton prove insufficient to wash away the pain of my body, the waters of salvation shall purify and gladden my soul, so though the ‘ earth be removed -with all its enjoyments—and the mountains be cast into the midst of the sea’--to the disappointment of misplaced confidence,—I shall enjoy the bliss of that river, the streams whereof ‘maketh glad the city of God.’ I hear, your son W— and family are gone abroad; may they have a prosperous journey by the will of God. Please to remember me to Mr. J —, tell him, if he can spare time, and find inclination, to send a few lines, it 'will be much esteemed. I hope this will find you and yours striving for the kingdom, and in full view of the crown that fadeth not away. Mr. H. can give you a more particular account of me than I can soon write.

“ Your constant friend and servant,

for the Redeemer’s sake,

“ John CHIN.”

To the Same.

“New Kent Road, January 17, 1837.

“MY DEAR FRIEND,—I cannot suppress the desire I feel to assure you how much I sympathize with you in your present affliction, knowing, as I do, how sensibly you participate in the afflictions of your family, and on every occasion, weep with them that weep. My own feelings, on account of dear Mr. F— and family, are beyond description; but, I am sure they are not to be compared to yours, and it would be some alleviation to my own accumulating sorrows, to be the means of administering any degree of comfort to you in yours; and I cannot accomplish this wish better, than by reminding you of those gracious truths with which you have been long conversant, and from which you have often derived much support in former bereavements; for God’s Word is like himself, ‘the same yesterday, to-day, and for every and it is certain, our troubles were foreseen when the Word was written, as the design was, ‘that we, through patience and comfort of the holy Scriptures, might have hope.’

“And I doubt not, my dear friend, but you will derive much tranquility from seeing the hand of God is in this calamity: no human being, raging element, or surprising accident, had any part in this matter—But the Lord has taken away—and given us no account why her life was continued so long, nor why it was taken away so soon; but gives us the useful admonition, ‘be ye also ready, for in the hour ye look not for, the Son of man cometh.’ I cannot help hoping, but you, your dear afflicted son, and those of his family,--capable of reflection,—will see cause for gratitude, that an affectionate wife, and tender mother, was spared so long, to afford the pleasure, the worth of which is best known by the loss, that is so deeply lamented; nor should we omit the favourable manner of her removal,-no racking pain of body, or of mind, no distressing words escaped her lips, to afflict the minds of survivors, and aggravate their sorrows. I am sure, my dear friend, will agree with me,— that while we trace her to the next stage of being, we shall seethe highest motives for praise,—she is gone to be forever with the Lord. I have no doubt but you will find this, hereafter, to have had a profitable influence on your own mind. You have long enjoyed great happiness in your children, and I do not question, but you was in the habit of making suitable acknowledgments; but it is more than probable, that this event will quicken you to more frequent, and more fervent prayer: quiet waters often become stagnant, while the troubled stream is generally sweet; and you and I have often proved, that affliction has simplified our prayers, made us more frequent in the exercise, and more anxious to be heard and answered. It was in a time of trouble when Jacob obtained his new name, not would he let go his hold till he obtained the blessing.

“It would have been gratifying to me, to have had a personal interview with you under these painful circumstances, but I cannot expect this. Custom will prevent your coming to me, and bodily affliction will not allow me to visit you; but it is our privilege to meet at a throne of grace, and there to cast all our cares upon Him who careth for us. And who has greater encouragement to plead for the bereaved family, than one that has so abundantly proved? That when father and mother forsake, the Lord will take me up. I will not add to your sorrow,—if I cannot diminish it,-—-by adverting to my own. And doubt not, but you well know, that bonds and afflictions abide me, and all I ask, is, dear friend, pray for me, God is able to make all grace abound to you and me; and this,-—-and this alone, is sufficient for you and your very sincere friend,

“JOHN CHIN.

“ P. S. Please to give my kindest love to Mr. F., and tell him, though I cannot visit him in his trouble, I do earnestly pray that God will be with him, whose presence is better than life.”

To the same.

" 3, Union Place, New Kent Road,

“ August 6, 1837.

“ MY DEAR FRIEND,—The thing that I feared is come upon me—yesterday about one o’clock, my dear Martha finished her mortal course, and entered upon her eternal destiny; and, though I was not surprised by her death, I was not so prepared as to have my mind quite tranquil and submissive. I do feel very sensibly the loss of a child that has endeared herself to me by a thousand acts of kindness, and undeviating obedience to the will of her parents, and it affords me much pleasure to recollect that no part of her conduct ever gave me one moment’s unhappiness. It was the Lord who gave me so good a child, and the Lord hath taken. I will bless a bereaving, as well as a supplying God. I shall soon go to her though she cannot return to me, and I am glad to add, I would not that she should if it were possible.

“As to the manner of her departure there was much mercy; I believe I told you in my‘ last that she was moved to Peckham, which was on Monday last. On Friday morning, she, finding herself no better, and becoming more impressed that her end was approaching, was very desirous to be taken home, and her wish was immediately complied with. She bore the journey very well, and had a good night, and seemed revived in the morning; nor did the attendants discover any change, till they thought she closed her eyes to doze, but, in a few minutes she ceased to breathe, and they found they had mistaken her apparent slumber, for she had fallen asleep in Jesus: Oh! that my latter end might be like her's.

“We received yours yesterday, and thank you very sincerely for every expression of affection it contains; it is no small solace in trouble, to have a few kind and constant friends, may God return to them a thousand-fold. I think the change of air, and of society, though for a short time, has done me some good, and, after giving vent to my grief, I have been blessed with a refreshing sleep, and though I awoke again to take up my burden, yet, I awoke to recount numerous mercies. I hope never to dwell on the one without the other, but to sing of mercy and of judgment. I am glad yours left you so well, may our good Lord continue it: my wife and Eliza join in loving remembrance to you and A—; accept the same from your affectionate friend and servant for Christ’s sake,

“JOHN CHIN.”

To the Same.

“ Sevenoaks, Sept. 8, 1837.

“ MY DEAR FRIEND,-—Our friend, Mr. Shirley, intends passing through London to-morrow. I take the opportunity of writing to you by him, that I might fulfil my promise of communication this week. My life is now become so monotonous, that I have little new to write about, though the subject in which you and I are most interested, needs not the charm of novelty to recommend it; for, I hope, to us there is nothing of value when put in competition with him who is the same yesterday and to-day and forever,--the same to pardon, as when we first sought mercy; the same to support as when we first cast all our care upon him ; and the same to save from all our enemies, the world, satan, sin, death, and the grave: he is able to save to the uttermost, and without exception, all that come to God by him. This is all my hope, all my salvation, and all my desire.

“As it regards my health, I am much as when you last saw me, and am thankful to the Giver of every gift, that I am gradually making a little improvement, and especially in the tranquility of my mind. This is an inexpressible blessing,—“ a wounded spirit who can hear.” The greatest cause of complaint with me, at present, is the difficulty I have in breathing, and with which I am most afflicted when walking, and of this exercise I can take but very little ; but, as my kind benefactor continues to spread for me a table in my present condition, I am a witness of the faithfulness and truth of his Word. The ‘ race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong.’ I am now compelled to live by faith, for my temporal supplies as well as spiritual; for I am no more capable to save my body than my soul, and it is well for me in both cases that faith can supply the want of labour; and this quiets the mind that would otherwise be unduly anxious when dangers threaten and helpers fail; ‘ but he that believes will not make haste.’ The engagement of our friend Shirley, for a week’s absence, is a drawback upon my pleasure, as he is a very agreeable companion, and I have found his society very profitable; but I am glad to say that his company will be, I hope, in some measure supplied, as my daughter Mary sent us word they intend making us a visit to-morrow, to stay a few days; how few and short are our interviews on earth with those we love! It seems a great while since you left us for the country. How happy are those of our dear friends who have joined the church of the first-born, in heaven! Our communion on earth is hardly worth the name ‘when compared with theirs. Here we have to lament a carnal mind; for though we have a spiritual mind and would fain have constant communion with God and his people, we cannot do the things we would; and not only are we prevented by sickness and distance, but often, when opportunity is afforded, we are indisposed to the exercise, and meet and part without making any improvement of our knowledge of God or exciting our love to him ; but not so when we get home.

‘No vain discourse shall fill our tongue,

Nor trifles vex our ear;

Infinite grace shall be our song,

And God rejoice to hear.’

“ JOHN CHIN."

To the Same.

“New Kent Road, February 26, 1888.

“MY DEAR FRIEND,——Being disappointed in not hearing from you yesterday, I have taken this means of inquiring where you are and how you are ? I am the more concerned about these questions, having been informed you have had a serious fall, but I hope no bad effects have followed. The principal cause of my writing is a. desire to preserve and keep alive an affectionate intercourse with my few remaining Christian friends,—my heart, at present, is deeply wounded; I do feel the death of our dear sister W. very much,—you well know her kindness to me was uniform and constant for thirty years ; I have not felt a stroke so severe since the loss of your dear daughter. Poor Mrs. A—, too, was unabated in her attachment to me, and whenever I have been in dangerous circumstances, has always made her daily inquiries, and but few hearts, I suppose, are so hard, but must yield to such repeated acts of kindness. Poor man ! it is a heavy loss to him.

The Lord is breaking me with breach upon breach, but, through grace, I do not complain,—it would be sinfully selfish for me, even secretly to wish that God would keep my friends out of heaven longer on my account; no,— ‘ He taketh away, and who shall hinder him’,—-‘ who shall stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou ;’ I would rather give thanks that he has spared them to me so long, and given me so much enjoyment in them. But I am reminded that my opportunities of Christian intercourse with my friends—my old friends in particular-—will be very few; and I do much wish to make the intervals between as short as possible;—‘ what thine hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.’ We last night received a note from M—, to say Sarah is laid up with her former complaint. Dear creature, she has a hard lot,—may God still support her; I think she bears her trials in a way that none could, but for the grace of God.

“This morning, the first thing, I opened my Bible on, was the Shunamite’s answer—‘ It is well.’ If my heart was not in perfect harmony with her’s, it gave me great pleasure to see what support might be enjoyed in a time of heavy and complicated affliction; and, though, at times, when weary of my groanings, I am disposed to inquire, ‘ O Lord, how long?’ or to ask—‘ Wherefore is life given to him that is in trouble?’ Yet the habitual bent of my judgment will subscribe to the sentiment, ‘ It is well.’ And, I think, there are no notes on earth that so much harmonize with the music of heaven, as when we are enabled to sing,

‘Good when he gives, supremely good,

Nor less when he denies :

E’en crosses from his sov'reign hand

Are blessings in disguise.’

Amongst these unforeseen blessings is that of the loss of our friends raising the value of those that remain ; and especially when it is the means of bringing us more frequently into the presence of that friend, ‘ who loveth at all times—a brother born for adversity.’ As to my health, I am something better than I was a week or two ago, but my pains for several nights last week, were very great; but I will endeavour not to tire the patience of my friends by my complaints, but, instead of counting my losses, will greatefully acknowledge my many remaining mercies. I conclude by acknowledging that I am very selfish in filling my sheet, in order to get an early reply; and, to know that you are healthy in body, and happy in soul, will be numbered among many other blessings preserved to your friend,

“ JOHN CHIN."

To the Same.

“108, Borough, July 6, 1838.

“MY DEAR FRIEND,—-I received yours, and was glad to hear of your being, and wellbeing, and hope, by the blessing of God, you will soon return, with a healthy body, and a happy soul, and that he will continue to you the sense of his favour, which is better than life, till it shall end in the fullness of joy and life for evermore. It being Deacons’ meeting on Thursday last, and the administration of the Lord’s Supper yesterday, and being desirous of attending the former, and administering the latter, I came to Town on Thursday morning, and assembled with the Deacons in the evening, at Mr. W. W.’s. I read and prayed in the Pulpit yesterday morning, and conducted the worship chiefly in the afternoon; the Lord was pleased to afford strength for the service, and to give me a treat of lively gratitude, for opportunity and ability once more to administer in his house. ‘ I had rather be a door keeper there, than dwell in the tents of wickedness.’

“We had a thanksgiving meeting, at Sevenoaks, on the 1st of August, on account of the emancipation of the happy slaves, now the Lord’s free men. Several ministers present, and I enjoyed it much; I spoke for about three quarters of an hour with considerable liberty to myself, and, I am glad to say, I do not know that any body found fault, though I should not be surprised if they had; for it is possible to admire a ship when in full sail, and look upon the wreck with indifference, or pity at the most; or, for the same tongue to cry ‘Hosanna to the son of David,’ and ‘Crucify him, crucify him.’ Nor is the servant above his Lord; but, if we suffer with him, we shall also be glorified together. I intend, if the Lord will, to return to Sevenoaks to-morrow, and to stay a fortnight longer, as the air seems to suit my body, and the society my soul; indeed, we are much improved.

I am a great wonder to myself, ‘the bush on fire, and not consumed.’

“I remain your very sincere friend,

“JOHN CHIN.”

To Mr. F.

“ September, 1838.

“ MY DEAR FRIEND,—-Did I know how to begin a letter as well as to close it, my friends would find me a very ready correspondent, and perhaps, by my continual coming, I should weary them; but of all my faults, this is one for which I have, as yet, received no blame. But, whatever credit my London friends may be entitled to for better talents, I have no ground, at present, to complain of the superabundance of their communications, and, as my summer is far spent, I cannot now expect a very abundant harvest: but I am willing to take blame to myself for the loss, being conscious, that ‘having sowed sparingly, I have reaped sparingly.’ But though I have not improved as I ought, my morning and the day is far spent, in the evening I will not stay my hand, as I am anxious to receive some information from my dear London friends, and I know of none that I can address with more hope of success than yourself. I can assure you it will afford me great gratification to have as circumstantial an account of yourself, and the rest of your justly esteemed family, as you can give—a family with whom I have so often ‘rejoiced in their joy, and wept in their sorrow,“ and with whom, I believe, I shall sympathize as long as my heart is capable of feeling joy and sorrow at all. I am also very desirous of knowing what is the condition of the ‘ Ark of the Lord,’ and how goes the battle, ‘does Israel or the Philistines prevail; my heart trembles for the Ark of God.’

‘My soul shall pray for Zion still,

While life or breath remains;

There my best friends, my kindred dwell,

There God my Saviour reigns.‘

“I hope, dear brother, our love to the church of Christ will not be manifested by our rejoicing in her prosperity only ; our services will be more needed in her adversity, and more highly esteemed. Our blessed Lord did not complain of those who cried, ‘ Hosanna to the Son of David,’ but be commended those who ‘ continued with him in his temptations ;’ and who can tell but God hath raised you up for such a time as this. We must not expect to gather ripe fruits all the year round—but in due time ye shall reap if ye faint not. Whoever triumphed in victory, that did not endure conflict? Be strong in the Lord, my dearly beloved. ‘The battle is not yours, but the Lord’s ;’ and it will more than repay all our labour and patience, to hear him say, ‘ Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.’

I have little information to give you, my connexions being confined to a small compass, but they are such as love our Lord, and they shew me much kindness for his sake;’ ‘ may they obtain mercy of the Lord in that day!’ I am laid under great and fresh obligations for the improvement of my health since I came here, and it makes me unwilling to leave soon. I purpose to stay a week or two longer than I intended; nor am I insensible of the Lord’s great goodness as to my inner man, but in both respects, I am constrained to say, ‘ I am poor and needy, yet the Lord thinketh upon me.’ I must now conclude, with love to Mrs. F., &c.

“I am yours, in Christ,

“ JOHN CHIN."

To Mrs. F.

“Sevenoaks, December 4, 1838.

“MY DEAR FRIEND,——I shall not attempt to make any apology for not writing to you sooner, as I can make none, with which my own mind is satisfied; but, at once give you the real cause, and that is, at my best times, I am the subject of so much general languor, that it is a great inducement to put off anything to-day, that may be possibly done to-morrow; and this is often connected with a hope, that, perhaps, in a day or two, I may send a better account of myself; and, besides, for two or three weeks past, I have been too unwell to write at all; but, I thank the Lord, I am at this time better than I have been lately. During this wet weather, my pains have been very great, but much abated at this time; and, though the subject of great bodily languor, I think, on the whole, I am better than I have been for four winters past, which I attribute, under God, to this situation, as the air is so much better suited to my respiration, and is the only thing that reconciles me to reside so far distant from my dear Christian friends. I assure you, at times, I feel this temporary separation exceedingly painful, as God has endeared Walworth to me by numerous and strong ties; and especially the spot where I have so often gone with the cheerful multitude to keep holy-day—oh! my dear friend, the review is attended with a mixture of pain and pleasure; how often have we hailed the new born Sabbath with,

‘Welcome sweet day of rest;'

and bid it adieu in our evening song,

‘ In holy duties let the day

In holy pleasures pass away;

How sweet in sabbath thus to spend,

In hope of one that never ends.’

And, I am happy to say, that neither absence, distance, nor change of circumstances, has abated, or weaned my affections from my much beloved people, and, I believe, never will; no, I assure you, our absence from Walworth is a great privation, and it is only the hope of spending the few remains of life, with less bodily pain, that can reconcile my mind to it; and when this desired object seems doubtful, it adds much to my affliction, and causes me to lament over better days gone by. ‘Oh! that I was as in months past, in the days when God preserved me, when the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were about me.’ I feel my condition at times, to be very painful, and I think it a privilege to be allowed to complain to God, while I esteem it a great mercy to be restrained from complaining of him; I have great cause to exclaim, ‘wherefore doth a living man complain ?’—wherefore indeed—surrounded with so many mercies, of which he is so unworthy, and so few causes of complaint, compared with his desert ‘? I believe we should approach very much to the happiness of angels, if our wills were like theirs, swallowed up in the will of God. I should only expect to enjoy solid comfort, as I am satisfied with being where I am, and with whom I am, and what I am, and because it is the will of my wise and gracious Father, that it should be so. The kindness of friends here, makes one feel as near home as I can anywhere, but there is something in home, that cannot be imitated, and in old friends, that cannot be found in new. I regret much, on reflection, that I have exchanged so few letters with you, for so many months past; perhaps this may be prevented in future, if, when you think me long, you call for payment. Some people will bear dunning, others will soon answer, lest, by continual coming, they become wearied.

“Should my ability be equal to my inclination, I shall make a visit to town about Christmas; but I have much doubt on this subject. I was glad to hear of your welfare, by Mrs. O., and hope the Lord may long spare you, to the mutual comfort of you and your children; to all of whom, please to make my affectionate remembrance.

“Your sincere friend,

“JOHN CHIN.”

To Mr. F.

“ Newington Causeway, January 9, l839.

“ MY DEAR FRIEND,—I am truly very sorry to be under the necessity of informing you, I must deny myself the expected pleasure of being with you on Saturday afternoon, as I intended; the pain in my hip has returned with so much violence, as to make it difficult to walk across the room without help, and so constant as to exclude the hope of enjoying the pleasure of the company and conversation of my Christian friends, in which I much delight; but I do not complain,—‘ It is the Lord; let him do with me as he pleases.’ I have not suffered so much for two years past, as I have for the last few days. But, believing you would make some sacrifice for my comfort, I hope you will favour me with a visit any day this week; at any time—except Friday afternoon, when I expect my friend Mr. C. I have put off every other engagement while in town. I should be equally glad to see my dear friend, Mr. W., but fear this is asking too much; to whom my sincere Christian love, and also to your dear wife. Fully expecting a personal interview,

“ I remain,

“ Your affectionate friend, and servant in Christ,

“ JOHN CHIN.”

To the Same.

“ Sevenoaks, March 14, 1839.

“ MY DEAR FRIEND,-—I have long been troubled with the clamours of an accusing conscience. That I owe you a debt which I ought to discharge, and to make apologies and excuses would be only to make a bad matter worse. I must, therefore, trust to your forbearance and matter of fact. The truth is, that being almost continually the subject of pain, it produces great lassitude of body and mind, and this is followed by a disposition to procrastination,-—the well known thief of time.

“I have, too, been in hope that I should, before now, have been able to have sent you some better account of myself than I can at present. I am thankful to say I am much better, in my general health, than when I left town, but my pains have been very severe, especially this fortnight past. I have hoped against hope, till hope deferred maketh the heart sick. I am obliged to cry for patience, lest I sin against God and charge him foolishly. I esteem it amongst my greatest mercies, that hitherto I have been preserved from this, and enabled to say, ‘ the Lord gave and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord.’

“Though my cross be heavy, I have the support of many comforts. The Lord’s promise to me hath been fulfilled. ‘Bread shall be given him, his waters shall be sure,’ and though not by miracles, yet by merciful providences that often compel me to acknowledge that the finger of God hath done this.

“I am deeply sensible of the protracted kindness of my London friends for their favours—which may my good Lord reward—besides whom he has raised me up a few warmly affectionate friends here, with whom I can have frequent and free communion on the things that make for peace, and, though I am not able often to go out of my dwelling, they often make me a friendly visit. Brother Shirley, is very kind, whose ministry I much enjoy when able to attend. Yet nothing but the hope of improving health could keep me from Walworth.

‘ My soul shall pray for Zion still,

While life or breath remains,

There my best friends my kindred dwell,

Their God my Saviour reigns.’

“Should the Lord spare me till the summer, I hope and intend to return to the society of those with whom I have spent the greater part of my best days.

“ J. CHIN.”

To Mrs. F.

“ Sevenoaks, May 22, 1839.

“MY DEAR AND MUCH ESTEEMED FRIEND,—Long have I wished to address a letter to you, nor did I think till now, I should have put it off so long. I believe one cause is, that—which ought to have had the contrary effect—thinking such was your opinion of me, that you would not think it was the want of affectionate esteem on my part, or the doubt of a favourable reception on yours; but the contrary being the case I have trespassed on your kind forbearance. But the chief cause of my silence towards you has been the continuance of my painful affliction; and, as it is natural to write and speak out of the treasure of the heart, I have but little disposition to repeat the dull story that has been so often told, and with almost as little variety as the mournful dove, whose note is, from wo to wo; nor have I any wish to burden others with my cares, when it could not diminish my own. And, though I have not been favoured with any direct communication from you, I have not been without information, that you, too, have your crosses and causes for lamentation and sorrow, and well knowing how sensibly you feel, under such circumstances, be assured, dear friend, I tenderly sympathize with you, and pray that God may give you supporting grace, and enable you, by believing prayer, to cast all your cares upon Him who careth for you, and say with David, ‘ Although my house he not so with God, yet hath he made with me an everlasting covenant ordered in all things and sure,— though he make it not to grow. ‘ Perhaps it would not have been unnatural for my friend to have expected from me some condolence and advice suited to her condition, but I am glad to know that you are in possession of all I could say on this subject, and have those about you, who are ready and willing to communicate, and will more than supply all my lack of service towards you. We well know how difficult it is to administer comfort to others, when we ourselves stand so much in need of it, and how apt we are to give good advice to others, in trouble, when we are at case. This was known to Job, when he said to his friend, ‘I could speak as you speak, if my soul were in your soul’s stead.’

When God delivers us from affliction, he puts a new song into our mouths, and we can then cheerfully invite those who fear God, to hear what he hath done for our souls. “ As I expect Mrs. C. will deliver this, she can answer any questions respecting me; and, if the Lord permit, I expect myself to see you shortly. I now feel very anxious to return to the society of those who have been long endeared to me by habits of intimacy and kindness, but especially to whom I am bound by the ties of Christian affection, and which death itself can never dissolve; and, though now painfully scattered and separated from each other, I do hope, through free grace, I shall enjoy their society in a better world; but I need patience to wait. God is humbling me under his mighty hand—oh! That he may exalt me in due time; and, should I reach that happy place, I feel that I shall have more cause than any to adore that Saviour, who is able to save to the uttermost, all who come unto God by him. My greatest discomfort is that I have not loved him more, and served him better; and the only ground of my hope is, that, whoso cometh, he will in no wise cast out. That He may be your support in life, and hope in death, is the earnest prayer of your sincere friend,

“ JOHN CHIN.”

Soon after the date of the preceding letter, he returned from his last visit to Sevenoaks. His attached Christian friend saw him repeatedly, and, in these final interviews, minuted down the following sentences :—

“ July 27, 1839.

“Among other things he said—‘ He was obliged to come to first principles, and daily look to Christ as a poor perishing sinner.’

‘His prevailing desire was to glorify God in his affliction,’—‘continued affliction is a scene of continual temptation,’

‘The prospect of a change seems most pleasing as introducing to a state free from sin.’

‘He had never been tried by doubts as to the reality of religion itself, but his mind was often in doubt about his interest in its blessings, but’ said he, ‘ this does not affect my interest.’

“ Interview: Aug. l7.-—He was now exceedingly weak, and spoke with great difficulty ; I had to listen close to his face, in order to catch the sound of each word—spoken between different respirations:

‘Sweet peace’—‘ I little thought of dying so’-—‘ Father, I long to see the place of thine abode.’

‘I have sweet peace—such tranquility, and it is all tranquility in an eternal world.’

‘I will sing of the mercy of God, that he should have called me by his grace.’

“Being quite exhausted by his attempts to speak, he called for his slate, and most distinctly wrote as follows :—

‘Good men have overrated me; I am the chief of sinners,——but it is all of grace.’

‘I the chief of sinners am, But Jesus died for me.’

The subjoined affecting narrative of the progress and close of Mr. Chin’s affliction, addressed to the writer, is drawn up by the hand of filial affection.

“ RESPECTED SIR,__ I will now endeavour to give you as concise an account as I can, of the experience of my beloved and honoured father during the latter part of that severe and protracted affliction which at length baffled all medical skill, and conquered a constitution unusually robust and vigorous, and which ended in the removal of one who was much esteemed and loved from this vale of tears, to that state of happiness, into which his laboring spirit had long desired to enter. His affliction was of six years continuance, and commenced in the year 1833. He alternately hoped and feared as to the result. Naturally alive to the sweets of friendship, fond of Christian intercourse, and devotedly attached to his family, he seemed sometimes desirous to abide in the flesh, though this feeling never approached to anxiety; but, if ever the wish for health increased, it was that he might be restored to his stated labours as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He would say, ‘ If it were the will of God to restore me to health, I would more earnestly, and if I could, more persuasively than ever, warn the careless sinner of his perilous situation, and more feelingly than ever, encourage the fearful believer to trust a promise making and a promise performing God. But you are aware, my dear Sir, that this desire was but partially granted him.

When he was able to get out, his increasing debility rendered him more frequently a hearer than a speaker. Occasionally, indeed, during his illness, when his severe pains were partially mitigated, he was able to administer the Lord’s Supper to his gratified and affectionate people. And never can they forget the solemnity of those interesting seasons, while he, who had so often stood before them in full health and vigour, was now pale and attenuated as from the grave; with his affections, indeed, as strong as ever, but with a voice failing through weakness, he spoke to them, in melting strains, of the wonders of redeeming dying love; this was his favourite theme, oft had it echoed round those walls, and to the last the accents fell as softly and sweetly as ever on the listening ear. The mourner was cheered, the fainting spirit revived, till the heavenly strains vibrated through every breast, and pastor and people could exclaim,—‘ it is good to be here,--this is none other than the house of God, and the very gate of heaven.’ And when he could no longer assemble with God’s people, his heart was with them, and be frequently and fervently pleaded with God for the prosperity of Zion. With a view to his restoration to health, he frequently visited Sevenoaks, and I cannot forbear expressing how deeply we felt the affection, kindness, and sympathy with which he was invariably treated by the Christian friends at that place. To their esteemed minister, the Rev. T. Shirley, my beloved parent was strongly attached; in their views and sentiments there existed a similarity which had rendered them congenial companions; they set out in life together, they were fellow-labourers, and years—during which much friendly intercourse had taken place,—served but to strengthen the friendly Christian bond, and many hours and days of his valuable time, during the latter part of the affliction of my beloved parent, did our kind friend devote to cheer the sinking spirits and beguile the tedious hours of suffering with his sick and dying brother. ‘ In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me'(Mat. xxv. 40).

“The last time my honoured parent returned to town, it was with difficulty he was got home, and he soon took to his bed, from which he but once arose. He was much gratified when he found himself at home, as he was fearful, at times, that he should not have strength sufficient to undertake the journey; and the first time I saw him, after his return, he said, ‘Oh, my dear child, God has been very good to me, he has heard my prayer, and I am come home to die in the_bos0m of my family, and in the midst of my dear people.’ A few days after this his pains returned with increased violence, and his debility increased also ; but his faith in God, his patience under his accumulated sufferings, and his submission to the divine will, continued in operation, and were exercised much to the edification of those who were privileged to attend to him, and to those who visited his interesting sick chamber. His conversation was replete with instruction; well furnished with kind and wholesome admonitions, sage counsel, affectionate, instructive remarks, and striking expositions of God’s Word. His Bible was his constant companion,—he required no concordance to refer you to chapter and verse. A Deacon of the Church, whom he much loved and valued for Christ’s sake, Mr. S., observed, ‘For my own part I can truly say, that I never experienced the full value of religion, or saw so much beauty in many passages of the sacred Scriptures, as I did when quoted by my beloved pastor, in his last sickness; nor do I ever remember any person’s memory being so stored with God’s Word as was his. His conversation was composed of quotations, and expressed in a manner so affectionate and lively, that you could not help wishing the interview frequently repeated, and, as it regards his patience, I do not recollect, in the Whole course of my visits—which were generally more than four or five times a week—ever hearing an approach to a murmur; he seemed constantly to say, ‘It is the Lord, let him do as seemeth him good.’ At times the pains in his limbs were almost insupportable, and it was truly distressing to hear the groans, and witness the agony of the dear sufferer. After one of these dis tressing paroxysms had a little subsided, he looked up to me, and, with tears in his eyes, said, ‘ Oh my dear! Satan well knew that heavy affliction, and great pain of body, were powerful temptations to cause the spirit to rebel against God; hence, in Job’s case, he said to God, ‘ Put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.’ No doubt but Satan had seen many curse God under such circumstances, but, in Job’s case, he was quite mistaken, for, ‘In all this Job sinned not.’ The Christian can suffer and not sin.’

We were much distressed that he could not obtain relief, and this much affected him. He said, ‘Do not grieve on my account—I cannot hear it ; I am not unhappy, or even uncomfortable; it is true I suffer greatly, God sees fit to lay his hand very heavily upon me, but I have many intervals of comparative ease, for which I praise him, and many, many mercies, for which I bless him, and, what is better still, I am patiently waiting, and quietly hoping, for God’s salvation.’ At another time, he said, ‘ God has, indeed, been a good God to me,—he has led me and fed me all my life long unto this day. He has, in cases of difficulty, guided me by his counsel, and, I trust, will shortly receive me in glory.

‘Oh glorious hour ! Oh blest abode!

I shall be near, and like my God ;

And flesh and sin no more control

The sacred pleasures of my soul..

“ He was, occasionally, able to conduct the family devotions, and his powerful pleadings with God can never be forgotten by those who were present; his children lay very near his heart, and he would pray for each, by name, according as their circumstances might seem to require, and, like the dying patriarch, he implored heaven’s blessings to descend on the head of each, and would request his little grand-children to be brought to him, and, placing his hand on the head of each, by turns, in the most affectionate tones, and with tears rolling down his cheeks, would say, ‘God Almighty bless thee, my child. May your life be spared, and devoted to God, and may you prove a comfort to your dear parents, when I am no more seen!’ He also pleaded fervently for Zion, and more particularly for the church at Lion Street, and often did his ardent affections break forth in those melting strains. ‘If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning,’ &c.

“One evening, after having passed a distressing day of suffering, while looking up towards heaven, he said, ‘My Father, I thank thee that this day is gone,—one less remains on my score. Yes! gone with all its pains and sufferings, never to return; thus does billow after billow pass over me, and my Saviour sustains me from sinking.’

Being asked if he wanted anything, he replied, ‘ I want nothing but the presence of God, and patience to endure his will,—having done all to stand, and, I trust, in his own good time he will send me deliverance. This is the only remedy for my malady; yet I would not be too anxious to be released. All the days of my appointed time will I wait till my change come.’ It was now becoming painfully evident to us, that his constitution, which had hitherto surmounted disease to the astonishment of his medical friends, as well as others, was at last giving way, and a weariness and debility were produced, quite unusual to him. This very much distressed him, and, on my asking him how he felt, he replied, ‘ My dear child, I cannot explain to you, who are in perfect health, how I feel; I am weary with my groaning all the night; I water my couch with my tears; I have lost all relish for my food ; I feel no rest, or delight in reading, as formerly, and my memory fails me; but why should I distress you with my sorrows,—I ought rather to bid you pray for me, that God would more abundantly manifest himself to my waiting spirit, and then receive me to everlasting happiness. Then will my thoughts be fresh and young; my memory will bloom again with immortal verdure, my ideas will be new and abundant, as drops of morning dew.’ At another time, he said, ‘ Oh! these cruel pains; this is, indeed, a time of affliction and sorrow, but-—‘My times of sorrow and of joy

Great God are in thy hand;

My choicest comforts come from thee,

And go at thy command.’

‘Oh! my dear Lord, I am waiting thy sweet presence and thy salvation ; I have many comforts, and I am not indifferent to the ties which bind me to earth, but—

‘ I’ll part with all the joys of sense

To gaze upon thy throne;

Pleasures spring fresh forever thence

Unspeakable, unknown.’

‘Looking affectionately at his beloved wife, he said, ‘There is my dear companion; we have had a long journey together—we have been young, and now are old, yet never have we been forsaken, nor have we seen our seed begging bread. Surely goodness and mercy have followed us through all the path.’ The Lord sustain my dear wife when I am gone; yes, I will trust this charge also with my God, for—

‘ He helps the stranger in distress,

The widow and the fatherless.’

“While suffering a poroxysm of violent pain, and the dread of suffocation, he pleaded hard with his God for deliverance, exclaiming, with as much energy as his strength would permit, ‘How long, 0 Lord, how long, cut short thy work! Why dost thou afflict me so heavily? I dread not death, but I dread these cruel pains; my flesh trembleth for fear of thee. But help me to say, thy will be done, I would not be unduly anxious even for death;—‘ not that I would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality may be swallowed up of life,’—rest is sweet to the weary, then, in thine own time, come sweet Saviour, come and take me.’

On the morning of the last Sabbath but one, previous to his departure, he was easier and seemed in a happy tranquil frame of mind, and said to me, ‘ My dear Mary, I have been thinking that I have many now in glory, who have been very dear to me. I have a father and mother there, six sisters, and seven dear children to welcome me, besides many dear relatives and friends with whom I have taken sweet counsel and walked to the house of God in company. Surely the interview will be delightful, we shall talk together, as did Christ and Peter, and Moses and Elias, and Jesus will be the subject of discourse. His glory! will eclipse every other. My Christ, my precious redeemer, I long to see thee seated on thy bright and glorious throne; one view of thee, my exalted Saviour, will more than compensate for all my sufferings.’ Taking his Bible in his hand, he said, ‘What should I do without my Bible,-—-this invaluable book ; it is my ever near and dear companion, it cheers and solaces me. I have, this morning, been reading a most interesting part of God's Word, the interview our Saviour had with the disciples when he joined them on their way to Emmaus; be conversed with them on things concerning himself. What a delightful companion, what an able preacher; but this instructive interview must terminate, for ‘ he must be parted from them.’ No wonder that while regretting his departure, they should stand gazing up into heaven, and no wonder that, to comfort their desponding hearts, it should be said ‘ this same Jesus shall descend in like manner ;’ and then, turning to me, with much emphasis, he continued; ‘this, my dear child, plainly shews us the medium of communication between earth and heaven; without this, God could never stoop to man, and man could never rise to God.’

After enduring the most distressing, agonizing pains, for some hours, he obtained a little ease, and then said to me, ‘ My dear child, I have been much exercised in my mind to know why God sees it is necessary so to multiply my sufferings and continue my affliction; but this morn ing your dear mother read to me the eleventh and twelfth chapters of Hebrews, which tells us of the sufferings of the primitive Christians; and, on the review of what they endured, I wondered that I should ever complain, and yet they were men of whom the world was not worthy ; from this I come to the conclusion that it is ‘ whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth,’ and here I rest. I have no joys at present, but I rest upon God, I depend on his promises, and I bless him that the religion of the Bible is a religion of faith and firm reliance on what God has said, because he has said it. Therefore will I cast all my care upon him, I trust him with all that concerns me for time and eternity.’ Suffering greatly from exhaustion, he supposed himself dying, and requested all his children might be sent for. When I entered the room, I perceived a great alteration in his appearance and was much affected by it. He held his dear hand out to receive mine, and pressing it, said, ‘ My dear child, why should you weep to see your father die so peacefully, I am about to ascend to my father and your father, to my God and your God. I would not grieve you, my child, but it is a sweet satisfaction to me to have you all with me, and I now charge you all not to weep or be distressed when I am gone, but fall on your knees and give God thanks for his great goodness. I have earnestly sought him to give me case from pain, and grant me a collected mind, this he has mercifully granted, and has also given me a sure and certain hope of a blissful immortality, and now I am only wanting him to beckon me away.’ He then lay for some time apparently so near death, that we doubted whether we should ever again hear the sound of his much loved voice; but nature again rallied for a time, and looking at us, he said, ‘ I thought I should have been at home before this, my Lord delays his coming, and is giving me another opportunity to take my leave of you all, and give you again my parting blessing. My dear wife, I will first tell you how thankful I feel to God for sparing you to me until now, to be with me in my dying moments; it does me good to look at you when I cannot talk with you. The Lord God of Israel bless you, and I trust our dear children will be comforts to you when I am gone, and attend your dying bed as they now do mine ;’ and then, addressing me, he said, ‘ My dear child, I never expected to embrace you again, I thought, in the night, that the first news you heard in the morning, would be that your father was no more, and I sent my dying love to you all, and told your sister, who sat up with me, to communicate to you my parting blessing; but my life is prolonged, I trust, for God’s glory, and now I will again say, farewell. May the Lord God Almighty bless you, my child—my dear child, and bestow on you his choicest favours; may your dear husband be long spared to you, and you to him, that you may be fellow-helpers of the grace of life. May God’s grace early influence the hearts of your dear children, and may they be spared to comfort your heart as you have comforted mine. May you, my dear, be useful and happy through life; and God grant that you may have a safe and easy passage over Jordan, and meet me, at last, in his everlasting kingdom.’ He then suitably addressed the others, and was particularly affected when he came to his youngest daughter, and said ‘ This is my dear child, who has been sitting by my side all night—the Lord bless her with the blessing of Joseph. I bless God that he has spared me to be the guide of her youth that she has not yet been written fatherless or motherless, and that she is now with me to alleviate my sufferings, I bless my Heavenly Father for all his mercies, and may she also meet me at God’s right hand!’ He then most affectionately addressed his sons, and gave them directions concerning his body, and said, ‘I do not think lightly concerning this body, when the spirit is gone ; I value it. In it I have served my generation, it has contained a valuable jewel, it is a part of the Redeemer’s purchase, and is destined to immortality; therefore, I wish it treated with respect, but not with display. I thank God, the grave has lost its terrors, I long for evening, to undress, to lie me down with God; for—

‘Corruption, earth, and worms,

Shall but refine this flesh,

Till my triumphant spirit comes

To put it on afresh.’

“ ‘Some might say, I shall be ready if the Lord will wait for a day, or a week; but, I trust, I am ready if he should come now.

‘Absent from flesh, Oh blissful thought!

What unknown joys that moment brings.”

“He frequently expressed himself thankful that he had is thankful heart, and was only fearful, lest he should ever murmur against God’s dispensations, or think that his multiplied afflictions were a proof of his displeasure; but, even this was but a passing thought, and not often allowed to cast a shade over the serene state of his mind, which was, indeed, as he often expressed it, calm as the setting sun. He said, when referring to this subject, ‘We are apt to think that God has only to lay us by for a short time, and then take us to himself; but this is not always his way of dealing with his people. ‘He led them through fire and through water, to bring them into a wealthy place,’ and he has afflicted me very sorely that I may see more fully the evil of sin,—-that fountain of human wo,—-and prize more highly, that sacrifice for sin, of infinite value. .Oh! sin, sin, how it pollutes the world, and troubles the church; I have been warring with it more than thirty years, and now, only lament that it sometimes gains such an ascendancy over me; but, ever since I have known the Lord, I have found sin bitter, and holiness sweet, and it is because of sin, this body suffers; and, after death, it is because of sin, this curious tabernacle must see corruption; but, at the resurrection morn, it will arise, shake itself from the fetters of the grave, and exclaim, ‘Oh! death where is thy sting ? Oh! grave where is thy victory?’ ‘ The sting of death is sin ; but, thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ Those who attended him, had often seen him, as they supposed, very near death, and often had their fears abated, when they saw his strong constitution surmount his disease; but, now, it was but too evident, the closing scene was at hand, and all he had to say, was scarcely above a whisper; but, his very breath was prayer,—-he held converse with heaven—and it was only interrupted to speak words of affection and consolation, to his friends and family. One said to him, ‘Your sufferings are great, very great, but you are sustained under them.’ He replied, ‘ Yes, that is my mercy, I would not move a straw to have them removed, without it was the will of God, for

‘How light when supported by grace,

Are all the afflictions I see,

To those the Lord of my peace,

My Jesus, has suffered for me.’

‘My mind is as calm as the setting sun. The truths so long preached, support me now. Oh yes,

‘I’ll speak the honours of his name,

With my last labouring breath, &c.’

‘My Saviour is very precious. I desire to depart, and am sometimes

‘Disheartened with waiting so long,

I sink at his feet with my load,

All plaintive I pour out my song,

And stretch forth my hands unto God.’

‘Come dear, Jesus, come quickly, why are thy chariot wheels so long in coming? I faint for thy salvation.’ A kind friend approached his bed side, and my beloved parent feeling unable then to speak, he made signs for a slate to be brought to him, on which he wrote, ‘ Lord, into thy hands I commit my spirit, for thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God Of truth.’

“ JOHN CHIN.”

“He was then so weak as to be obliged to rest at each line. After this, the same dear friend put his ear close to his lips, and heard him say,

‘Thus while ye hear my heart strings break,

How sweet my minutes roll,

A mortal paleness on my cheek,

And glory in my soul.‘

“The day previously to his departure, he revived sufficiently to be able to talk to those around him, though in a very faint and tremulous tone. Seeing his daughters weeping around his bed, he said, ‘My dears, weep not for me, weep not for me, but for yourselves, and for your children; I shall soon be unclothed, I shall soon put off this mortal, and be clothed with immortality; then shall I awake up in my Redeemer’s likeness, and so be forever with the Lord; and God grant that my children, and my children’s children, may sit down with me at the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ In the evening he seemed in a delightful frame of mind, contemplating the joys of heaven, and longing to join the happy company, and said,

"Oh what amazing joys they feel,

While to their golden harps they sing.’

“On my leaving him in the evening, I said to him, I hope, my dear father, that you will have a comfortable night’s rest. He quickly replied, ‘I trust I shall rest with God, and if he should see fit to detain me on earth to-night, may he condescend to visit me, that I may be partly on earth and partly in heaven, so that in the body or out of the body, I may scarcely be able to tell. May the God of Heaven visit me, not in his glorious majesty, as at Sinai, but as on Mount Tabor; encompass me with celestial brightness.’ During the night he said but little, but by the sweet converse he seemed to hold with God, there was no doubt but he realized the wishes of his soul.

In the morning he suffered exceedingly, and, on being asked how he felt, he replied “I feel like a dying man,— I am dying; dying is hard work, but all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come; yes, I will patiently wait, -

‘But welcome sweet hour of full discharge,

That sets our longing souls at large;

Unbinds our chains, breaks up our cell,

And gives us with our God to dwell.’

“He prayed very fervently for his family, for the church at Lion Street, for his co-pastor, and for the extension of Christ’s kingdom throughout the world. The cold hand of death was now upon him, and his bright intelligent eye had lost its lustre, but his heart still beat with affection, and his lips moved again to express his parting blessing. He requested his dear wife to come to him, and, taking her hand, and pressing it, said, ‘ My dear, I have prayed much for you, that God may support and comfort you, when I am no more seen; the time is come—we must part; I feel it much. But thy Maker is thine husband—the Lord of Hosts is his name.’ To his daughters he said, ‘I thank you, my children, for the great attention and kindness you have shewn me; one thing I will promise you that you will never repent of it. ‘Honour thy father, &c., is the first commandment with promise,’ and may the God which has fed me all my life long unto this day ;—the angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless you, my children.’ A few hours before his departure, seeing his end was fast approaching, I said to him, ‘ My dear father, you will soon see those in glory, who will be stars in your crown—those to whom you have been so useful; they are surely waiting to welcome you to glory.’ With a sweet smile, he said, ‘I shall,’ and with deep humility continued, ‘ but all I want is, that I may be found in Him, accepted in the beloved,’ and then, looking stedfastly upwards, exclaimed, ‘ My God, my Saviour,—dear Lamb,-—precious blood,—eternity will be too short to praise thee for thy mercies.’

Just before his departure, he asked for a Bible, requested his youngest daughter to read to him the 19th chapter of John, and, when he came to the 30th verse, he placed her finger on the words, ‘It is finished ;’ and then said, ‘I leave you these words, my dear child, as my dying text, the same as Christ left to his sorrowing disciples, to shew you the work of redemption is complete,—-ever value it, my child, and live upon it.’ He continued in prayer almost incessantly, until his spirit took its flight; the last words that were audible, were, ‘ Come, Saviour, come, and take me to thy bosom,’ and so saying, he fell asleep,” August '28, 1839, in the sixty-seventh year of his age.

Immediately upon the demise of their venerated pastor, the deacons held a meeting, at which the following resolution was prepared, which was submitted to the church at its next meeting, unanimously adopted, and entered upon their records.

“Agreed, that, in recording the decease of our late excellent and highly esteemed pastor, Mr. Chin, we have to express our feeling of sincere thankfulness, that, for so long a time, God mercifully permitted him to watch over us with tenderness and fidelity, and that, during an affliction unusually protracted and severe, it pleased him mercifully to grant the strong and all-sufficient consolations of the gospel. The church and ourselves have lost a friend and pastor, but he has gained an everlasting inheritance.

“We would offer to his bereaved widow and family the expression of our sincere sympathy and condolence under the loss they have sustained; and pray that the God of our late beloved friend may be their God, and his portion their portion forever!”

Wednesday, September the 4th: After solemn prayer, by the Rev. Edward Steane, and appropriate addresses delivered by the Rev. George Clayton, in the chapel, at Lion Street, and, at the grave, in Bunhill Fields, by the Rev. Samuel Green, the mortal remains of our departed brother were deposited in that ancient and extensive receptacle of the dead, to await the resurrection of the just.

In the preceding pages the solicitude of Mr. Chin to assist the efforts of our public institutions, for disseminating the knowledge of Jesus Christ, both at home and abroad, is seen to have been ardent and persevering. He had, for some years, been annually elected a member of the Committee of the Baptist Missionary Society, in who's exertions he appeared to take a peculiar interest, and, though affliction interfered with his regular attendance at its meetings, the Committee had not a more sincerely attached member. At their first meeting after his decease, it was agreed that the following respectful reference to the event should be recorded on their minutes.

“Committee Room, September 5, 1889.

“It having been stated to the Committee, that, after a protracted and painful illness, our highly esteemed brother, the Rev. John Chin, late of Walworth, had expired on the 28th ultimo:

“Resolved, that this Committee desire to place upon their records a testimony of the affectionate respect they cherish for the memory of their deceased brother, on account of his eminent piety, his ministerial fidelity, and his zealous endeavours to promote the interests of Christian benevolence in general, and of this Society in particular, to the Committee of which, be rendered efficient service for many years."

CHAPTER V.

First Section, Additional Letters— Second Section, Extracts from Sermons— Third Section, Miscellaneous Sentences.

NB. Only letters to his wife and daughter included here.

To Mrs. Chin.

" Walworth, September 28, 1810.

“MY DEAR WIFE,—I was much pleased on reading yours, to find you appear so comfortable in your situation, and that you are better than when you left us; and, I hope, you will be increasingly so, as I feel my happiness closely connected with yours, and hope you will continue to enjoy the sweet air and rural scenery, but above all, the God that made and upholds them. The light of his countenance sheds an unparalleled beauty on the fields and the forests; yea, it clothes all nature with a garment that bespeaks the majesty of its Author. The sweet southern breezes of his Holy Spirit make the air more refreshing and delightful than the fragrance of the field, and the dew of his Spirit exceeds the early or the latter rain. It is pleasant to see our Beloved in his works of nature, but still his mouth is most sweet, The leaves of Sevenoaks, you see, my dear, are fading as well as other leaves; there you are taught, by these fading and falling leaves, this is not the tree of life, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations; and, I have no doubt, the reason we complain of such dead frames, is, because we live on such dead things; all the endearing ties of nature and friendship, with the bounties of an indulgent Providence, cannot make one happy heart without a sense of the dying love of Jesus Christ; and whatever tends to blunt the edge of our affections to him is a curse, and should be watched narrowly as a destructive enemy; that which promotes our interest in him, is a blessing, and should be gratefully acknowledged. The man or woman that leads me to his feet, is a messenger from God; the cross that makes the cross of Christ more dear, is a blessing from the same hand; the book that makes the book that sets forth the Saviour more valuable, is, in my esteem, a good instructor; and the pasture where he feedeth, and causeth his flock to rest at noon, is worth inquiring after, and will well repay our labours. I increasingly feel the importance of being a Christian, and a prevailing wish to be devoted to God, but I feel much within, and see much around, that is determinater opposed to this design, which constitutes my daily cross;— it is much easier to describe the Christian, than to act the character. To keep within the bounds of morality -—according to the general acceptation,——is but a small part of the Christian’s difficulty; yet, this, joined to a sound creed, is all many seem to aspire after; but this, at best, is only an attempt to be a disciple of Moses, an inhabitant of Sinai; but we have dwelt long enough on this mount. Jesus says, ‘Come unto me from Lebanon, my spouse :’ yea, the cedars of Lebanon shall not be to be compared with those who are the plants of grace, nor the excellency of Carmel and Sharon. To have peace with God through atoning blood, fellowship with the Father and the Son, by the Spirit of grace and supplication; a good hope, and the joy of faith, makes the lame to leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb to sing.

My dear, you have my consent to love the Lord Jesus as much as you please; I am sure you will not love your husband the less, I should, I trust, think it quite enough to have the second place in your esteem; indeed, this seems too near to approach him that hath bound you to himself by so many stronger ties.

Oh! to know the sense of those words, ‘loved me and gave himself for me.’ Did he love one so wretchedly poor and debased, and come into our world to obtain the object of his choice? did his love carry him through his sufferings and enable him to endure our insults and reproaches'? did it prove stronger than death ?—

‘Love, so amazing, so divine,

Demands my soul, my life, my all.‘

“But I must answer your letter as to my health; I thank the Lord, I am much better than when you left me, and am getting stronger, and upon the whole, as well as I can expect a leaky vessel to be, in a voyage where we are obliged to tack about so often to keep a safe track; yet, I do not despair; but through the skill and kindness of my Pilot, the bark will prove sufficient to bring the immortal cargo safe to land.

“I preached last Wednesday evening from the two last verses of the book of Job; the subject seemed to secure attention, and I hope it was a serious time.”

To the Same.

“ Plymouth.

“ MY DEAR LOVE,—I thought your last long in coming, as I was anxious to hear from you, and I have no doubt but this will be very acceptable, though but a faint expression of that tender remembrance I feel for you and my dear family, whom I long to see, and hope, with submission to the will of God, never to be so long separated from again. I received Mr. K.’s kind letter and am happy to hear that they are going on so comfortably,—I hope it will continue and increase; this makes me firm in the cause I have in hand; nor could anything else sufficiently fortify my mind against the difficulties of my present exercises; but I am not without my encouragements in my work. I find myself much attached to many here; their kindness and attention is very great, and the thought of parting is painful, but the hope of meeting my dear family and friends, makes me wish the hour over.

Oh ! what a happy day when the whole family ‘ shall meet to part no more.’ I intend to take my leave of Plymouth, at Mr. G.’s, on Lord’s day evening next, if the Lord permit. I am astonished at the goodness of God to me; I preached three times last Sabbath, and administered the Lord’s Supper ; preached Monday night; at Catdown Tuesday; I am expected at the Old Tabernacle Friday. My legs and ankles are much swoln, but hope they will be better after a night’s rest. I purpose leaving Plymouth Monday or Tuesday, and intend to preach at Kingsbridge and Boveytracy, in my way to Exeter, and so work myself home as soon as possible. Happy shall I be when I get to my family, study, and pulpit. I am tired of new places and new faces, visits, modes, and forms, and flattery from fellow-worms; the conversation cloys; I long for more spirituality of mind, and more time for communion with my God in private; and that peace which is the effect of righteousness and produces peace in the soul. I have no knowledge, at present, how I shall be disposed of, I feel the work before me quite sufficient for all my faith and zeal, and worthy of better hands than mine; but ‘he giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.’ Well, he is faithful who hath promised, who also will perform; on him I depend, to him I look for all my present and future supplies. Remember me very kindly to all my dear friends, they are not forgotten by me, I wish them happy in the Lord; it is hard to act upon the belief that there is no happiness in any other hope. You, my dear, will be kept above slavish fears; be as conversant as Opportunity will admit, with those that love and speak well of Christ, and feed by the Shepherd’s tent. It will add much to my happiness to hear of your soul’s prosperity, and, when you are closetted with the King, think on me; I much need the help of an almighty Friend,--nothing less is sufficient for one so helpless. The Lord bless and keep you till we meet, is the prayer of thy affectionate husband.

To Mrs. 0., on the Anniversary of her Birth-day. (VIZ. to Mary Oliver, his daughter)

“Kent Road, January 27, 1838.

“MY DEAR MARY—From a slumbering to a sitting posture, I arise, to send to you a few of the numerous thoughts that have occupied my mind during the wakeful hours of the past night; but, ere I begin, I find the difficulty of the task; for they are as the strayed asses of Saul’s father. But, of this I can assure you, they afforded me both pleasure and pain by turns, or a mixture of both at the same time; and if, this morning, I could only select and send you the better part of my meditations, they would form a mess as large as Benjamin’s, and as palatable to you as Jacob‘s savoury meat. But, I am well persuaded this is not at all necessary; for, if you could have forgotten your birth-day, I am well aware, that, long before this hour of the morning, you have had many sincere good wishes expressed, that you may live to see it many, many times return, accompanied with as much happiness as is consistent with your eternal welfare. But, my dear Mary, though others may present their good wishes, accompanied with warmer and better tokens of affection than ink and paper, from a cold and trembling hand, yet, for the warmth of his heart and the sincerity of his prayers, your father can give place to none; this is not too much for me to believe. “My love to you has been implanted in my heart for many years. It has grown without interruption; it has been watered by a continuation of affectionate intercourse; it has been strengthened by a similarity of disposition; and cemented, I hope, by that love that never faileth through life, and in death is not divided. And, though my thoughts have been of many colours, I do not know of one that has charged either of us with want of mutual affection and love. For myself, I know I have often stood in need of the caution, ‘Little children cleanse yourselves from idols.’ Possessed of this soul-stirring principle, it is no wonder, my dear Mary, that on the 27th of January, at chaos of thoughts should arise in my mind, especially during that portion of my time, when I am neither asleep nor awake, and partly both; but, being aroused to a state of sensibility, I will rather give you my present thoughts, than spend my time in hunting for strayed ones; and, I doubt not, but you, my dear, will feel with me, and join with me, in grateful acknowledgements to that God, who is the giver and preserver of life, for having multiplied your years to the present number.

Oh! for grace, to acknowledge him, who gives us life and favor, and whose visitations preserve our spirits. It is by his grace, I have not been written childless. He has, during the past year, shewn me what he could do, and what he has a right to do.*'

* Alluding to the loss of a beloved daughter, Mrs. Haddock, who, at the early age of twenty-eight, was called to leave an endeared family circle; a sorrowing husband and five infant children.

He has begun, but not made an end, blessed be his name, for his forbearance! One has been taken, but others have been left; I will sing of mercy and judgment. And, to the same cause, my dear, we will attribute the great favor, that your husband has not been left a widower, and your babes motherless; and I hope you will participate in the pleasure I feel, that I have lived so long, and see you this day surrounded with all—yea, not only with all the necessaries of life, but with its desirable comforts, and with a husband whose life is devoted to your happiness, and, with whom,——as an instrument for God,-—-I can, my dear, leave you with the greatest confidence. And, I esteem it among many other favors, that I am situated so near to you, that if your visits are few, they cannot be far between ;—Providence can bear no blame for distance ;—and, as this day excites our gratitude, so it awakens our attention to the future; it seems to say, ‘Watchman, what of the night?’ If so much time is gone, there is so much less to come, and, painful, my dear, would it be for us, if our hopes were bounded by time; but, through grace, it is not so. We may soon be called to separate, but, it will be only for a season. That God, who is our portion now, will be ours forever. And, I hope, while our lives are prolonged, we shall enjoy the assurance of our relation to our heavenly Father, and this will render more dear the ties that now subsist between us, and cheer our souls in prospect of meeting in that place, where our relation shall not be measured by passing years, nor be distinguished by youth and age; but all shall wear the bloom of immortality and likeness to Jesus, and so be forever with the Lord; for which, that his grace may daily prepare us, and his love bring us, is the sincere prayer, of your ever affectionate father,

“ JOHN CHIN.”

To Mr. and Mrs. O. (Oliver- his daughter Mary)

“ Sevenoaks, May 19, 1839.

“ MY LOVING AND MUCH BELOVED CHILDREN,—I have long been very anxious to address a letter to = you, but have been prevented by almost continual and very severe pain, which has greatly broken down both my strength and spirits. But, for some days past, the Lord has been pleased to afford me a little relief, and I have felt easier this day than I have for many weeks past, and I begin to hope that the Lord intends yet to give me a little respite from such sore trouble. But, desirous as I am for this blessing, I am more desirous to be quite submissive to his will, as I cannot doubt but all his dealings with me are in love, mercy, and wisdom, and the bitterest drop in my cup is the fear I have some times bad, that my affliction is a mark of his displeasure.

But my faith, though weak, has not yet lost its hold of the many great and precious promises of the promise performing God, and I know his judgments are right, and that in very faithfulness he hath afflicted me. ‘ He knoweth the way that I take, and, when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.’ Nor can I be unmindful of some valuable lessons which I have been taught in this school of adversity. I see more and more of the evil and bitterness of sin. I feel more than ever convinced of the absolute necessity of a complete salvation, and a sacrifice of infinite value. Oh! the magnitude of the Redeemer’s sufferings who put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

“That the best of blessings may rest on you and yours, is, my dear children, the sincere prayer of your loving and afflicted father,

“ JOHN CHIN.”

This letter is followed with extracts from his Sermons,

and his ‘funeral discourse’ which concludes with:

You naturally expect that, before I entirely conclude this solemn service, I should more particularly refer to our departed friend and brother,—your late highly and justly esteemed pastor, than I have yet done; and most happy should I be, were it in my power to meet your affectionate wishes; but I much fear that I shall be unable, on this occasion, either to do that, or even to satisfy my own.

After what has now been read, what can I add in relation to our departed brother ? Mr. Chin was of an humble and affectionate disposition. Of this his benignant countenance was expressive, which was not ordinarily clouded with a frown. His humility appeared not only in his long continued objection to become the pastor of this Church, because he regarded himself incompetent to discharge the duties of the office, but also in his general deportment through life. That he was affectionate, his intercourse with his numerous friends, will enable them to bear ample testimony, and his mourning family, are abundantly prepared to attest. He was privileged with much spirituality of mind. God, in his infinitely wise providence, sets one thing over against another. Perhaps, when early advantages have been possessed, and these, by subsequent application, carried to a high degree of cultivation, there may be strong temptation to be remiss in attending to the more important concerns of personal religion. However this may be, it is certain that the mind of Mr. Chin was greatly enriched with spiritual knowledge, and that he possessed much skill in matters relating to Christian experience.

In his religious principles he was thoroughly evangelical. The great doctrines of the gospel, in their richness, freeness, purity, and harmony, were always prominent in his ministry; yet not so as to omit insisting on the indispensable necessity of their practical influence. His ministerial and pastoral duties were discharged with exemplary fidelity and perseverance; and in the various institutions, which he originated and promoted among you, may be discovered the fervour of his Christian benevolence.

In addressing you, my dear friend, for many years the much loved associate of the deceased, but now his mourning relict, may I not be allowed to remind you, that as every season has its appropriate duties, this has such as are peculiar to itself? You will, I doubt not, endeavor to recollect the more than forty years companionship you have enjoyed with this departed servant of God. You have seen the best and the worst, and your remembrance will be accompanied with many regrets, and attended with much to instruct and to comfort. You will, I am persuaded, feel the importance of gratitude, that a favour you so highly prized, should have been continued to you so long, and, in connexion with it, so many other mercies. I need scarcely

say, that submission is another duty of the present trying season. In the words of the Psalmist you will say, “ I was dumb, I opened not my mouth, because thou didst it.” And how much does your comfort depend on the exercise of hope ! Yes, you also, are “ looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, unto eternal life.” Nor shall you look in vain: you may yet have some solitary steps to take in the wilderness, but they will soon be passed over, and then you, I trust, will inherit forever the rest your beloved husband now enjoys.

As to the other members of the mourning family, let me request you to consider what sort of a person your deceased parent was—what he earnestly desired you might become ; and then diligently inquire how far, by the grace of God, his prayers on your behalf have been answered. “Be ye followers of them, who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises.”

In uttering one word to the deacons and members of this church, suffer me, Christian friends, to remind you, that you knew “ the man and his communication.” That he was ardently attached to you is well known, and that you highly esteemed him, there can be no doubt. As pastor and people you were affectionately united. What, without your Christian co-operation, could he have effected ? It was by your countenance, and, in connexion with your joint exertions, so much, under God, was accomplished in this place and neighbourhood. May I request that, for a moment, you will regard me as his representative; or that, while retiring, as it were, behind the shelter of his shade, I may be permitted to say-— Beware, dear brethren, how you attempt to remove ancient land-marks! Perhaps at this period, we are more in danger of conformity to the fashion of the church, than even to that of the world; and it may be, too, that the former is more offensive and displeasing to the great Head of the church than the latter. But why, in addressing you, should I employ my own language, when my memory supplies me with the expressions, which, some time since, the departed uttered to his esteemed successor, and charged him to bear them to you? “Live in peace and love, striving together for the faith of the gospel. Cultivate a spirit of deep humility and forbearance. Steadfastly hope for the salvation to be granted unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ?”

I trust it will not be deemed presuming in me, if I re mind my ministerial brother, now the pastor of this church, whom I highly esteem, of the charge given to himself by his deceased colleague: “Watch over the flock diligently, constantly, and with devoted piety.” May our blessed Lord, dear Sir, long preserve your valuable life, and render you here, and in all your exertions for his cause eminently useful; and grant you much personal and relative happiness!

Contact email: butler1802 @hotmail.com (no spaces)

[i] Ancestry,com – London England Baptisms, Marriages, Burials, 1538-1812; from Church of England Parish Registers 1538-1812, London England, London Metropolitan Archives, Guildhall, London.

[ii] Issue: Martha bap 25.1.1829, unm.; Mary bap. 18.12.1830; Eliza b.2.4.1832; Emma b.11.4.1833; Henry Paine b.c. Dec 1834,d 25.1.1835; Henry b. April 1836, d.14.4.1837; George b.15.6.1837, d. April-June 1838

[iii] John Paine Chin Haddock’s birth was registered in the Camberwell district of Surrey (GRO) and on the 12 June 1877 at Greenwich in Kent, he married Mary Emily Adams. He was still living with his parents at 137 Ken Park Road, Newington in 1871 Census. In 1861 he was a clerk to (or in the office of) a Customs House Agent and occupied a Clerk’s position until 1881, however, by 1891 he had become a Secretary to a Limited Company. In 1881 Census he and Eliza were living with his parents- in-law and sister-in-law Hannah and husband William Knight, solicitor, at 23 Bedford Square, Brighton, Sussex. By 1891 they had moved to 17 Thornsett Rd, Penge, County London. He died in 1902 aged 57, death registered in district of Tunbridge. (info courtesy Beryl Curtis)

[iv] Alice Chin Haddock, according to Louisa Paine’s datebook, was 25 when she died 8 August 1875. In Census 1871 she was an art student, still living with her parents at 137 Ken Park Rd, Newington. (courtesy Beryl Curtis)

The family history of the Chins and Haddocks in Australia

10 August 2013

Chin-Haddock family- Ch.3: Rev. John Butt Chin & Land Plumleigh

REV. JOHN BUTT CHIN SENIOR

WILL OF JOHN BUTT CHIN

TRANSCRIPT OF WILL OF REV. JOHN BUTT CHIN