The Complete Works of Andrew Fuller. Volume 17 The Life of Andrew Fuller: A Critical Edition of John Ryland's Biography 9783110634778, 9783110633245

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The Life of Andrew Fuller

The Complete Works of Andrew Fuller

Edited by Michael Haykin In Cooperation with John Coffey, Crawford Gribben, Nathan Finn, Doug Sweeney

Volume 17

The Life of Andrew Fuller

A Critical Edition of John Ryland’s Biography Edited by C. Ryan Griffith

ISBN 978-3-11-063324-5 e-ISBN (PDF) 978-3-11-063477-8 e-ISBN (EPUB) 978-3-11-063561-4 Library of Congress Control Number: 2021946989 Bibliographic information published by the Deutsche Nationalbibliothek The Deutsche Nationalbibliothek lists this publication in the Deutsche Nationalbibliografie; detailed bibliographic data are available on the Internet at http://dnb.dnb.de. © 2022 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston Cover illustration: Oil painting of Andrew Fuller, undated, in the private possession of Norman Hopkins. Used by kind permission. Printing and binding: CPI books GmbH, Leck www.degruyter.com

General editor’s foreword The writings of Andrew Fuller (1754– 1815) are increasingly recognized as key documents in both the Baptist story and the wider history of Evangelical Christianity. “Fullerism” brought about a lasting revolution in Baptist circles that enabled British Baptists to be vitally involved in the globalization of Christianity in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The impact of Fuller’s thought stretched far beyond his own denominational circles, for he became one of the main purveyors of the theological legacy of Jonathan Edwards in the British Isles. Currently Fuller’s writings exist in three states: those published during his lifetime, those issued posthumously, and those still in manuscript form, which include his vast correspondence, a few sermons, an incomplete commentary on Isaiah, and a diary. Until now, scholars and students of Fuller’s thought have had to rely on a number of inadequate mid-nineteenth-century editions, which lack critical annotation, adequate indices, and substantial historical introductions to help orient the reader to Fuller’s historical context and the shape of his theological reasoning and biblical exegesis. Moreover, without his massive correspondence, which reveals the enormous influence Fuller had in both Baptist circles and other realms of eighteenth-century Evangelicalism, an adequate evaluation of Fuller’s achievement in his own day and his enduring legacy is impossible. The Complete Works of Andrew Fuller is a modern critical edition of the entire corpus of Andrew Fuller’s published and unpublished works. It seeks to advance the current understanding of the life and thinking of this highly influential pastortheologian as well as providing a comprehensive foundation for investigating the impact of his life and work in the two centuries since his death. The volumes in this series reproduce Fuller’s texts as he wrote them in manuscript form or as they were printed in the final edition to which he would have had access during his lifetime. The annotations that accompany each text present textual problems and variant readings. In the introductory essays, annotations, and headnotes, the editors will delineate Fuller’s historical context and intellectual influences. The publication of these volumes coincides with a significant renaissance in Fuller studies over the last few decades, demonstrated by a growing body of monographs and dissertations as well as scholarly conferences focusing on this important English thinker. Michael A.G. Haykin, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY, March 2015.

https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110634778-001

To my fellow pastors of Cities Church, 1 Timothy 6:11– 16

Acknowledgements The publication of this volume as part of The Complete Works of Andrew Fuller is the fulfilment of a dream nearly two centuries in the making. After his death in 1815, Andrew Fuller’s closest friend, John Ryland, Jr., planned a progressive release of Fuller’s works in nine volumes. Ryland’s 1816 biography of Fuller preceded the publication of these volumes and was intended as a preface to the series. However, due to Ryland’s substantial responsibilities and the challenge of arranging and editing Fuller’s various publications, the first volume of Fuller’s works was not issued until 1820, and the final volume appeared in bookstalls only months before Ryland’s death in 1825. Perhaps due to some confusion surrounding this progressive release, the complete set was never simultaneously published in an English or an American edition. The publication of this critical edition finally fulfils Ryland’s original vision. This project is also the fulfilment of a personal dream. My first exposure to church history as a young Christian was through evangelical biography—and among the first biographies I read was the New England theologian Jonathan Edwards’s Life of David Brainerd. I was captivated by Brainerd’s courage and inspired by Edwards’s depiction of his vibrant religious affections. Edwards’s biography had a powerful way of illustrating the riches of Christian doctrine, and through it, I was drawn to Edwards’s expansive theological vision. In 2015, I was introduced to Andrew Fuller and the English Particular Baptists by my Doktorvater, Michael Haykin. I soon discovered that Ryland and Fuller were also profoundly influenced by Edwards’s thought. Edwards’s works provided invaluable perspective on the theological challenges facing English Particular Baptists in the closing decades of the eighteenth century. And, equally important, Edwards’s unique utilization of biography as a way to illustrate biblical doctrine provided the framework for Ryland’s purposeful memoir. Like Edwards, Ryland’s intimate friendship with his subject made him the ideal candidate to compose his friend’s biography. I’m grateful for Michael’s kind invitation to contribute to this series in a volume that stands at the happy intersection of both longstanding and relatively recent personal interests. There are many others to thank. I am deeply indebted to several librarians for their patient help in tracking down hundreds of documents: Emilee Smith of the James P. Boyce Centennial Library at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Michael Brealey of Bristol Baptist College, and Emma Walsh of Regents Park College, Oxford. Thanks to them, I regularly remind students that the most important resource in the library is the librarian. The Edwardseans Greg Wills, Don Whitney, and especially Doug Sweeney provided valuable insight and encouragement. Their lives and scholarship capture what it is, in Edwards’s words, to “represent and recommend true religion and virtue to the world.” I began this project while serving at Bethlehem College & Seminary (Minneapolis, MN). The work would simply not have been done without the faithful prayer and support of the administration, faculty, staff, and students. I’m especially grateful to my teaching assistants, Scott Hubbard and Keith https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110634778-002

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Kresge, who painstakingly assisted in digitizing Ryland’s 1816 and 1818 editions. I am also grateful to my fellow Particular Baptist historian, Baiyu Andrew Song, who provided valuable assistance with numerous historical citations. Last but by no means least, Alissa Jones Nelson’s remarkable editorial skill has made the final text immeasurably better. Over the three years that I have worked on this project off and on, I have had the happy privilege of being a member and then a pastor of Cities Church (St. Paul, MN). It has been the joy of a lifetime to serve with brothers who are not only fellow pastors, but dear friends. Like those who have come before us, may we, in Ryland’s words, do all in “the hope of promoting pure and undefiled religion, founded on truly scriptural and evangelical principles.” C. Ryan Griffith Minneapolis, Minnesota July 6, 2021

Contents List of Abbreviations 

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 1 Editor’s introduction   The development of biography in the eighteenth century   1  Ryland as biographer   8  Remembering Andrew Fuller: Ryland’s 1816 biography   11 . Purpose and form   14 . Selectivity and structure   20 . Content and theological emphases   22 .. High Calvinism   29 .. Socinianism   30 .. Universalism   31 .. Sandemanianism   31  Ryland’s 1818 edition   41 . Formatting   41 . Omissions   41 . Additions   46  J. W. Morris’s and John Ryland’s competing biographies of Andrew Fuller   50 . J. W. Morris and the Fuller circle   51 . A tale of two biographies   56 .. Purpose and form   57 .. Selectivity and structure   60 .. Content and theological emphasis   61 .. Andrew Fuller’s character   66 .. Reception   72  Conclusion   76 Notes on the text 

 77

 79 John Ryland, The Life of Andrew Fuller  Preface   80 Chapter 1 A History of English Baptists   85 Chapter 2 Fuller’s Early Days   94 Chapter 3 Fuller’s Pastorate at Soham and Kettering   125 Chapter 4 Extracts from Fuller’s Diary – 1780 to 1782   151 Chapter 5 Extracts from Fuller’s Diary After 1784   170 Chapter 6 Fuller’s Various Publications   201 Chapter 7 Fuller and the Baptist Missionary Society   223 Chapter 8 Fuller’s Correspondence   286

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Chapter 9 Fuller’s Family Life  Chapter 10 Fuller’s Final Days  Appendix   414 Index of Persons  Subject Index  Scripture Index 

 430  436  454

 340  391

List of Abbreviations WAF The Works of Andrew Fuller. Edited by J. Gunton Fuller. 8 vols. New Haven: S. Converse, 1824 – 1825. WJE The Works of Jonathan Edwards. Edited by Harry Stout. 26 vols. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1957 – 2009. WRH Works of Robert Hall, A.M. 4th ed. Edited by Olinthus Gregory and John Foster. 4 vols. New York: Harper, 1835 – 1836.

https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110634778-003

Editor’s introduction 1 The development of biography in the eighteenth century On October 13, 1750, an essay by Samuel Johnson (1709 – 1784) appeared in The Rambler in which Johnson made a simple observation on the role imagination plays in shaping human action. Imagination places the reader “in the condition of him whose fortunes we contemplate; so that we feel, while the deception lasts, whatever emotions would be excited by the same good or evil happening to ourselves.” Such imagination, particularly when it resonates with personal experience, has profound power to cultivate virtue and to stir the passions. “Therefore,” Johnson concluded, “no species of writing seems more worthy of cultivation than biography, since none can be more delightful or more useful, none can more certainly enchain the heart by irresistible interest, or more widely diffuse instruction to every diversity of condition.”¹ This perspective on biography’s significance and its direct application to “private life” reflects important philosophical and literary changes that took place in life-writing during the eighteenth century—a shift that ultimately defined the modern genre of biography.² Evangelical biography developed both within the larger frame of eighteenth-century biography and in ways distinct from it.³ The characteristics of modern biography —with its focus on ordinary life, its wide variety of subjects, its documentary tendency, its use of anecdote and illustration, and its concern with character illustration rather than strict chronology—are present in evangelical writing. Yet evangelical authors in particular retained the emphasis on biblical spirituality which was diminished or jettisoned in more broadly popular biography of the time. It resisted the tendency to replace the spiritual with the sentimental. While paying heed to the human psyche, it ultimately lodged the causation of events in God’s wise providence rather than in character traits (or flaws) evidenced in childhood. Eighteenth-century evangelical biography refused to surrender its didactic aims in the face of a reading public whose interest largely centred on being entertained and informed. It also wonderfully blended the Enlightenment’s obsession with intimate personal detail with the Christian legacy of exemplary lives.⁴ Rather than focusing on unparalleled feats of personal discipline, prodigious ministry accomplishments, or landmark doctrinal discoveries, eighteenth-century evangelical biography tended to focus on the inner life displayed through correspondence, personal diaries, and the testimony of inti Samuel Johnson, “Rambler No. 60: Saturday, October 13, 1750,” in The Rambler, vol. 2 (London: J. Payne and J. Bouquet, 1752), 208.  C. Ryan Griffith, “‘Promoting Pure and Undefiled Religion’: John Ryland, Jr. (1753 – 1825) and Edwardsean Evangelical Biography” (PhD diss., Louisville, KY, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2017), 112– 16.  Griffith, “Promoting Pure and Undefiled Religion,” 127– 31.  Griffith, “Promoting Pure and Undefiled Religion,” 127– 55. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110634778-004

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mate witnesses.⁵ While its aims were, in some sense, similar to the memetic aims of the long tradition of saints’ lives, eighteenth-century evangelical lives portrayed more vividly the vital connection between doctrine and piety.⁶ Perhaps no biography better represented these aims than the 1749 publication of The Life of David Brainerd by the New England Congregationalist minister Jonathan Edwards (1703 – 1758). Edwards begins by explaining the benefit of exemplary lives: “There are two ways of representing and recommending true religion and virtue to the world, which God hath made use of: the one is by doctrine and precept; the other is by instance and example.”⁷ Edwards underscores that while God has explained the design and importance of faith in Scripture, he has also set down many examples of its power in practice. Jesus—the great prophet of God—made use of both of these methods, declaring the mind and will of God in doctrine “more clearly and fully that ever it had [been] before,” and in his own practice “gave a most perfect example of the virtue he taught.” Throughout the history of the church, Edwards explains, God in his providence has perpetuated this pattern, raising up eminent teachers “to exhibit and bear testimony to the truth in their doctrine” and has, “from age to age, raised up some eminent persons that have set bright examples of that religion that is taught and prescribed in the Word of God.” These persons “have a great tendency to engage the attention of men to the doctrine and rules that are taught, and greatly to confirm and enforce them,” particularly when example is combined with commendable teaching, faithfulness through travail, and fruitfulness in ministry.⁸ David Brainerd (1818 – 1847), Edwards argues, was such a person—“a remarkable instance of true and eminent Christian piety in heart and practice […] most worthy of imitation, and many ways tending to the spiritual benefit of the careful observer.”⁹ Edwards’s prefatory comments are important not only in the way they introduce the most widely read of Edwards’s works, but as an apologetic for the evangelical use of the rapidly developing eighteenth-century genre of biography. What was distinctively Edwardsean about Edwards’s Life of Brainerd and the biographies of his heirs was a particular link between doctrine and life.¹⁰ In the face of religious enthusiasm on the one hand and intellectual fideism on the other, Edwards and his followers were burdened to demonstrate the importance and nature of true religious affection through their biographies. Edwards considered Brainerd’s life an epitome of genuine religious affections and shaped his biography with the conscious aim of commending the spirituality he had defended in Religious Affections. ¹¹ Fundamental

 Griffith, “Promoting Pure and Undefiled Religion,” 131.  Griffith, “Promoting Pure and Undefiled Religion,” 100 – 104.  WJE, 7:89.  WJE, 7:90.  WJE, 7:96.  Griffith, “Promoting Pure and Undefiled Religion,” 154– 55.  Griffith, “Promoting Pure and Undefiled Religion,” 142– 44, 133 – 36.

1 The development of biography in the eighteenth century

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to Edwards’s theological anthropology was the conviction that the human person was, as McClymond has argued, “a bundle of affections that determine nearly everything that [a] person thinks, feels, or does.”¹² These affections were not to be identified with mere emotions, but with “the more vigorous and sensible exercises of the inclination and will of the soul.”¹³ Edwards recognized that all ideas were simultaneously intellectual and affective—one not only mentally conceived of an idea or an object, but one’s will was inclined or disinclined towards it. Humans were a unity of the understanding and the will. Thus Edwards argued that it was insufficient to describe true religion merely in terms of “doctrinal knowledge and speculation.”¹⁴ Instead, the mind needed to be “enlightened, rightly and spiritually, to understand or apprehend divine things,” which resulted in a new “sense” consisting in “a fervent, vigorous engagement of the heart” in the things of God.¹⁵ This new sense was brought about by the Spirit’s sovereign and free act in regeneration. The result of this transformation was an ever-increasing desire for knowledge of and joy in God —himself the limitless source of all true delight. Truly gracious affections were supremely displayed in a life of increasing conformance to the image of Christ. This radical pursuit of holiness was the chief sign—both to the believer and to the world— that the affections had a divine and spiritual origin. While Edwards’s immediate New Divinity heirs appropriated his didactic use of biography to accomplish similar aims, perhaps no one in the long eighteenth century made better use of the approach than Andrew Fuller’s (1754– 1815) closest friend, John Ryland, Jr. (1753 – 1826). As section two demonstrates, their intimate friendship and shared theological vision positioned Ryland to capture the substance and spirit of his friend most faithfully.¹⁶ Ryland explained that the bond of their friendship was

 Gerald R. McDermott and Michael J. McClymond, The Theology of Jonathan Edwards (New York: Oxford University Press, 2012), 311.  WJE 2:96.  WJE 2:101.  WJE 2:266, 99 – 100.  The first biographical account of Fuller’s life appears to have been published by Dr. Charles Stuart (1746 – 1826) in August of 1815 (Stuart, “A Short Memoir of the Late Mr. Andrew Fuller,” Christian Herald 2 [June 19, 1815]: 238 – 241; idem, “A Short Memoir of Mr. Andrew Fuller. Part II,” Christian Herald 2 [July 19, 1815]: 280 – 286), which Ryland mentioned in his preface (Ryland, The Work of Faith, the Labour of Love, and the Patience of Hope, Illustrated in the Life and Death of the Reverend Andrew Fuller: Late Pastor of the Baptist Church at Kettering, and Secretary to the Baptist Missionary Society, from Its Commencement, in 1792 [London: Button & Son, 1816], xii). Stuart, a Baptist pastor in Edinburgh, was a frequent host and travelling companion to Fuller during his trips to Scotland for the Baptist Missionary Society. J. W. Morris also pre-empted Ryland’s publication, issuing his biography only shortly before Ryland’s went to press in 1816 (Morris, Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Andrew Fuller [London: T. Hamilton, 1816]). Ryland read Morris’s memoir, but perhaps too late to make any substantive changes prior to the publication of his own (Ryland, Work of Faith, vi). Numerous periodicals later used Morris’s narrative and character sketch, which were easier to adapt to the short form. It is notable, however, that Fuller’s son, Andrew Gunton Fuller (1799 – 1884), used Ryland’s memoir rather than Morris’s in his biographical account (Fuller, “Memoirs of the Rev. Andrew Fuller,” in The Com-

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grounded in a “strong attachment to the same religious principles, a decided aversion to the same errors, a predilection for the same authors, with a concern for the cause of Christ at home and abroad and particularly for the success of the Baptist Mission.”¹⁷ Such things, Ryland continued, “laid the foundation of a friendship which never met with one minute’s interruption, by one unkind word or thought, of which I have any knowledge.”¹⁸ And no single theologian exerted greater influence on Ryland, Fuller, and their closest associates than Jonathan Edwards.¹⁹ Fuller and Ryland were convinced that Edwards’s theological anthropology had both biblical merit and explanatory power. Edwards’s framing of the Christian life provided essential language and concepts to remedy various errors in eighteenth-century English Protestantism.²⁰ Section three shows how Fuller found Edwards’s understanding of the affections, coupled with his understanding of natural and moral inability, to be the antidote to the “frigid scheme” of Sandemanianism.²¹ Mere intellectual assent to truths about God, while perhaps avoiding the emotional flights of enthusiasm, was no indicator of true saving faith. Archibald MacLean’s (1733 – 1812) notion that religious affections would eventually attend mental consent not only clouded the definition of saving faith, but made those under such suasion vulnerable to Antinomian sentiments. For this reason, Ryland and Fuller both saw that the Sandemanian system was at best an anaemic orthodoxy, and at worst a disease capable of compromising biblical spirituality.²² Edwards’s spirituality also swept the legs out from under the Antinomianism which shadowed some strains of Calvinism. What passed for evidence of true conversion was exposed as fraudulent if it was not attended by a life of increasing holiness. A robust embrace of the doctrines of grace, however, was always accompanied by “evangelical humiliation” and a vibrant pursuit of holiness.²³ Additionally, Edwards

plete Works of the Rev. Andrew Fuller: With a Memoir of His Life [Boston: Gould, Kendall and Lincoln, 1836], 1:17– 175).  John Ryland, The Indwelling and Righteousness of Christ No Security against Corporeal Death, but the Source of Spiritual and Eternal Life (Kettering: J. G. Fuller, 1815), 35 – 36.  Ryland, Indwelling and Righteousness of Christ, 35 – 36.  For an excellent treatment of Edwards’s influence on Fuller, see Chris Chun, The Legacy of Jonathan Edwards in the Theology of Andrew Fuller (Boston: Brill, 2012). For Edwards’s influence on English Particular Baptists, see Michael A. G. Haykin, “Great Admirers of the Transatlantic Divinity: Some Chapters in the Story of Baptist Edwardsianism,” in After Jonathan Edwards: The Courses of the New England Theology, ed. Oliver D. Crisp and Douglas A. Sweeney (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012), 197– 207.  Griffith, “Promoting Pure and Undefiled Religion,” 145 – 60.  Griffith, “Promoting Pure and Undefiled Religion,” 187– 89.  Griffith, “Promoting Pure and Undefiled Religion,” 188.  WJE, 7:506. Several months after reading Religious Affections, in May of 1775, Ryland notes, “I first met with The Life of David Brainerd, which I read with great interest, and I trust with humiliation and profit” (Ryland, “Autograph Reminiscences,” 52). Ryland also mentions having read Edwards’s Freedom of the Will in 1765 (Ryland, Pastoral Memorials Selected from the Manuscripts of the Late Rev. John

1 The development of biography in the eighteenth century

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demonstrated that while true believers must rest on Christ’s laurels rather than their own, justification elicited clear evidence in the life of the believer. Religious Affections demonstrated that some commonly held signs, including those common to both enthusiasts and intellectualists, were not “true signs” at all. These insights helped Fuller and Ryland to combat the smug High Calvinism that tenaciously gripped Particular Baptist life in the eighteenth century, as well as to guard against spiritual declension in the midst of the era’s subjectivist turn. While Edwards’s influence is evident in the preaching and writing of eighteenthcentury Baptist pastors from the Northamptonshire Association, it is most prominently displayed in Ryland’s memoir of Fuller.²⁴ The preface of Ryland’s memoir underscores their fundamentally similar aim—to illustrate and commend Christian piety through imperfect but exemplary men.²⁵ Brainerd served as an epitome. In Ryland’s personal copy of Edwards’s Life of Brainerd, he underlined Edwards’s conclusion that Brainerd’s life afforded “instruction to Christians in general” because it showed the right way of practising religion, in order to obtaining the ends of it, and receiving the benefits of it; or how Christians should “run the race set before them,” if they would not “run in vain, or run as uncertainly,” but would honour God in the world, adorn their profession, be serviceable to mankind, have the comforts of religion while they live, be free from disquieting doubts and dark apprehensions about the state of their souls; enjoy peace in the approaches of death, and “finish their course with joy.”²⁶

A generation after Edwards’s Life of Brainerd, Ryland considered Fuller a similar model of true piety. Edwards’s Brainerd served as a model for Ryland’s Fuller. Ryland’s introduction explicitly states that his aim is to represent Fuller in the same manner, and he does this in terms of both presentation and format. Ryland’s is a spiritual biography, framed by a documentary approach to Fuller’s life. Ryland posited that the summons to imitate Fuller’s life required the reader to experience it through Fuller’s own eyes, rather than through those of an omniscient narrator. As such, Ryland’s approach reflected a fundamental dependence on the Spirit’s activity to take the truth displayed through Fuller’s life and bring the reader to imitation in affection and action. Thus Ryland was less concerned to rehearse all of Fuller’s theological controversies or provide critical reviews of Fuller’s controversial writings. Instead, he aimed to show Fuller’s response to the vicissitudes of ordinary Christian life—

Ryland D.D. of Bristol with a Memoir of the Author in Two Volumes [London: B. J. Holdsworth, 1828], 2:15 n. 52– 53).  While contemporary use of the word “memoir” signifies a first-person account similar to an autobiography, the term was frequently used interchangeably with “biography” in the eighteenth century. This introduction will use the two terms synonymously. For an account of the development of English biography, see Griffith, “Promoting Pure and Undefiled Religion,” 106 – 116.  Ryland, Work of Faith, iv.  Jonathan Edwards, An Account of the Life of the Late Reverend Mr. David Brainerd (Edinburgh: John Gray & Gavin Alston, 1765), 309.

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ease and hardship, pleasure and pain, joy and sorrow. While Ryland knew that none of his readers could (or should) be Andrew Fuller, he also knew that experimental religion was fundamentally the same for all Christians. The purpose of reading Fuller’s life was to excite others “to follow him, so far as he followed Christ” in all of life. Ryland’s portrait of Fuller, whether deliberately or accidentally, also reinforced the argument of Edwards’s Religious Affections. As evidenced by Fuller’s autobiographical letters in the memoir, Fuller’s spirituality was characterized by a Spiritwrought new “sense of the heart,” which radically recalibrated his affections and inclined his heart towards God’s beauty and excellence. This affection for God also consisted in “disinterested love”—relishing God as God, not primarily as a response to God’s work in Fuller’s salvation. Fuller’s life displayed an ever-increasing desire to know and delight in God as the limitless source of all true delight. These motions were also attended by Fuller’s increasing self-awareness—an “evangelical humility” which recognized the complexity of temptation and sin, and responded by relying on the Spirit for the power of transformation. For Ryland, however, the supreme indicator that Fuller’s religious affections were truly gracious was his life of increasing conformance to the image of Christ. Fuller’s radical pursuit of holiness was the chief sign —both to Fuller and to the world—that his affections had a spiritual origin. In these ways, Fuller’s life is vindicated as a model worthy of imitation. Careful examination of the memoir reveals that Ryland not only adopted a similar method and style, but consciously modelled parts of his biography after Edwards’s example. This is even more striking when one contrasts Ryland’s biography of Fuller with another contemporary account by John Webster Morris (1763 – 1836). As section five demonstrates, Morris’s competing biography had an altogether different aim—it sought to memorialize Fuller’s theological genius rather than commend his piety as a model for imitation. Morris’s memoir, therefore, is dominated by discussion of Fuller’s writings and their context. Morris demonstrated how Fuller’s logic and biblical exposition obliterated his opponents’ arguments and rescued evangelical Calvinism from error and decline. This is the great strength of Morris’s memoir. Coupled with his fluid and engaging prose and his careful organization of content, the biography is a fitting witness to the man later generations referred to as the “elephant of Kettering.”²⁷ Fuller’s inner life, by contrast, is a muted feature in Morris’s biography. There are several likely reasons for this. First, Morris had less access than Ryland to Fuller’s personal writings. Despite serving as Fuller’s “amanuensis” for a number of years, Morris did not possess Fuller’s diaries. While documentary evidence of Morris’s life is scanty, it also does not appear that Morris and Fuller shared as intimate a friend David Phillips, Christmas Evans’s (1766 – 1838) biographer, reported that when Evans read Fuller’s Strictures on Sandemanianism, he “saw the Rhinoceros of Edinburgh [Archibald McLean] beginning to give way, notwithstanding the strength and keenness of his horn, before the Elephant of Kettering” (David Phillips, Memoir of the Life, Labors and Extensive Usefulness of the Rev. Christmas Evans: A Distinguished Minister of the Baptist Denomination in Wales [New York: M.W. Dodd, 1843], 74).

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ship as Fuller and Ryland. There are no letters between Morris and Fuller which bear the level of self-disclosure evident in Fuller’s correspondence with Ryland. However, Morris argues that this documentary limitation had little tangible effect on his depiction, supplemented as it was by Morris’s long acquaintance and perfect familiarity with Fuller. Second, although Morris shared Fuller’s theological convictions, he was not transformed in the same way by Edwards’s thought. The memoir emphasizes neither Edwards’s importance to Fuller’s understanding of the affections—a dominant theme in both Fuller’s life and in Ryland’s biography—nor the degree to which Fuller’s understanding of the affections shaped his theology.²⁸ Thus Morris did not have the convictions or the conceptual language to express that which shaped Fuller’s inner life. Third, Morris did not share Ryland’s conviction that Fuller’s character was worthy of commendation. Despite his claim to the contrary, Morris was not an unbiased observer of Fuller’s character. Instead, he was profoundly influenced by the dissolution of his friendship with Fuller, and his bitterness seems only to have grown over time. This relational fracture contributed to Morris’s negative assessment and portrayal of Fuller’s spirituality, in which he emphasized Fuller’s “shades” rather than his “lights.” By contrast, Ryland saw little benefit in rehearsing Fuller’s faults, since even the sacred writers impartially recorded material facts, “yet did not needlessly repeat and exaggerate the imperfections of upright men.”²⁹ Additionally, Morris and Ryland differed in their approach to describing Fuller’s character. Ryland’s burden was to highlight Fuller’s Edwardsean spirituality in an Edwardsean way—representing Fuller’s life through his subject’s correspondence and intimate reflections, rather than through a choreographed narrative. He therefore produced no distilled assessment of Fuller’s character. Morris, on the other hand, fashioned a detailed character sketch, which in essence told the reader what to believe about Fuller. Whether owing to lingering resentment or to his attempt to maintain a critical distance, his picture was not flattering. Whatever the motives, as the following sections will show, the two competing biographies have given history a more complete picture of the character and legacy of Andrew Fuller.

 While Morris mentions that “Mr. Fuller and his connections certainly had a very high esteem for the writings of President Edwards,” in the same sentence he distances Fuller from Edwards’s thought by denying that Fuller “indiscriminately adopted the sentiments of [Edwards and the New Divinity men], or admitted all their reasonings” (Morris, Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Andrew Fuller, 382– 83). Ironically, Morris’s only mention of Religious Affections, which Fuller “constantly recommended” as “delineating the genuine nature of experimental religion,” comes immediately before his condemnation of Fuller’s spirituality (Morris, Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Andrew Fuller, 478).  Ryland, Work of Faith (1816), 559.

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Editor’s introduction

2 Ryland as biographer Given the short life expectancy and high child mortality rate in the eighteenth century, pastors were often called upon to comfort the grieving and to coordinate support for orphans and widows. Ryland’s role as principal of the Bristol Academy and his generous evangelical ecumenism meant that his relational network was disproportionately populated by gospel ministers. By the time of Fuller’s death in 1815, Ryland, then sixty-two, had not only surpassed the median life expectancy of 35, he had outlived many of his students and most of his closest friends. Ryland was thus frequently called upon to preach funeral sermons, a task he once called “the last solemn office of friendship.”³⁰ Ryland saw this service as both an honour and a strategic opportunity to grieve the loss of godly men and to celebrate God’s faithfulness in all circumstances.³¹ The later publication of these sermons, usually at the initiative of the deceased pastor’s congregation, provided necessary financial support for surviving family members in an era in which publicly funded social services did not exist.³² While his published funeral sermons are only a fraction of those he preached, they provide a useful window into Ryland’s pattern of life-writing.³³ Several observations are worthy of mention. First, after a Christocentric exposition of a scriptural

 John Ryland, Seasonable Hints to a Bereaved Church; And the Blessedness of the Dead, Who Die in the Lord. Being the Substance of Two Discourses, Delivered at Sheepshead, October 26, 1783; Occasioned by the Death of the Rev. William Guy (Northampton: T. Dicey, 1783), i.  In the funeral sermon for Fuller, Ryland underscored the propriety of grief: “When Stephen fell asleep in Jesus, devout men made great lamentation over him (Acts 8:2), and God censures those who lay not to heart the removal of the righteous from our world (Isa 57:1). We may justly mourn for Zion, when her strong rods are broken and withered (Ezek 19:12). And surely we should cry earnestly to Him with whom is the residue of the Spirit (Mal 2:15) that he would pour down his influences from on high to increase the zeal, activity, and fidelity of his servants that are left, and to raise up fresh instruments to carry on his cause” (Ryland, Indwelling and Righteousness of Christ, 41). Ryland’s funeral sermons are, in modern terms, remarkably “biblical-theological” or “canonical.” When preaching from the Old Testament, Ryland always centres on the manner in which the text points to Christ. Each of his funeral sermons exalt the beauty and goodness of God in Christ and exhort his hearers to respond to the invitation to find salvation through divine grace.  For example, the title page of Ryland’s funeral sermon for William Guy (1739 – 1783) of Sheepshead, Leicestershire, notes: “and sold for the Benefit of the Widow by the Author and the other ministers of the Northamptonshire and Leicestershire Association” (Ryland, Seasonable Hints to a Bereaved Church, front matter).  See Ryland, Seasonable Hints to a Bereaved Church; idem, Christ, the Great Source of the Believer’s Consolation (London: J. Buckland, 1788); idem, Salvation Finished (London: Matthews & Button, 1791); idem, The Promised Presence of Christ with His People a Source of Consolation under the Most Painful Bereavements: A Sermon Delivered at the Baptist Meeting-House, Cannon-Street, Birmingham, October 20, 1799; Occasioned by the Death of the Rev. Samuel Pearce, A.M. (Clipston: J. W. Morris, 1800); idem, The Duty of Christians in Reference to Their Deceased Ministers: A Sermon Preached at the Baptist Meeting-House in the Pithay, Bristol; Occasioned by the Death of the Rev. John Sharp (Bristol: E. Bryan, 1805); idem, Indwelling and Righteousness of Christ; idem, Brief Memoirs of Four Christian Hindoos, Lately Deceased (London: Gale and Fenner, 1816).

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text, Ryland highlights the importance of Christian doctrine in a believer’s life. His sermons often connected his subject’s life to the beauty and importance of a doctrine he celebrated—whether the presence of the Spirit of Christ (in the case of Samuel Pearce [1766 – 1799]), the deity of Christ (in the life of Joshua Symonds [1739 – 1788]), the preciousness of the atonement (in the life of Robert Hall, Sr. [1728 – 1791]), or union with Christ (in the life of Andrew Fuller). In his funeral sermon for Hall, Ryland underscores Hall’s emphasis on the sufficiency of the atonement with his concluding congregational exhortation, exclaiming: “It is finished! […] In fine, the whole earth shall be full of the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters that cover the depths of the seas!!! Dear brethren, let the philanthropy of God our Saviour expand our bosoms.”³⁴ Ryland’s sermons carefully illustrated the link between doctrine and piety in his subject’s life. Belief in the truths of Scripture, as Ryland demonstrated, animates the lives of God’s people—supporting them under heavy trials, comforting them in persistent suffering, and energizing them to make great advances in gospel ministry.³⁵ He could say of Fuller that he was both “mighty in the scriptures” and “one of the most conscientious, faithful, and spiritually-minded men on earth.”³⁶ This frequently served to underscore an exhortation to his hearers to follow the example of their departed friend. Additionally, the published sermons highlight Ryland’s early practice of using correspondence to let the subject speak for himself. The printed version of his sermon for Joshua Symonds included an extensive footnote referencing a letter Ryland had received from Symonds to illustrate how the latter made Christ his consolation in the midst of his extensive physical suffering.³⁷ The published funeral sermon for Samuel Pearce listed five letters Ryland read to the congregation before concluding his

 Ryland, Salvation Finished, 21.  In his funeral sermon for Symonds, Ryland holds up David Brainerd as the pre-eminent illustration of doctrine’s connection to piety. He writes: “and thus when we would excite our hearers to duty, we would draw our motives from the love of Christ, show the example of Christ as the pattern of all obedience, and urge the glory of Christ as the end which you are under the sweetest obligation to pursue. Thus did the apostles of our Lord, and all his faithful servants from age to age have walked in the same steps.” In an extended footnote in the published funeral manuscript, Ryland writes: “Among all uninspired men, I know of no example so interesting and edifying as that of David Brainerd. I scarce know a book in the world that I could so earnestly wish to be attentively perused by ministers and Christians, as the Account of His Life published by President Edwards; containing such an example of vital and powerful godliness as well as so delightful an account of a work of grace upon many ignorant savages, who were brought by his ministry to the knowledge of salvation. In his remarks upon that work, p. 424, he observes that he was favored with particular assistance in making all the various lines of his discourses meet and centre in Christ” (Ryland, Christ, the Great Source of the Believer’s Consolation, 22).  Ryland, Indwelling and Righteousness of Christ, 2, 13.  Ryland, Christ, the Great Source of the Believer’s Consolation, 4– 5. Ryland also occasionally includes footnotes illustrating how his subject’s reading impacted his life and theology; see Ryland, Salvation Finished, 25. See also Ryland, Promised Presence of Christ, 51– 58.

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sermon.³⁸ Ryland’s funeral sermon for Fuller included a particularly moving letter from Fuller’s final days, expressing no confidence in the flesh, but steady hope in Christ: “I am a poor guilty creature, but Christ is an almighty Savior.”³⁹ In an appendix accompanying the 1790 funeral sermon for Robert Hall, Sr., Ryland signals the components he finds necessary for a memoir. He admits the difficulty of giving a “regular account” of Hall’s life due to the absence of “any diary or other papers from which it might have been formed.”⁴⁰ This demonstrates Ryland’s conviction that the best way to illustrate Hall’s life was not through the testimony of his friends or even Ryland’s own memory, but through Hall’s personal journal—which, Ryland notes, Hall had destroyed two weeks before his death.⁴¹ He concludes that the best account he can give of Hall’s life is through Hall’s published writings and the correspondence surrounding his final illness and death. Ryland then draws special attention to Hall’s 1776 Circular Letter for the Northamptonshire Association. He notes that although Hall had received the least formal education of all the ministers present, he had been distinguished by the association as “the ablest Divine” to write on the Trinity, given his “close and nervous manner of reasoning,” a “knowledge of experimental religion,” and an unsurpassed “humility and modesty.”⁴² Through a brief survey of Hall’s writings, Ryland highlights Hall’s understanding of divine grace, his love for Scripture, and his personal piety as worthy of commendation and imitation. Ultimately, Ryland calls Hall himself as the final witness to his life, illustrating his character through Hall’s correspondence and final interactions. These excerpts show a man responding to approaching death with resolute hope in Christ and overflowing gratitude for God’s providential care.⁴³ While Ryland does not specifically articulate a method for life-writing, his consistent pattern evinces underlying convictions about how to write a biography. First, Ryland understood biography as a primarily spiritual exercise, designed to illustrate God’s work in and through the lives of the saints. This spiritual biography has imitation as its appointed end. Second, Ryland believed that God’s presence is displayed in the life of a believer through the Spirit’s production of true religious affections, which have their fruit in Christian piety. Third, this life of piety is best illustrated by the subject’s personal writings, which allow the reader to form their own judgement about the subject’s character. Ryland’s vision for biography was shaped by theological conviction and, as is evident in his biography of Andrew Fuller, by the example of Jonathan Edwards.

 Ryland, Promised Presence of Christ, 51– 64.  Ryland, Indwelling and Righteousness of Christ, 34.  Ryland, Salvation Finished, 66.  Ryland, Salvation Finished, 66. In the footnotes, Ryland provides a flavour of Hall’s spirituality by including entries in a commonplace book Hall used for a record of accounts. See Ryland, Salvation Finished, 65 n. 1.  Ryland, Salvation Finished, 68 n 1.  Ryland, Salvation Finished, 78 ff.

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3 Remembering Andrew Fuller: Ryland’s 1816 biography It was expected that Ryland, Fuller’s closest living friend, would compile Fuller’s memoir and oversee the publication of his works. Nine days before his death, Fuller wrote to Ryland: We have enjoyed very much together, which I hope will prove an earnest of greater enjoyment in another world […] If I should never see your face in the flesh, I could wish one last testimony of brotherly love and of the truth of the gospel to be expressed, by your coming over, and preaching my funeral Sermon, if it can be, from Romans 8:10.⁴⁴

It would be the last letter Fuller would dictate. Fuller died on May 7, 1815; he and Ryland had been friends for 37 years. In his funeral sermon for Fuller, Ryland remarked, After a longer and more intimate acquaintance than I have had with any other minister, there is no one to whom I could more confidently apply the emphatic phrase which the Apostle uses concerning himself, “I knew a man in Christ” (2 Cor 12:2)—a man whose temper and conduct, in a variety of private as well as public concerns, led me to consider him as not only a true believer in Christ, vitally united to him; but as one of the most conscientious, faithful, and spiritually minded men on earth; who might truly affirm, “For me to live is Christ.”⁴⁵

Ryland admitted that he “had no friend with whom I kept up so constant and so profitable a correspondence.”⁴⁶ Their friendship never met with one minute’s interruption by any one unkind word or thought, of which I have any knowledge. I never had a friend who was so willing to stand by me, even in such services as most others would wish to decline; yet I never had a friend who would more faithfully, freely, and affectionately give me warning or reproof, if ever it appeared necessary; or whom I could more readily and freely, and without the least apprehension of giving offence, tell of any fault which I imagined I could see in him. And this I think is the best friendship in the world. For no man is faultless; and true friendship will not be blind to the failings of those we love best; but will rather show itself in an anxious concern to prevent the least appearance of evil in them, or whatever might occasion their good intentions to be misrepresented.⁴⁷

In his funeral sermon, Ryland lamented the loss of “this most faithful and judicious friend,” exclaiming, “never will my loss be repaired upon earth!”⁴⁸ Fuller’s widow, Ann Coles (1763 – 1825), soon wrote to Ryland, stating that there “was no one better acquainted with the dear deceased in his public character, than yourself.”⁴⁹ While she forbade him from holding Fuller up “in the style of a panegy-

     

Ryland, Indwelling and Righteousness of Christ, 35. Ryland, Indwelling and Righteousness of Christ, 2. Ryland, Indwelling and Righteousness of Christ, 35. Ryland, Indwelling and Righteousness of Christ, 36. Ryland, Indwelling and Righteousness of Christ, 37. Fuller, “Memoirs of the Rev. Andrew Fuller,” 1:94.

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ric,” she expressed her certainty that her husband’s memoirs “may be safely left” to Ryland’s discretion.⁵⁰ While Robert Hall, Jr. (1764– 1831) was also a close friend of Fuller’s and preached alongside Ryland at Fuller’s funeral, he was confident that Ryland was the right choice for publishing Fuller’s memoirs. A few days after Fuller’s death, Hall wrote to Joseph Fletcher (1784– 1843) of Stepney, “Dr. Ryland will, I believe, compile a pretty extensive memoir of him. He has been strongly urged to do so.”⁵¹ Ryland had expressed the hope of collecting materials for a proper biography and apparently began the work right away.⁵² He contacted Hall in June of 1815, requesting permission to publish Hall’s funeral oration. Hall refused, noting that the “wretched oration” was the product of “extreme depression of spirits.”⁵³ He also discouraged Ryland from publishing the sermon that Ryland had preached at Fuller’s funeral, especially if Ryland planned to publish Fuller’s memoirs. The sermons, he argued, are utterly unnecessary, if the memoirs are published; not only so, but they would stand in each other’s way. When a biography is published, it is not, I think, usual for the same person to publish a funeral sermon previously. It is slaking the public curiosity prematurely. If you persist in your intention of publishing memoirs, I should feel no objection to taking opportunity of testifying my profound esteem and friendship for dear Mr. Fuller in some form which you may deem most eligible.⁵⁴

Ryland, however, did not follow Hall’s advice, publishing his funeral oration, The Indwelling Righteousness of Christ No Guard against Temporal Death but the Source of Spiritual and Eternal Life, by the end of 1815.⁵⁵ As evidenced in the postscript to the sermon, Ryland was scarcely concerned with the threat to commercial interest or popular reception such a publication might pose. Instead, he was eager to defend his own (and Fuller’s) deepest theological convictions against unfair criticism.⁵⁶

 Fuller, “Memoirs of the Rev. Andrew Fuller,” 1:94.  WRH, 5:492.  Ryland, Indwelling and Righteousness of Christ, 31.  WRH, 5:494.  WRH, 5:494.  Since Fuller was a prominent figure among Baptists and well-regarded by others, Hall knew that other works on Fuller would be published (Charles Stuart’s biographical sketch was released two months later, in August; see note 16 above). While he hoped for the widest exposure of Fuller’s life and works to the public, Hall was concerned about flooding the market. Ryland’s 1816 biography would have to compete with a rival volume published the same year by the Clipston printer and former pastor, John Webster Morris (see section 5).  Ryland, Indwelling and Righteousness of Christ, 44. Ryland’s postscript is especially eager to clarify his sermon’s controversial notion that true religious affection is evidenced by disinterested love. Ryland argues for the distinction (common to Edwards’s New Divinity heirs) that, while true religious affection always has the believer’s interest in view, this interest must be love for the excellence and beauty of God, apart from the benefits received in salvation itself. While the distinction quickly breaks down (at least, in part, because what believers receive through faith is God himself and, together with

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The “numerous avocations” Ryland incurred after Fuller’s death slowed his work on Fuller’s biography. On top of his routine responsibilities at Broadmead church and the Bristol Academy, Ryland oversaw the outfitting and dispatching of half a dozen missionaries to Jamaica and Ceylon, and the editing and publication of the Baptist Missionary Society’s periodical accounts. Fuller’s memoirs were squeezed into any time he had remaining. “I have good materials,” Ryland wrote to Stephen West (1735 – 1819) of Stockbridge, “but it will take considerable time to transcribe and arrange them.”⁵⁷ The wearying pace of the work and the removal of his friends, Ryland wrote, “makes me feel as if I was got very old, and must soon expect to remove hence.”⁵⁸ In a letter to Maria Hope (1789 – 1866), Ryland wrote, “My time is so exceedingly occupied that I get on very slowly with dear Mr. Fuller’s memoirs […] I have besides many valuable materials, but cannot get on as I could wish through the multiplicity of my engagements.” “I must either give up Mr. Fuller’s Memoirs altogether,” he continued, “or work hard at them just now. I have written above 60pp this week.”⁵⁹ Nevertheless, despite the many pressures, Ryland sent the manuscript to Hall for review in the autumn of 1815. Hall enthusiastically wrote back, “judging from this specimen [I] have no doubt it will give much satisfaction to the friends of our invaluable deceased Brother, as well as to the religious public at large.”⁶⁰ Ryland turned to an old friend, publisher, and bookseller, William Button (1754– 1821), for the memoir’s publication. Button and Ryland had been schoolmates in Northampton and had followed similar courses in pastoral ministry. Button was very active in English Baptist life and is listed as a supporter of the Baptist Missionary Society (BMS)—and was even present for Joshua Marshman’s (1768 – 1837) and William Ward’s (1769 – 1823) send-off on May 25, 1800.⁶¹ Button pastored several Particular Baptist congregations, including a group which split from the Carter Lane congregation of John Rip-

him, all things), Ryland and Fuller were fundamentally right to argue that no person will be in heaven who is not first there to praise and to rejoice in the glory of Christ.  As quoted in Edwards Amasa Park, “Contributions to History: Letters of John Ryland to Stephen West,” The Bibliotheca Sacra and Theological Eclectic 30, no. 117 (January 1873): 185.  Park, “Contributions to History,” 185.  John Ryland to Miss Maria Hope, n.d., Alice Beamer Taylor Collection, Tutt Library, Colorado College. Maria Hope organized ladies’ branches of the society in the north of England for the British and Foreign Bible Society. A very effective organizer and influential collector, she eventually led the ladies’ auxiliary to build accommodations in Liverpool in hopes of making the city a depot for Bible distribution for Northern England, Scotland, and Wales. See Leslie Howsam, Cheap Bibles: Nineteenth-Century Publishing and the British and Foreign Bible Society (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1991), 56.  Robert Hall to John Ryland, October 26, 1815, Special Collections, Cadbury Research Library, University of Birmingham.  Jeff Straub, “William Button, 1754– 1821,” in The British Particular Baptists, Volume 5: More Biographical Essays of Notable British Particular Baptists, ed. Michael A. G. Haykin and Terry Wolever (Springfield, MO: Particular Baptist Press, 2019), 5:293 – 317.

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Editor’s introduction

pon (1751– 1836), who had only recently succeeded John Gill (1697– 1771).⁶² Beginning in 1778, Button also began selling books, and by 1811 he was publishing a number of eighteenth-century and early nineteenth-century titles. Despite being an early critic of Fuller’s Gospel Worthy of All Acceptation (1785), the two became friends, and eventually Button became the publisher and seller of many of Fuller’s works.⁶³ Not surprisingly, Button chose Fuller’s son, J. G. Fuller (1799 – 1884) of Kettering, to print Ryland’s memoir.⁶⁴ Ryland completed his preface in late January, and the book was available for purchase in August, at the price of twelve shillings.⁶⁵

3.1 Purpose and form Ryland intended that his memoir form part of a larger collection of Fuller’s works, a project on which he was already at work in the autumn of 1815.⁶⁶ In the first biographical sketch printed after Fuller’s death, Charles Stuart wrote, It gives us great satisfaction to hear that a full relation of his life and death will be published with a projected complete edition of his whole works, drawn up by two of his friends, Dr. Ryland and Mr. Robert Hall, men qualified beyond all others, by long and intimate friendship to the last, by their talents, and no doubt by their desire to exhibit the bright example of the deceased, for the glory of Divine grace, and for the excitement and imitation of survivors.⁶⁷

That Ryland intended his memoir to be part of Fuller’s collected works, rather than simply a stand-alone publication, is reflective of his fundamental aspirations. His aim was not to establish himself as a literary biographer, but to set Fuller’s works alongside a portrait of his piety. Ryland entitled his memoir The Work of Faith, the Labour of Love, and the Patience of Hope Illustrated in the Life and Death of the Rev. Andrew Fuller. The title is drawn from 1 Thessalonians 1:2– 3, in which Paul de-

 Straub, “William Button (1754– 1821),” 5.  Straub, “William Button (1754– 1821),” 9.  The first American edition of Ryland’s biography was published in Charlestown, Massachusetts by Samuel Etheridge (1769 – 1817) in 1818. Etheridge died before the volume was published, and William Collier (1771– 1843), a Baptist minister in Charlestown, saw the project through to completion. See the book’s registration notice, prior to the table of contents, in John Ryland, The Work of Faith, the Labour of Love, and the Patience of Hope, Illustrated in the Life and Death of the Rev. Andrew Fuller: Late Pastor of the Baptist Church at Kettering, and Secretary to the Baptist Missionary Society (2nd ed.; Charlestown: Samuel Etheridge, 1818).  Anonymous, “Art. XVI. Select Literary Information,” The Eclectic Review 6 (July 1816): 101; Anonymous, “Art. XII. List of Works Recently Published,” The Eclectic Review 6 (August 1816): 206.  Morris, Memoirs, 212, 236.  Stuart, “A Short Memoir of the Late Mr. Andrew Fuller,” 238 – 241.

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scribes how he prays for the congregation in Thessalonica.⁶⁸ Ryland alluded to this text because it captured the fundamental, biblical aim of his memoir. His object was not to exalt the genius of an unusually gifted divine, nor to pay tribute to a heroic figure with a fitting literary monument. Instead, his aim was to give thanks to God by remembering the work of divine grace in the life of his closest friend. Ryland believed that Fuller’s life illustrated the very things Paul commended among the Thessalonians, and his hope in compiling the memoir was to perpetuate Fuller’s legacy of evangelical piety. As Ryland explained in the preface: I do not hesitate to profess that I have undertaken this office, of giving a faithful representation of my dear departed Brother’s life, not under the influence of any wish to display my skill as a writer of biography, nor yet to appear as a critic on his publications; but with the hope of promoting pure and undefiled religion, founded on truly scriptural and evangelical principles.⁶⁹

Ryland reflected the pervasive impact of Jonathan Edwards by framing the memoir in light of Edwards’s The Life of David Brainerd (1749). His personal copy of Edwards’s Brainerd, replete with marginal notations and two sets of underlining, was a prized possession which he repeatedly read. Ryland’s “hope of promoting pure and undefiled religion” echoed Edwards’s purpose in “representing and recommending true religion and virtue to the world […] by instance and example.”⁷⁰ Edwards saw in Brainerd “a remarkable instance of true and eminent Christian piety in heart and practice […] most worthy of imitation, and many ways tending to the spiritual benefit of the careful observer.”⁷¹ Likewise, Ryland saw in Fuller a brother who “evidently hungered and thirsted after righteousness; his soul panted after God, the living God.”⁷² Ryland continued, while others admired his zeal, his diligence, his activity, etc. he was often bewailing his lukewarmness, his sloth, and inactivity. He had a deep sense of what a Christian ought to be; he understood the spirituality of the divine law; he felt the obligations of the gospel, which did not supersede, but confirm, enhance, and endear prior obligations; and hence, while he trusted to behold God’s face in the imputed righteousness of another, he could not be satisfied till he awoke in the likeness of his blessed Saviour.⁷³

While he believed that a faithful retelling of Fuller’s life would satisfy public interest and bring a measure of financial support to his surviving family, he was also convinced that “my highest ambition is, like the biographer of David Brainerd, to  “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers. Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father” (1 Thessalonians 1:2– 3, KJV).  Ryland, Work of Faith, v.  WJE, 7:89.  WJE, 7:96.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 200.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 200.

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show what manner of man my friend was, and to excite others to follow him, so far as he followed Christ.”⁷⁴ Brainerd and Fuller were both eminent teachers who “exhibit and bear testimony to the truth in their doctrine,” as well as men whom God had raised up to “set bright examples of that religion that is taught and prescribed in the Word of God.”⁷⁵ Fuller as much as Brainerd had claim to “a great tendency to engage the attention of men to the doctrine and rules that are taught, and greatly to confirm and enforce them,” especially since his example was combined with commendable teaching, faithfulness through travail, and fruitfulness in ministry.⁷⁶ Perhaps most importantly, Ryland portrayed Fuller’s piety through a distinctly Edwardsean lens. As we have seen in section one, Ryland was profoundly shaped by Edwards’s Religious Affections (1746) and the practical presentation of these ideas in The Life of David Brainerd. Ryland’s convictions about Christian spirituality, defined as they were by his embrace of Edwards’s Religious Affections, shaped his picture of Andrew Fuller in the same way that Edwards’s convictions had in his Brainerd. Ryland saw in Fuller’s life that which he understood to be characteristic of the Christian life—a love for God grounded in the display of God’s manifold excellencies rather than simply what God had done for the sinner himself; an inclination towards the beauty and goodness of God that was the immediate result of the Spirit’s activity in granting a new sense of the heart; and an unmistakable change in life, resulting in ever-increasing longings for Christ and a perceptible growth in holiness and Christian charity. Ryland could fairly portray his friend’s piety in this way because of the Edwardsean outlook they shared in common. Edwards’s thought pervaded the way both Ryland and Fuller thought to such a degree that, in Ryland’s hands, Fuller becomes a type of Brainerd.⁷⁷ Like Edwards, Ryland desired the reader to see his subject’s piety in Fuller’s private writings and diary rather than through a composed narrative. This documentary form of biography, pioneered by William Mason (1724– 1797) and made popular by James Boswell, had become increasingly common in the eighteenth century.⁷⁸ Edwards, familiar with Mason and with contemporary literary conventions, preferred the documentary style to condensed narrative. Similarly, Ryland writes, “I wish, as much as possible, to let my dear departed brother be his own biographer; and shall therefore insert the narrative, as given by himself.”⁷⁹ Thus the biography

 Ryland, Work of Faith, vi.  Ryland, Work of Faith, vi.  WJE, 7:90.  Chris Chun argues that Religious Affections “so saturated Fuller’s thinking” that it pervaded his writings “even when he did not specifically cite Edwards” (Chun, Legacy of Jonathan Edwards in the Theology of Andrew Fuller, 132, 110 – 41). “For the elephant of Kettering,” Chun concludes, “the greatest instruction received from human writings, indeed, was from Jonathan Edwards” (ibid., 213).  Griffith, “Promoting Pure and Undefiled Religion,” 55 – 60.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 16. Ryland’s documentary approach, whether intentional or accidental, reflects the eighteenth-century subjective trend to present the man “as he is.”

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(stretching to 582 pages in the first edition) is overwhelmingly a thematic and chronological compilation of Fuller’s diary entries, personal writings, and correspondence with family, friends, fellow pastors, and congregants. In this way, Fuller’s voice is placed in the foreground throughout the biography. Like Edwards, Ryland contends that his subject’s piety can be more convincingly seen through writings Fuller did not intend for public view.⁸⁰ Edwards wrote, ’Tis fit the reader should be aware that what Mr. Brainerd wrote in his diary, out of which the following account of his life is chiefly taken, was written only for his private use, and not to get honor and applause in the world nor with any design that the world should ever see it, either while he lived or after his death […] he was pleased finally to yield so far as that his papers should be left in my hands, that I might dispose of them as I thought would be most for God’s glory and the interest of religion.⁸¹

Similarly, Ryland writes, I am satisfied that intelligent readers will know what use to make of these valuable extracts; never intended, indeed, for public view, and almost prohibited from being seen; but which I have ventured to make, under a strong persuasion, that if I could now consult my dear departed friend, he would be satisfied with the reasons of my conduct; and, indeed, apprehending that I have done only as he would have done by another, in like circumstances. Much there is to show, what a poor creature is man, saved, renewed man, even at his best estate. I do not object, and I am very sure he would not, to the idea that there may be Christians who have got nearer to the mark of our calling, and who have had a fuller enjoyment, even beforehand, of the prize: would to God they were more numerous, and their attainments far higher! But, after all, I am fully satisfied that the best believer on earth has need of daily pardon, daily aid, daily healing; and that Mr. Edwards had good ground for the conviction he once expressed: “There is no dependence upon self. It is to no purpose to resolve, except we depend on the grace of God; for, if it were not for his mere grace, one might be a very good man one day, and a very wicked one the next.”⁸²

 At least one reason why Ryland persisted in completing the memoir was his unwillingness “that the public should suffer loss by the suppression of the valuable materials which had been put into my hands” (Ryland, Work of Faith, vi). These materials were Fuller’s personal journals as well as hundreds of letters between Fuller and his family and friends across the British Empire. Apart from brief mention of their frequent correspondence, Ryland’s humility prevents him from mentioning that the single largest source of Fuller’s letters was those composed to Ryland himself. Ryland is so adamant that a person’s life must be seen through these intimate correspondences that he is strongly critical of another recently published memoir because it consisted “chiefly of a review of [Fuller’s] works” (Ryland, Work of Faith, vi). Given the positive statement on Stuart’s publication in the Christian Herald that follows, this reference is likely to Morris’s Memoirs (1816).  WJE, 7:96.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 198. Ryland’s quotation of Edwards comes from a diary entry dated Wednesday, January 2, 1722– 23: “Dull. I find by experience that let me make resolutions, and do what I will, with never so many inventions, it is all nothing, and to no purpose at all, without the motions of the Spirit of God: for if the Spirit of God should be as much withdrawn from me always, as for the week past, notwithstanding all I do, I should not grow; but should languish, and miserably fade away. [[I perceive, if God should withdraw his Spirit a little more, I should not hesitate to break my resolutions, and should soon arrive at my old state].] There is no dependence upon myself.

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Like Edwards, Ryland was mainly concerned with “the theological example” that the diary provides. Moreover, similarly to Brainerd, Fuller exemplified the ideals of Edwards’s Religious Affections. Ryland was conscious that the disclosure of Fuller’s diaries might occasionally impact his surviving friends and family. The reward, he wagered, was worth the risk. Describing Fuller’s interactions with his son Robert (1782– 1809), Ryland wrote, This last narrative contains many things very painful to surviving friends which they would gladly have buried in oblivion and which I would never have inserted, had they absolutely forbidden me. But the strong room which there seems to be, to hope that so affecting an account may be, under a divine blessing, the means of reclaiming some unhappy youth in similar circumstances, or of deterring others from rending a parent’s heart with anguish, and involving themselves in temporal misery at least; has induced them to yield to my wish for its not being suppressed. Parents also under the like trying circumstances, may I think, derive much instruction from this example.⁸³

He was not reckless, however, guarding against the kind of disclosure that might bring others into disrepute.⁸⁴ While a number of the letters included in the memoir are between the author and Fuller, Ryland showed remarkable restraint in allowing the letters to stand with little commentary or reflection. In fact, all things considered, Ryland provided less of his own reflection on Fuller’s life than Edwards does on Brainerd. While Edwards knew Brainerd well, their friendship had been short, and much of his experience of Brainerd came in the final months of Brainerd’s life.⁸⁵ Yet Edwards’s reflections on Brainerd, not counting those in the preface, stretch to nearly twenty pages in the appendix alone.⁸⁶ Apart from the preface, there are only two places in the biography where Ryland reflects on Fuller’s character—in total, less than eight printed pages in the first edition.⁸⁷ This is especially remarkable given that Ryland consid-

[[Our resolutions may be at the highest one day, and yet, the next day, we may be in a miserable dead condition, not at all like the same person who resolved].] It is to no purpose to resolve, except we depend on the grace of God; for if it were not for his mere grace, one might be a very good man one day, and a very wicked one the next. [[I find also by experience that there is no guessing out the ends of providence, in particular dispensations towards me—any otherwise than as afflictions come as corrections for sin, and God intends when we meet with them, to desire us to look back on our ways, and see wherein we have done amiss, and lament that particular sin, and all our sins, before him—knowing this, also, that all things shall work together for our good; not knowing in what way, indeed, but trusting in God” (WJE, 16:760).  Ryland, Work of Faith, 484.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 147.  WJE, 16:179.  WJE, 7:500 – 517.  Ryland, Work of Faith, vii–x, 197– 200, 559 – 61. This would draw criticism from the memoir’s reviewers. The Congregational Magazine wrote that the memoir “is rather deficient in analysis and criticism” (Anonymous, review of “Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Andrew Fuller, by J. W. Morris,” The London Christian Instructor or Congregational Magazine 7, no. 84 [December 1824]: 648).

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ered Fuller “a friend that stuck closer than a brother, if ever that phrase might be applied—as I believe Solomon intended it should be—to a mere mortal.”⁸⁸ Beyond his conviction about the value of a documentary approach, the preface suggests that Ryland was aware of the perceived disadvantage his authorship brought to the memoir. The depth of their friendship made him liable in the eyes of others to paint Fuller too optimistically. Ryland wrote, No one of those that grew up with me in the work of the Lord, had an higher share in my esteem than Mr. Fuller; and the task he assigned me at his death is some evidence that I did not impose upon myself, in supposing I possessed a peculiar interest in his friendship. But, as I affirmed at his funeral, so I again avow my persuasion that our intimate friendship did not blind either of us to the defects or faults of the other; but rather showed itself in the freedom of affectionate remark on whatever appeared to be wrong.⁸⁹

To do otherwise, Ryland had argued in his funeral sermon, would deface true friendship: true friendship will not be blind to the failings of those we love best; but will rather show itself in an anxious concern to prevent the least appearance of evil in them, or whatever might occasion their good intentions to be misrepresented.⁹⁰

Ryland realized that it was to readers’ advantage to see Fuller “as he was,” lest they be tempted to think too highly of Fuller or too meanly of God’s grace at work in their own lives: I sincerely wish (as I am sure he would, still more earnestly than I) to beware of any attempt to make others think more highly than they ought to think of my dear departed friend; or to lead them to imagine that he was “exempt from the common infirmities of our corrupted nature.” A sinner ready to perish, but saved by marvellous grace, was the only light in which he wished to be viewed, or in which I have attempted to exhibit him.⁹¹

Ryland had also received a letter from Robert Hall, Jr. in October of 1815, while he was hard at work compiling the memoir. In it, Hall expressed concern that Ryland might be as “sparing of [Fuller’s] shades” as his competitor might be of Fuller’s “lights.”⁹² These factors explain why Ryland does not hide Fuller’s faults—even leading with them in his prefatory comments.⁹³ Ultimately, Ryland allows others to do the eulogiz-

 Ryland, Indwelling and Righteousness of Christ, 35.  Ryland, Work of Faith, vii.  Ryland, Indwelling and Righteousness of Christ, 36.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 146.  Letter from Robert Hall to John Ryland, Jr., October 25, 1815.  Ryland, Work of Faith, viii, 198, 559. Here it is likely that Ryland is once again following Edwards, who details the ways in which Brainerd was prone “to melancholy and dejection of spirit” in the preface to his Life of Brainerd (WJE, 7:92).

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ing, though he “fully believe[d] it to be just” to have included his own.⁹⁴ True to Ann Fuller’s request, the only panegyric in the volume comes from the pen of Robert Hall.⁹⁵

3.2 Selectivity and structure Nevertheless, Ryland recognized that the documentary approach had its dangers. As the editor, Ryland had to be mindful of how the excerpts he chose presented Fuller. His exegetical discipline and life experience (as well as Hall’s friendly exhortation) reminded him to present a full, contextualized representation. Ryland remarked, “I shall be careful not to disguise anything I extract.”⁹⁶ Prefacing the first significant block of excerpts from Fuller’s diary, Ryland wrote, I have made such a selection, according to the best of my judgment, as I thought would tend to the honour of his blessed Lord, and to the benefit of candid and intelligent readers; inserting nothing which I conceived he would have objected to insert, had he been the biographer of just such another man.⁹⁷

Biographies in the documentary style demanded more of the reader. They expected an active, alert reader—one prepared to enter into the subject’s circumstances and mind, reason inductively, and draw conclusions on what the subject had experienced, rather than simply passively responding to artful narrative. Ryland saw this literary approach as the appropriate way to impact his reader’s affections. While reading Fuller’s account of discerning between true and false religious impressions might be difficult (and could have been summarized or left out entirely), it might also lead the reader to personal clarity and new convictions: Possibly some sincere Christian may be puzzled for a time, on reading the first letter; but it is better that such an one should be subjected to temporary pain, in learning to distinguish between genuine and false religion, than that others, who mistake counterfeit experience for the true work of the Holy Spirit, should be left to deceive themselves. Close examination will soon lead to discern the essential difference; and a good hope will stand firmer, if both feet are placed on the rock alone, than if one rested partly on a quicksand.⁹⁸

 Ryland, Work of Faith, x.  Ryland, Work of Faith, x. In addition to the quotation from Hall (see WRH, 3:5), the preface includes a reference to Dr. Charles Stuart’s biographical sketch in the Christian Herald as well as laudatory remarks made by William Wilberforce and the British and Foreign Bible Society. The longest single reflection on Fuller’s character comes from Ann Fuller’s letter, which Ryland reproduces at the end of chapter 9 (475 – 479).  Ryland, Work of Faith, 263.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 146 – 47.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 16.

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The approach also demanded careful organization of material—a daunting task, given the multitude of options for organization. Ryland chose to arrange his material primarily in a chronological fashion, breaking his subject’s life up into categories common to spiritual biographies of the time: an introductory chapter gives the basic historical context; this is followed by a chapter narrating Fuller’s early life, first religious impressions, conversion, and entrance into ministry; two chapters devoted to narrating Fuller’s ministry in Soham and Kettering; and a review of Fuller’s publications. The order, however, is not slavishly chronological, since Ryland devotes the seventh chapter to Fuller’s wider ministry with the BMS and his engagement with theological controversy, followed by two chapters devoted to his relationships with family and friends, then the account of his final illness and death, and finally an appendix containing various “remains” that were worthy of note.⁹⁹ However, one component common to spiritual biographies is strikingly absent from Ryland’s text. Unlike Charles Stuart or J. W. Morris, Ryland deliberately resists providing a summary sketch of Fuller’s character. “[T]he whole of this volume will sufficiently show,” Ryland wrote, “that I wished to write the actual life of my dearly beloved friend, and not his panegyric.”¹⁰⁰ Instead, the final chapter ends with an excerpt from an address given by Fuller’s friend Thomas Toller (1756 – 1819) on the Sunday after Fuller’s death.¹⁰¹ Ryland concludes, Thus I have endeavoured faithfully to exhibit the man, in life and in death. He that sees not much to admire, and to imitate; he that does not exclaim, “What hath God wrought!” who made a poor sinful man so evidently an eminent saint; would not be convinced nor edified by any encomium I could add.¹⁰²

 The spiritual biographies Ryland was familiar with followed a similar chronological format; see, for example, WJE, 7:89 – 541; Samuel Hopkins, The Life and Character of the Late Reverend Mr. Jonathan Edwards, President of the College at New-Jersey. Together with a Number of His Sermons on Various Important Subjects (Boston: S. Kneeland, 1765); Andrew Fuller, Memoirs of the Late Rev. Samuel Pearce, A.M. Minister of the Gospel in Birmingham; With Extracts of Some of His Most Interesting Letters. Compiled by Andrew Fuller (Clipston: J. W. Morris, 1800). Ryland’s biography, however, is more thematically oriented than Edwards’s.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 561. In this, Ryland and Boswell are remarkably aligned in their approach to memorializing their subjects. See James Boswell, The Life of Samuel Johnson (London: Henry Baldwin, 1791), 1:4.  Thomas Toller pastored the Independent congregation in Kettering from 1778 until his death. Despite receiving two calls from more prominent congregations with larger salaries (at Carter Lane and Clapham), he remained in Kettering, stating that “no pecuniary advantages should ever tempt him to relinquish his charge.” Though he and Fuller were remarkably different in terms of their gifts, they became close friends. Robert Hall remarks, “I have reason to believe that there was not a single individual out of the circle of [Fuller’s] immediate relatives who was more deeply affected by his death than Mr. Toller” (WRH, 4:318, 343.).  Ryland, Work of Faith, 559.

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3.3 Content and theological emphases Ryland’s aim to show “what manner of man my friend was” and “to excite others to follow him, so far as he followed Christ” is intimately tied up with “promoting pure and undefiled religion.”¹⁰³ While Ryland does not make it explicit, he has in mind the immediate context of James 1:27.¹⁰⁴ Thus “pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction and to keep himself unspotted from the world” (Jas 1:27 KJV). Right doctrine leads to right practice. What some (especially those who knew him only by reputation or through his writings) found troubling about Fuller, however, was his “bluntness, inflexibility, and even sternness.”¹⁰⁵ Some had gone so far as to say that “[h]is turn of mind led him to cultivate the intellectual and practical parts of religion, rather than the devotional,” and that “in the prevalence of devout affections […] Mr. Fuller was not eminent.”¹⁰⁶ Ryland knew better, not only because of his close friendship, but because of the massive number of Fuller’s personal writings he had at hand. The burden of presenting “the manner of man my friend was” was as much a defence of biblical spirituality as a defence of Fuller. The rest of this section will provide a chapterby-chapter examination of Ryland’s account, summarizing content, noting theological emphases, and highlighting the way in which the memoir fills out Ryland’s purpose of promoting pure and undefiled religion.¹⁰⁷ Ryland’s memoir begins with an account of spiritual decline, particularly the emergence of “False Calvinism” and the way it sets the stage for Fuller’s life.¹⁰⁸ At its heart, High Calvinism recast the understanding of human ability such that “nothing could be a bad man’s duty, but what he could perform without any special influence from God.”¹⁰⁹ Ryland explained that the consequence of this line of thought was that ministers could exhort the unbelieving to repentance, but not to faith— the fearsome consequence of which was that the churches should soon have lost sight of the essence of duty, and of the spirituality of the divine law; and, consequently, men would have been treated as though, before conversion, they were fallen below all obligation to anything spiritually good, and as though, after conversion, they were

 Ryland, Work of Faith, viii.  “Whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth herein, he being not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:25, KJV).  John Foster and Jonathan Edwards Ryland, Critical Essays Contributed to the Eclectic Review by John Foster (London: George Bell & Sons, 1877), 2:410.  Morris, Memoirs, 478.  The appendix to Ryland’s 1816 edition—which contains several anecdotes, a history of the Baptist Church at Kettering, and several excerpts concerning Fuller’s pastoral ministry—will be treated under the relevant discussion of the main body of the memoir.  Paul Brewster notes that Ryland’s historical account is “in essential agreement with the findings of most Baptist historians” (Paul Brewster, Andrew Fuller: Model Pastor-Theologian [Nashville: B & H, 2010], 70).  Ryland, Work of Faith, 11.

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raised above all obligation to anything more than they were actually inclined to perform. Thus, inclination would have been made the measure of obligation; duty would have been confined to the outward conduct; the turpitude of sin unspeakably lessened; and grace proportionably eclipsed, both as to the pardon of sin, and as to the application of salvation to the soul.¹¹⁰

The complex of issues surrounding the so-called Modern Question “account for [Fuller’s] mind having been so early engaged in theological disquisitions” through which “God was preparing him to be an instrument of checking the progress of False Calvinism.”¹¹¹ Having established the religious and historical context for Fuller’s life, Ryland’s second chapter briefly notes Fuller’s parentage before presenting his first religious impressions, subsequent conversion, and early ministry. Ryland does this by presenting a selection of five autobiographical letters which Fuller had written at the request of two friends. Ryland, having access to both series of letters, has “interwoven two different narratives together” to produce a robust narrative in Fuller’s own words.¹¹² The reader is immediately challenged to discern between “genuine and false religion,” as Fuller himself comes to realize that his earliest impressions were not true religious affections.¹¹³ Fuller reflects that when he finally faced the odiousness of his sin, the severity of its consequences, and the necessity of being saved by “mere grace,” he “was not then aware that any poor sinner had a warrant to believe in Christ for the salvation of his soul.”¹¹⁴ Ryland thus presents an immediate opportunity to see how High Calvinism impacted Fuller’s earliest thinking. In a footnote, Ryland references an 1813 sermon in which Ryland explained the biblical grounds for calling the unconverted to trust in Christ—precisely the summons that was absent in many churches in Fuller’s childhood.¹¹⁵ Fuller notes that he would have found rest for his soul sooner had he not been taught that he “had no warrant to come to Christ without previous qualification.”¹¹⁶

 Ryland, Work of Faith, 11.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 11. Ryland defines the Modern Question as “[w]hether it be the duty of all men to whom the gospel is published, to repent and believe in Christ” (Ryland, Work of Faith, 6).  Ryland, Work of Faith, 57. Ryland painstakingly laboured to sift the numerous materials at his disposal. For Fuller’s initial religious impressions alone, Ryland had three separate accounts—one Fuller had written for Charles Stuart, one for The Evangelical Magazine, and one for Maria Hope. Hope was an especially important source for Fuller’s autobiographical narrative, and Ryland wrote to her in search of pieces he was still missing in December of 1815; see Ryland to Hope, n.d.  See Letter I in Ryland, Work of Faith, 21.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 13.  Ryland references his sermon The Necessity of the Trumpet’s Giving a Certain Sound, in which he underscores this point: “Hence we infer that the Call of the Gospel is addressed to Sinners, simply as lost, guilty and perishing; who without looking into the book of God’s decrees, or into their own hearts, to derive encouragement either from his secret purposes, or from their own qualifications, are invited to come to Jesus for rest for their weary souls” (Ryland, The Necessity of the Trumpet’s Giving a Certain Sound, 24– 25).  Letter II in Ryland, Work of Faith, 29.

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Fuller’s account goes on to describe his discovery in 1771, through John Gill and Jonathan Edwards, of the important difference between moral and physical inability. Fuller summarizes the heart of the matter: “We have it in the power of our hands to do good, but we are disposed to do evil; and so, to do good is not naturally in the power of our hearts.”¹¹⁷ Here again Ryland attempts to clarify in a footnote. He notes that, just as it is “unnatural” for a child to show no affection for tender parents, it is “unnatural” for creatures to show enmity to their Creator. The wretch has the ability to show love for their parents, but their heart is not naturally disposed to do so.¹¹⁸ Thus, from very early on, Fuller was deeply pondering complicated theological disputes taking place in the church—issues that were also the occasion of his engaging in ministry. Ryland cites Fuller’s fourth and fifth letters, which describe Fuller’s first opportunity to preach, the call which brought about his first gospel proclamation in January of 1774, and his ordination at Soham in 1775. Fuller found that, despite his earlier discoveries, there was significant pressure to conform to the principles of High Calvinism—especially that he “durst not […] address an invitation to the unconverted to come to Jesus.” This pressure forced him to wonder, again, if he had arrived at the correct understanding regarding natural and moral inability. Without interrupting the narrative, Ryland directs the reader to two of his own sermons in which he addresses High Calvinism.¹¹⁹ Adding to Fuller’s consternation were questions about the divinity of Christ and the nature of his human soul. Ryland concludes the chapter without fully resolving all of Fuller’s questions, though in a footnote he points readers to Edwards for a more thorough discussion on Christology.¹²⁰ In conclusion, Fuller retrospectively remarks, “I have seen reason to bless God, for preserving me at a time when my judgment was so immature” and warns his reader against the dangers of obsessing over speculations that have a compelling taste but are of little substance.¹²¹

 Ryland, Work of Faith, 44.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 44. In chapter 3, Fuller’s “Confession of Faith,” article VII indicates that by 1783 he had come to a clear conclusion on the matter of natural and moral inability. Human beings are unable to keep God’s law because they are born and grow up with a “vile propensity to moral evil.” Though “there is nothing now in the law of God but what they could perform,” they “have no heart remaining for God, but are full of wicked aversion to him.” As such, all human beings are under the just censure of condemnation because they do not do the moral good that is in their power to do. Fuller acutely points out that the Arminian, Socinian, and Antinomian systems all rest on a denial of this principle; see Ryland, Work of Faith, 101– 103.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 51. The sermons Ryland mentions are The Difficulties of the Christian Ministry, and the Means of Surmounting Them. A Charge to the Rev. T. Morgan (Birmingham, 1802) and The Difficulties and Supports of a Gospel Minister, A Charge to the Rev. T. Coles, M.A. (Bourton-on-theWater, 1801).  Ryland directs the reader to a passage in Edwards’s Miscellanies in which Edwards interacts with the same text by Isaac Watts over which Fuller was wrestling. See WJE, 23:90.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 65.

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This sets the stage for the third chapter, recounting Fuller’s ministry at Soham and the agonizing decision to accept a call to Kettering in 1782, where he would minister for over three decades. Using the church records and his own knowledge of the circumstances, Ryland summarizes the difficulties Fuller faced in his seven-year ministry at Soham. Before turning to Fuller’s diary entries to narrate the circumstances around leaving Soham, Ryland testifies that over two dozen letters in his possession attest to “the cautious and conscientious manner in which both Mr. Fuller and his friends at Kettering acted” during this four-year process.¹²² Using thirty-three entries from Fuller’s diary between June of 1780 and September of 1781, Ryland shows Fuller’s concerns to please God and bless his congregation amidst indecision. He underscores Fuller’s careful examination of his own heart and motives as well as his eagerness to consult other godly ministers for wisdom. In a review, John Foster (1770 – 1843) commented, “it is impossible to conceive a more genuine exercise of devotional conscience than that displayed and evinced by the numerous passages relating to [Fuller leaving Soham].”¹²³ The letters, perhaps more than anything else, show Fuller’s care for God’s people—a trait that, given his wide reputation as a theologian and a leader, might be unexpected or go unnoticed.¹²⁴ “They exhibit,” Foster wrote, “the rare spectacle of a man capable of making any sacrifice of selfish interest, to his sense of duty to God and his fellow-mortals.”¹²⁵ Ryland’s concern to demonstrate Fuller’s pastoral care, his evangelistic fervour, his personal spirituality, and his familial tenderness is important not simply because of Fuller’s stature, but because Ryland believed that such piety is the consequence of the doctrine Fuller embraced— and because it is the true representation of his friend’s life. Chapter three concludes with Fuller’s “Confession of Faith,” composed in preparation for his ordination at

 Ryland, Work of Faith, 70.  Foster and Ryland, Critical Essays, 2:409. Foster, of Bristol, had studied under John Fawcett (1739 – 1817) before briefly attending Bristol Baptist College in 1791– 1792. Despite great intellectual gifts, Foster was a failure as a minister. His own intellectual independence and predilection for theological intricacies made him an unpopular, even intolerable preacher. Nevertheless, he occasionally taught and lectured throughout his career and served for many years on the governing board of the college. His love of literature and his thorough scrutiny made him an excellent reviewer, and he was a regular contributor to the Eclectic Review. Foster also lamented the tendency to abandon works of classical literature as part of pastoral training, writing a provocative essay entitled “On Some of the Causes by Which Evangelical Religion Has Been Rendered Less Acceptable to Persons of Cultivated Taste.” See Doreen M. Rosman, “Foster, John,” in The Blackwell Dictionary of Evangelical Biography, ed. Donald M. Lewis (Oxford: Blackwell, 1995). According to Rosemary Taylor, the Baptist publication Eclectic Review (1805 – 1868) was the “Nonconformist answer to the Quarterly Review.” Jonathan Edwards Ryland served as its second editor (1855 – 1868). See Rosemary Taylor, “English Baptist Periodicals, 1790 – 1865,” Baptist Quarterly 27, no. 2 (April 1, 1977): 78.  The agonizing process of Fuller’s removal to Kettering is also simply illustrative of the challenges of living in a broken world in the midst of creaturely limitation. Not even cautious introspection, prayerful patience, and the diligent seeking of wise counsel resulted in a clear decision and an outcome in which all parties could rejoice.  Foster and Ryland, Critical Essays, 2:409.

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Kettering. It is a strikingly nuanced statement for a man not yet thirty years old, showing not only how the controversies of his early experience had shaped his thinking, but also the “clear distinctive conception, the firm grasp, the completeness of [Fuller’s] intellectual action.”¹²⁶ The substance of Ryland’s fourth and fifth chapters consist of excerpts from Fuller’s diaries over the periods of 1780 – 1782 and 1784– 1796.¹²⁷ At first blush, these chapters may seem tedious or belaboured—ninety pages of entry after entry from Fuller’s diaries. But Ryland’s editorial labour should not escape notice. He is not reproducing the entirety of Fuller’s diaries. Instead, he skilfully selects entries that will further impress upon the reader Fuller’s vibrant spirituality.¹²⁸ Ryland begins chapter four by rehearsing thirty additional entries from Fuller’s diary over the short span of two months. Though they cover the same period as the entries in the previous chapter, Ryland’s point is to show Fuller’s cordial spirituality.¹²⁹ The entries chart periods of dullness of heart and tender affection, conviction of sin and evidence of grace, urgent pleas for mercy and ejaculatory praise—in an Edwardsean spirit, all evidence of true religious affection. Ryland devotes the remainder of the chapter to organizing diary entries under five headings. The first group of entries illustrate “personal religion exemplified in both the painful and pleasant exercises of the mind.”¹³⁰ In including Fuller’s “humiliating complaints,” Ryland warns readers against the temptation to use another man’s failings to justify their own. He allows the excerpts of “the more pleasing kind” of mental exercises to far outweigh the complaints—exercises which evince Fuller’s supreme regard for and delight in God.¹³¹ Again the reader is invited to watch Fuller meditate on Scripture, fight against unbelief by recalling the promises of God in Christ, and benefit from spiritual discussion with others.¹³² Ryland’s second group of excerpts are “passages relating chiefly to his work as a minister and pastor.”¹³³ These entries show a man deeply concerned over the spiritual welfare of others, frustrated by his own occasional dullness of heart and unfruitful preaching, yet

 Foster and Ryland, Critical Essays, 2:408.  Fuller destroyed one volume of his diaries, which explains the absence of entries between 1782 and 1784. See Ryland, Work of Faith, 110.  Foster rightly acknowledges the wisdom, skill, and time such editorial work required. Selecting from the massive amount of material at Ryland’s disposal in such a way as to give a true portrait of Fuller without including diary entries that might injure the living, “may not have cost much less time and exercise of judgement than an equal length of free composition would have done.” Foster saw that Ryland’s long friendship with Fuller had “enabled him to give more of an illustrative connection and personal character to the composition, than any other hand could have done in working on the same written materials” (Foster and Ryland, Critical Essays, 2:398 – 99).  Ryland, Work of Faith, 110.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 121.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 124.  See the entries from August 16, 1780; March 29, 1781; and September 2, 1781.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 130.

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who was also powerfully moved by singing and seasons of prayer.¹³⁴ The next two sections are devoted to extracts “relative to personal or family affliction” and “sympathy excited by the afflictions and deaths of others.”¹³⁵ Here Fuller’s tenderness towards his family and friends and his concern for their eternal destiny is displayed. Far from being stoic or unmoved, Fuller is intimately familiar with suffering, having lost three of his own children in three years. A final group of entries surveys Fuller’s thoughts on books and theological subjects, particularly his wrestling with the “entanglements of False Calvinism” and his expanding heart for the salvation of unreached peoples.¹³⁶ The overall picture is of a man in pursuit of holiness. Chapter five is a compilation of Fuller’s diary entries from 1784 to 1796, highlighting Fuller’s care for “the state of his own soul, both in private and in the discharge of his public work.”¹³⁷ Ryland explains that the two-year gap in the diary owes to Fuller’s destruction of a diary volume which contained the entries. He also acknowledges that, in 1784, Fuller had written that his papers and books “may never be shown, except to very few persons, after my death,” lest anyone be tempted to think that his acquisitions are “nearly the utmost that can be attained in this life.”¹³⁸ Ryland goes on to defend his use of Fuller’s papers, confident not only that Fuller would have trusted his judgment, but that more was contained in the diaries to humble the reader than to “administer that despicable and pernicious comfort which we both feared some professors would be tempted to extract from it.” Ryland also expresses his wish that his friend not to be thought of more highly than he ought to, but simply as a “sinner ready to perish but saved by marvelous grace.”¹³⁹ As Ryland notes, His humility and godly jealousy appear continually. While others admired his zeal and diligence, he was perpetually bewailing his lukewarmness, inconstancy, and inactivity; and dreading lest he should prove an “idol shepherd,” who fed not the flock.¹⁴⁰

 See the entries from September 22, 1780; November 11, 1780; February 4, 1781; and March 11, 1781. The appendix to the 1816 edition also includes Ryland’s description of Fuller’s expositional scheme, preaching consecutively from one book of the Bible at a time. He also notes Fuller’s logbook of “Families who attended at the Meeting,” which detailed the members of his Kettering congregation “with a short account of each; their particular cases are recorded, and their families are mentioned. A list is added of those in the congregation whom he thought to be serious persons, or under concern about their souls” (Ryland, Work of Faith, 575). The 1818 edition also includes a long letter, either discovered after the publication of the 1816 edition or included to controvert Morris’s critique of Fuller’s inadequate pastoral care. See Ryland, Work of Faith [1818], 375 – 381; see also ch. 6 below.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 138.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 141.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 147. The frequency of diary entries slackens in 1786. Ryland also notes that sixteen or eighteen leaves of Fuller’s diaries between the entries for June 11, 1786, and October 3, 1789 have been destroyed.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 145.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 146.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 148.

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The ensuing excerpts thus have a strong flavour of Fuller’s concern to cultivate his personal spirituality as the only sure guard against unfruitfulness in ministry.¹⁴¹ This underscores the emphasis on the vital connection between doctrine and piety throughout the biography. Ryland concludes the chapter by emphasizing both the common and the exemplary facets of Fuller’s piety as an attack against Antinomian notions: I do not object, and I am very sure he would not, to the idea that there may be Christians who have got nearer to the mark of our calling, and who have had a fuller enjoyment, even beforehand, of the prize: would to God they were more numerous, and their attainments far higher!¹⁴²

Nevertheless, Ryland continues, Fuller’s imperfections were not a warrant for inattentiveness to the fight against sin. There is an “unspeakable difference” between Fuller’s spirituality and that of “some high professors in the present day” who maintain a confidence of their own safety, “without evidence from Scripture, sense, or reason.”¹⁴³ Ryland remarks that it was Fuller’s understanding of “the spirituality of the divine law” that caused him to feel the obligations of the gospel, which did not supersede, but confirm, enhance, and endear prior obligations; and hence, while he trusted to behold God’s face in the imputed righteousness of another, he could not be satisfied till he awoke in the likeness of his blessed Saviour. Now, I am well persuaded, he is with him, and is perfectly like him; for he sees him as he is. He has fought the good fight, he has finished his course, he has kept the faith, and has received the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to all them that love his appearing.¹⁴⁴

Having established Fuller’s early theological convictions, his gift for and call to ministry, and his pattern of biblical spirituality, with chapter six Ryland turns to an account of Fuller’s writings. His treatment of Fuller’s works is surprising. Given historical precedents in the genre of biography, one would expect a detailed review of Fuller’s major works, especially in the light of Fuller’s prominence in both polemical and practical theology. Ryland mentions in chronological order nearly 250 of Fuller’s works—unpublished manuscripts, books, pamphlets and tracts, articles, devotional reflections, letters, and published speeches—but gives only cursory comments on several of the most significant.¹⁴⁵ Confident that the religious public is largely

 See the entries for September 30, 1785; October 31, 1785; and November 29, 1785.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 198.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 199.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 200.  Though he eliminated it in the 1818 edition, the 1816 edition of the memoir includes a six-page, tightly spaced list of Fuller’s publications in Charles Edward DeCoetlogon’s (d. 1820) Theological Miscellany, the Evangelical Magazine, the Missionary Magazine, the Quarterly Magazine, the Protestant Dissenters’ Magazine, the Biblical Magazine, and a table calculating the total number of Fuller’s pieces in each; see Ryland, Work of Faith, 229 – 35. Ryland mentions that “the family” is already at work collecting the necessary material to publish a “uniform edition” of Fuller’s works, which will

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aware of Fuller’s doctrinal convictions and can access his works, Ryland is scarcely concerned to engage the works in his memoir. He writes, I have not attempted any regular review, or analysis, of these polemical works; nor shall I do so, as to those of a more practical nature: I am willing to bear a full share of whatever reproach may be thrown upon me, from any quarter, for highly esteeming them; but my time would admit of nothing more than the few cursory remarks I have interspersed. They are all pretty well known to the religious public, among whom he had his share of good report, as well as of censure and opposition. I shall leave his works to defend themselves against the nibbling of minor critics, which I think they are as able to do as the best tempered file.¹⁴⁶

What little attention he does give to Fuller’s major works largely consists of emphasizing Fuller’s response to High Calvinism, Socinianism, Universalism, and Sandemanianism. Ryland is keen to emphasize that Fuller’s response to the theological controversies of the day was characterized by a cordial pursuit of truth. His aim was not to score theological points, but to pursue pure doctrine for the sake of right practice. Ryland prefaces Fuller’s polemical works with an unpublished paper which expresses this conviction: One thing, in particular, I would pray for; namely, that I may not only be kept from erroneous principles, but may so love the truth, as never to keep it back. O Lord, never let me, under the specious pretence of preaching holiness, neglect to promulge the truths of thy word; for this day I see, and have all along found—that holy practice has a necessary dependence on sacred principle. ¹⁴⁷

Thus the four most significant theological controversies with which Fuller was engaged are to be seen in such a light.

3.3.1 High Calvinism Having already given some account of the controversy surrounding the Modern Question in his first chapter, Ryland chooses several diary entries to put Fuller’s first major publication, The Gospel Worthy of All Acceptation (1785), into context. In these the reader sees Fuller’s supreme regard for representing the truth of God’s word, cautious “lest the cause of Christ should be injured through me.”¹⁴⁸ While he is convinced that the New Testament affirms humankind’s obligation to believe in Christ, he is wary of how publication will “expose myself to a good deal of

include the unpublished manuscripts he mentions at the end of chapter 6; see Ryland, Work of Faith, 236, cf. 212.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 225.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 204.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 205.

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abuse, which is disagreeable to the flesh.”¹⁴⁹ After its publication, Ryland notes, many Baptists did indeed raise “an outcry against the book and its author,” including both the High Calvinist William Button and the Arminian Daniel Taylor (1738 – 1816). Ryland captures Fuller’s reaction to the book’s reception, noting his fearlessness in the face of criticism as well as his anger for the way in which obsessive discussion of theological matters can be “one of Satan’s devices to destroy the tendency of any truth.”¹⁵⁰

3.3.2 Socinianism Ryland calls The Calvinistic and Socinian Systems Examined and Compared (1792), Fuller’s first polemic against Socinianism, “a work of the highest importance.”¹⁵¹ A rejoinder to the works of Joseph Priestly (1733 – 1804), Fuller mainly aimed to refute the idea that Calvinistic orthodoxy led to “licentious tendency” because it “gave wrong impressions concerning the character and moral government of God, and as relaxing the obligations of virtue.”¹⁵² While Ryland comments on the Socinians’ rhetorical strategy, the main emphasis of his commentary is directed at how Fuller handled his critics’ attacks in his earlier works against High Calvinism as well as the strong approbation he received as a result of his first foray against Socinianism. In one of several diary entries Ryland includes, Fuller writes, “Some years ago I endured a portion of reproach […] now I am likely to be tried with the contrary; and perhaps, good report, though more agreeable, may prove not less trying than evil report.”¹⁵³

 Ryland, Work of Faith, 206.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 209 – 210.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 213. Socinianism, so called after the Latinized name of two Italian religious teachers (Lelio Sozzini [1525 – 1562] and Fausto Sozzini [1539 – 1604]), rejected the doctrines of the Trinity and the divinity of Christ, arguing instead for the unipersonality of God. In the eighteenth century, the term Socinianism was generally used to describe the Unitarian movement in England. On this controversy, see Andrew Fuller, The Calvinistic and Socinian Systems Examined and Compared, as to Their Moral Tendency, ed. Thomas J. Nettles, Michael A. G. Haykin, and Baiyu Andrew Song (The Complete Works of Andrew Fuller 7; Berlin/Boston: De Gruyter, 2021).  Ryland, Work of Faith, 215 (emphasis original); WAF, 2:137. Fuller appears to be quoting Priestly here, but the citation is uncertain. Thomas J. Nettles has rightly noted that while Fuller traces the consequences of Socinian principles, he refrains from arguing that Socinianism is wrong based on the behaviour of its proponents; see Nettles, “Christianity Pure and Simple: Andrew Fuller’s Contest with Socinianism,” in “At the Pure Fountain of Thy Word”: Andrew Fuller as an Apologist, ed. Michael A. G. Haykin (Studies in Baptist History and Thought 6; Eugene: Wipf & Stock, 2006), 169 – 70.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 215.

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3.3.3 Universalism Ryland excerpts a diary entry from 1784 in which Fuller expresses his concern that “certain flesh-pleasing doctrines which have been lately agitated, particularly that of the final salvation of all men and devils,” will “have a great spread” within the next twenty years.¹⁵⁴ He then introduces the occasion (less than ten years later) on which Fuller was compelled to write against the heresy of universalism. A fellow minister of the Northamptonshire Association, William Vidler (1758 – 1816), had been converted to universalism through the teaching of the American preacher Elhanan Winchester (1751– 1791). Vidler’s universalism had split his church in Battle. Fuller wrote “a private, affectionate, and faithful expostulation” to Vidler and, after receiving no response, ran the anonymized letter in the Evangelical Magazine. ¹⁵⁵ These letters were later collected and published as Letters to Mr. Vidler, on the Doctrine of Universal Salvation (1802).¹⁵⁶

3.3.4 Sandemanianism Sandemanianism’s primitivism and embrace of biblical authority gave the sect much in common with Baptists.¹⁵⁷ However, its reduction of saving faith to mere mental understanding of the facts of the Gospel and assent to their truthfulness radically altered the nature of the atonement and the substance of justification.¹⁵⁸ While Fuller had addressed Sandemanianism in two earlier works, the substance of his critique

 Ryland, Work of Faith, 217.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 218.  WAF, 2:292– 327.  Named after Robert Sandeman (1718 – 1741), who was Jon Glas’s (1695 – 1773) son-in-law and popularized his views, the Sandemanians were a Calvinist body devoted to the restoration of the church to its state before it was corrupted by philosophy and Roman power. In 1730, Glas, an ordained minister of the Church of Scotland, withdrew from the Scottish church to begin an independent sect. Glasite churches mandated unpaid plural eldership, unanimity in all church matters, weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper, the use of the lot and the holy kiss, and eventually the avoidance of personal insurance and worshipping with other non-Glasite Christians. Through Robert Sandeman’s efforts, the sect spread to London and America, where Sandeman died in 1771. See Derek Murray, “The Scotch Baptists and the Birth of the Churches of Christ,” in Interfaces, Baptists and Others, ed. David W. Bebbington and Martin Sutherland (Studies in Baptist History and Thought; Milton Keynes: Paternoster, 2013), 49. See also Timothy Whelan, Baptist Autographs in the John Rylands University Library of Manchester 1741 – 1845 (Macon: Mercer University Press, 2009), 127; Michael A. G. Haykin, “Andrew Fuller and the Sandemanian Controversy,” in “At the Pure Fountain of Thy Word,” 223 – 36; Nathan A. Finn, “Editor’s Introduction” in Andrew Fuller, Apologetic Works 5: Strictures on Sandemanianism, ed. Nathan A. Finn (The Complete Works of Andrew Fuller 9; Berlin/Boston: De Gruyter, 2016), xv–35.  Robert Sandeman, Letters on Theron and Aspasio, Addressed to the Author (Edinburgh: Sands, Donaldson, Murray & Cochran, 1757).

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came in Strictures on Sandemanianism, in Twelve Letters to a Friend (1810).¹⁵⁹ After mentioning Strictures, Ryland adds several lengthy comments he deems “worthy of attention.”¹⁶⁰ He notes that “many good men,” particularly among the Scotch Baptists, have been tinged with Sandeman’s sentiments.¹⁶¹ Fortunately, not all of these “embrace all of his peculiarities” and “enter far into the system.”¹⁶² Several Scotch Baptists, such as the BMS advocate and supporter Archibald McLean (1733 – 1812), however, had fully embraced “the frigid scheme of Sandeman,” which presented subtle dangers to rightly understanding the role of religious affections in the Christian life.¹⁶³ Echoing Fuller, Ryland argues that the Sandemanian insistence on claiming that “faith is a bare belief of the truth” constitutes making the definition of faith the object of faith.¹⁶⁴ He goes on to note that while Sandemanians reject the idea that saving faith includes “a cordial approbation” on the grounds that this “confounds [the] faith and love,” which Paul distinguishes in 1 Corinthians 13:13, they do not express the same concern over Paul’s distinguishing of hope and love in the same passage.¹⁶⁵ “If, then, one of the graces is inseparable from the other,” Ryland asks, “why should this not be the case with the third also?”¹⁶⁶ Ryland then defends the notion that the essence of saving faith is true religious affection, which can only come about as a result of God’s act in regenerating the human heart through the Holy Spirit. He identifies the rejection of human depravity as a critical flaw in the Sandemanian understanding and an incentive to Antinomianism. Returning to his catalogue of Fuller’s works, he justifies his extended comments by noting that he has made them “be-

 The second edition of The Gospel Worthy of All Acceptation included an appendix entitled “On The Question of Whether the Existence of a Holy Disposition of the Heart be Necessary to Believing” (WAF 2:393 – 416). Fuller also wrote a tract specifically designed to address the Sandemanian issue, entitled “The Great Question Answered” (WAF 3:540 – 49). Ryland mentions the latter as being “a very important tract, which has been translated into several languages” (Ryland, Work of Faith [1816], 228). For an excellent assessment of Fuller’s controversy with Sandemanianism, see Andrew Fuller, Apologetic Works 5: Strictures on Sandemanianism, ed. Nathan A. Finn.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 218.  In a diary entry for October 21, 1799, Fuller records a meeting with a Baptist pastor, Dr. Watt, in which Fuller’s friend inquires whether the religion of the “Baptists and Independents, both who are tinged with Mr. Sandeman’s peculiarities, allowed a proper and scriptural place for the exercise of the affections?” The Scottish Independents James and Robert Haldane, with whom Fuller and Ryland interacted, were also influenced by Sandemanianism, though their polity and soteriology eventually shifted to a more traditional Baptist view.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 219.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 382. Fuller and Ryland both managed to maintain a strong friendship with McLean while aggressively critiquing Sandemanianism. On Fuller’s interaction with Scotch Baptists, see Peter J. Morden and Ian M. Randall, Offering Christ to the World: Andrew Fuller (1754 – 1815) and the Revival of Eighteenth-Century Particular Baptist Life (Carlisle: Paternoster, 2003), 148 – 53.  Fuller characterized the Sandemanian view of saving faith as “the bare belief of the bare truth” (WAF 2:566).  Ryland, Work of Faith, 219.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 219.

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cause I believe my mind is herein in unison with my dear departed friend, and because I think that they agree with the truth.”¹⁶⁷ Before concluding the chapter with an exhaustive list of Fuller’s shorter publications, Ryland pauses over Fuller’s Memoirs of the Rev. Samuel Pearce (1800). Besides remarking that the work “is certainly a most valuable and interesting piece of biography,” Ryland also comments on the way that Pearce, as one of the “two most popular preachers I had personally known,” excelled Fuller in preaching. While Fuller was neither “deficient in tender love” nor “devoid of an evident unction from the Holy One,” he “had not the sprightly vivacity” of Pearce, but “a solemn tenderness and pathos.”¹⁶⁸ Fuller and Ryland agreed that Pearce’s piety and ministry bore a striking resemblance to Brainerd. While Ryland, at Pearce’s request, did not give a full character sketch during his funeral sermon in 1799, his portrait of Pearce’s piety bears the marks of Edwards’s Religious Affections. Pearce “had the firmest attachment to evangelical truth, and the most constant regard to practical godliness,” Ryland noted.¹⁶⁹ His life united “remarkable soundness of judgment with uncommon warmth of affections,” such that Ryland remarked that had never seen “such active, ardent zeal, conjoined with such gentleness, modesty, and deep humility” in a man of Pearce’s age.¹⁷⁰ Ryland concluded by exhorting the congregation to “be careful to shun” any of Pearce’s faults, “but O be sure to follow him, wherein he was a follower of Christ.”¹⁷¹ Fuller stated the resemblance more plainly to Pearce’s widow, Sarah (1771– 1804): “try while your mind is warm to draw his character. Memoirs of his life must be published: he is another Brainerd.”¹⁷² Chapter seven is devoted to Fuller’s labours for the BMS, and in contrast to the account up to this point, it is largely narrative. The chapter order is helpful, given that the theological controversies Ryland summarized in chapter six will now be seen in the larger context of Fuller’s travels for the BMS (chapter seven) and in his correspondence with Ryland (chapter eight). Ryland describes the emerging vision for the evangelization of foreign peoples, apportioning the credit (as, he says, Fuller would have him do) to God’s “infus[ing] into the mind of William Carey [1761– 1834] that solicitude for the salvation of the heathen which cannot fairly be traced to any other source.”¹⁷³ He recounts the shaping of Carey’s biblical rationale, the pivotal Association meetings where his ideas were articulated and discussed, and the happy  Ryland, Work of Faith, 222. Fuller’s Strictures and his correspondence with Archibald Mclean exemplify Edwards’s influence on his epistemology. For an extensive examination of this, see Chun, Legacy of Jonathan Edwards in the Theology of Andrew Fuller, 110 – 37.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 226. See also Andrew Fuller, Memoirs of the Rev. Samuel Pearce, ed. Michael A. G. Haykin (The Complete Works of Andrew Fuller 4; Berlin/Boston: De Gruyter, 2017).  Ryland, Promised Presence of Christ, 24.  Ryland, Promised Presence of Christ, 24.  Ryland, Promised Presence of Christ, 49.  S. Pearce Carey, Samuel Pearce, M.A.: The Baptist Brainerd (3rd ed; London: Carey Press, 1923), 216.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 238.

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company which formed the Baptist Missionary Society in Martha Wallis’s (1739 – 1812) back parlour on October 2, 1792.¹⁷⁴ In all the circumstances that would follow, Ryland notes that there was “never a moment’s rivalship” between Carey and Fuller.¹⁷⁵ Ryland relates the scenes which will come to memorialize the society: Fuller’s vivid illustration of the happy band of friends as Carey’s rope-holders; the moment in Northampton when Carey and John Thomas (1757– 1801) unexpectedly arrived at Ryland’s door, bringing news that Carey’s wife Dorothy (1755 – 1807) would accompany them to India and, after an exchange of letters and affection, as Ryland recalls, “thus we parted, expecting never to more to meet on earth.”¹⁷⁶ Ryland writes, It is pleasant to look back, and see how the Lord led us on, when we began a work, for conducting which we were very little prepared by any previous means. Well may we exclaim, What hath God wrought! For surely it was he that raised up his own instruments, both for the foreign and the home department. All was his doing, and is marvellous in our eyes.¹⁷⁷

Returning his focus to Fuller, Ryland writes, “Never was a man more indefatigable in any work for God, than Brother Fuller was in his exertions of every kind for the welfare of this Society.”¹⁷⁸ Ryland relates that despite the early discouragements of paltry support and the impediments Fuller’s role brought about for his own ministry, he pressed on “with his whole soul.”¹⁷⁹ “In short,” Ryland summarizes, “the whole weight of its concerns lay far more upon him than upon any man in England, and he cared for it night and day, and most disinterestedly laid himself out for its welfare, from its commencement to his death.”¹⁸⁰ Ryland includes several letters highlighting Fuller’s biblical wisdom and pastoral care for the Serampore missionaries. In these letters, Fuller urges upon them the promises of God, warns them against what might be unprofitable to their souls, and reminds them of the great value of their work in the cause of Christ. Ryland also relates Fuller’s support-raising efforts, including his five visits crisscrossing Scotland to promote the interests of the BMS among Baptists and other likeminded Dissenters. In Fuller’s diary entries and letters, one sees his remarkable pace of activity in building new partnerships, speaking to various missionary auxiliaries, collecting gifts, corresponding with friends and family at home and missionaries in the field, and often preaching multiple times a week. Though the work included “great labour and fatigue” and was “attended with no end of visiting,” Fuller nevertheless rejoiced that “I have hitherto been mercifully preserved in all respects.¹⁸¹ My        

Ryland, Ryland, Ryland, Ryland, Ryland, Ryland, Ryland, Ryland,

Work Work Work Work Work Work Work Work

of of of of of of of of

Faith, Faith, Faith, Faith, Faith, Faith, Faith, Faith,

238, 241, 242. 240. 246, 251. 246. 247. 248. 250 – 51. 325.

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mind is peaceful and happy and my approaches to the throne of grace […] have been free and tender.”¹⁸² Ryland’s memoir also reflects Fuller’s principled ecumenism. While he (like Ryland) was eager to engage others in the work of foreign missions, he was also unafraid to address theological convictions that undermine the gospel. From his earliest interactions with James (1768 – 1851) and Robert Haldane (1764– 1842), Fuller counselled the men to study the New Testament regarding the issue of baptism and to critically evaluate the primitivism of the Sandemanians.¹⁸³ With fellow Baptists, he was even more direct. Fuller noted that the Sandemanian principle of faith as assent, “commonly held by the Baptists in these parts, appears to me an important error, and, I fear, has an ill effect upon their religion which leans more to the speculative than to the affectionate.”¹⁸⁴ Ryland excerpts a series of letters Fuller wrote to a Scottish Baptist pastor, in which Fuller cordially yet devastatingly demonstrates Sandemanianism’s flaws. Ryland also includes Fuller’s remarks on “the peculiarities of our northern brethren,” enumerating six significant doctrinal differences between Scots Baptists and English Baptists.¹⁸⁵ The list, composed on his first visit to Scotland in 1799, evinces Fuller’s keen eye for the impact of doctrine on church practice. Chapter eight proves beyond doubt that Ryland was the right person to compose Fuller’s memoir. In this chapter, Ryland selects what he finds most illuminating or interesting to “illustrate the character of his friend” from among 330 letters which they exchanged.¹⁸⁶ Ryland admits, Though I wish to show all due respect to the public, I found myself unable to make a more exact arrangement, without a much longer delay; and, if my chief object be obtained, which is the profit of my readers, by a faithful representation of the spirit, principles, and exemplary conduct of my departed friend, I must be content, though I should not obtain any further applause as his biographer. I should have been glad, had I been better able to subserve the end I have stated above; but, in a very short time at most, neither the praise nor the censure of men will be able to affect me in the least.¹⁸⁷

As such, it is an eclectic selection showing their theological agreement and shared interest in the works of Jonathan Edwards and the New Divinity Writers, Fuller’s

 Ryland, Work of Faith, 507.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 326. The controversy surrounding Robert Haldane and Greville Ewing (1767– 1841) results in significant changes between Ryland’s 1816 and 1818 editions (see section 4.2 “Omissions” below). When Fuller first visited Scotland in 1799, the Haldanes’ primitivism had not yet led them to embrace a credo-Baptist view; see Alexander Haldane, The Lives of Robert and James Haldane (3rd ed.; London: Hamilton, Adams & Co., 1852), 232, 244, 357.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 277.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 294.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 412.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 412– 13.

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sharing in Ryland’s sorrows and joys, his attentive critique of Ryland’s writings, his personal burdens and dullness of heart, and each man’s thoughts about how the other could best honour God as they grew older.¹⁸⁸ The correspondence also highlights Fuller’s remarkable humility. Hearing that his congregation was voicing their complaints about his frequent absences for the support of the BMS, Fuller queried Ryland about his inclination to encourage the church to hire an assistant to preach while Fuller, their pastor of twenty-eight years, was away.¹⁸⁹ The letters demonstrate Ryland and Fuller’s close friendship, grounded in a shared love for the Gospel and conducted with the highest degree of trust in one another. In one notable example, Fuller wrote, If I have written under too strong feeling, my dear Brother, it is not because I suspect your want of kindness, nor, in general, your want of judgment; but in matters between us and some others, I think you have suffered yourself, from a love of peace, to be misled by flimsy professions. I should be sorry, if anything I have written should grieve you, or prevent your free remonstrances in future, whenever you think I am getting wrong. If I know a little of your blind side, you know as much or more of mine. I hope we shall get on together, and see reason to love and warn each other, as occasion requires. I wish to shun all strife, but what cannot, in justice, be avoided.¹⁹⁰

Ryland’s selection, both throughout the volume and in this chapter of miscellany, also hints at what he and other evangelical Calvinists considered the most significant theological issues that remained. Chapter eight concludes with a lengthy letter from Fuller to the Scottish Baptist Archibald McLean, which Ryland includes at another minister’s request. Here the memoir returns to the frequent critique of Sandemanianism’s assertion of the nature of faith as mere intellectual approbation of the truth of the Gospel. Fuller and Ryland, shaped as they are by their understanding of the New Testament and the theology of Jonathan Edwards, find Sandeman’s rejection of the necessity and moral excellence of true religious affection to be a serious misunderstanding of the Gospel. Having illustrated Fuller’s doctrine and piety through his writings, labours for the BMS, and personal correspondence, Ryland turns in chapter nine to painting a remarkable picture of Fuller’s family concerns. He has several objects in view: to show the painful suffering Fuller endured at the loss of his first wife and of numerous children; his paternal tenderness for his children, especially his wayward son, Robert; and his persistent concern for the best interests of his family and relatives. Consistent with the rest of the memoir, he does this by means of Fuller’s correspondence.

 Ryland, Work of Faith, 345, 350 (on agreement); 357, 366, 370 (on Edwards); 359 (on sorrows; see particularly Fuller’s note about receiving Ryland’s deceased child for burial in Northampton, 371); 363 (on joy); 369 (on writings); 374 (on dullness); 375 (on old age).  Ryland, Work of Faith, 381.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 409 – 410.

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Fuller was acquainted with loss, having buried his first wife, Sarah, and nine of their eleven children, as well as three of the six children he had with his second wife, Ann. As Ryland depicts, Fuller possessed a peculiar tenderness which was undoubtedly shaped by the joy and sorrow of family life. He inserts Fuller’s moving narrative of the brief life of his daughter, Sarah. Fuller describes his great affection for her, recounting how he held her, praying for God’s blessing on her life as he considered the Gospel’s portrayal of Christ’s blessing of the little children, and includes the poem these thoughts occasioned. The narrative recalls how Fuller frequently sung the lines from Isaac Watts’s (1674– 1748) “Cradle Hymn” over her, her vivacious but gentle spirit, her delight in spiritual matters, and her sincere and simple faith.¹⁹¹ It recounts her sickness and eventual death, her parents’ agony as they attempted to comfort her, and his painful but patient trust in God over her loss.¹⁹² Ryland also includes several of Fuller’s letters and diary entries describing the motions of his heart during Sarah’s illness—the fear and pain prompted by her suffering, the doubt of God’s goodness occasioned by her loss, the resignation to God’s will and confidence in his just purposes.¹⁹³ The chapter then proceeds to chart the loss of Fuller’s first wife, Sarah Gardiner (1756 – 1792), through Fuller’s letter to her father. It is a tender letter, showing Fuller’s affection for his late wife as she declined through a three-month period of derangement and dementia. His later correspondence with Ryland shows that, though the relief death brought from her insanity was a mercy, he took her loss hard.¹⁹⁴ Several other difficult providences are relayed in Ryland’s narrative––the loss of another daughter, Ann, the eldest from his second marriage; the loss of his nephew, Joseph, an aspiring minister; and the grief caused by his wayward son, Robert, who died at sea with no clear evidence of saving faith.¹⁹⁵ The memoir also contains several of Fuller’s letters to his children and near relatives, showing his concern for their temporal and spiritual welfare.¹⁹⁶ Ryland also includes excerpts from two letters demonstrating how Fuller’s compassion for his

 Ryland, Work of Faith, 439.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 439 ff. Fuller is especially keen to portray his daughter as an example of genuine religious affection. This narrative, as well as the one Ryland composes for another of Fuller’s daughters in the 1818 edition, bear strong resemblances to Edwards’s account of the death of Abigail Hutchinson. See section 4.3 “Additions” below.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 454.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 463.  Concerning Fuller’s daughter Ann, see Ryland, Work of Faith, 474; on Joseph, see Ryland, Work of Faith, 491– 92; concerning Robert, see Ryland, Work of Faith, 490. Fuller’s letter to Robert, discovered after the publication of the 1816 edition and included in the 1818 edition, is among the most touching in the entire memoir, as Fuller pleads with his son to find mercy at the cross of Christ; see section 4.3 “Additions” below.  These include two letters to his daughter Sarah (see Ryland, Work of Faith, 496 – 97) and a letter to an “elder relative” (see Ryland, Work of Faith, 498). Ryland also includes an intriguing letter from Fuller to William Coles, with his reflections on aging (see Ryland, Work of Faith, 504).

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own children extended to his intimate concern for the children of his friends—Fuller not only wrote to his friends for encouragement, but addressed letters to their children with parental counsel and exhortation.¹⁹⁷ The cumulative impact of these excerpts demonstrates how Fuller “earnestly watch[ed] for opportunities to do good to the children of his friends, as well as to his own, and to his more distant relatives.”¹⁹⁸ Both materially and stylistically, this chapter is the most unique of the memoir. Other character sketches of Fuller, even in their most expansive form, take little note of Fuller’s family life. This is not uncommon for the genre. Many biographers had little access to personal correspondence of this kind or lacked sufficient intimacy with their subject and the surviving family to present such material in a beneficial way. Ryland had unparalleled intimacy with his subject, access to a wide range of documentation, and the full support of Fuller’s family. Even so, since published personal correspondence anonymized the recipient and omitted the names of controversial living figures, eighteenth-century religious biographies could be similarly circumspect.¹⁹⁹ Even Fuller’s biography of his close friend, Samuel Pearce, only includes passing reference to Pearce’s love for children—and nothing about his interaction with his own five children.²⁰⁰ In this way, Ryland’s account of Fuller is unique.²⁰¹ Prior to publication, Ryland sent his manuscript to Robert Hall for his review. Hall also noted the singularity of this chapter and the striking way it added to the portrait of Fuller: I found the whole narrative respecting his child and his first wife exceedingly affecting and interesting. I think you have done right in relating it as it puts his domestic character in a most interesting light. It shows how perfectly compatible is great tenderness of heart and an attention to minuter duties with great powers of intellect and an ardent pursuit of great objects. Biographers have been usually too sparing of such details. How delighted should we have been with such an exhibition of the church of Edwards and Howe and other illustrious Christian heroes.²⁰²

 Ryland, Work of Faith, 512.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 514.  The general trend in eighteenth-century biography, however, was towards the inclusion of intimate (and sometimes scandalous) details. This tendency found full expression in the biographical literature of the nineteenth century.  Fuller, Memoirs of Samuel Pearce, 259. Cf. Ryland, Promised Presence of Christ, 44.  Religious biography occasionally saw the benefit of including some personal detail when it filled out the character of a person whose public life was well known. Regarding Jonathan Edwards, Samuel Hopkins wrote, “He was thought by some, who had but a slight acquaintance with him to be stiff & unsociable, but this was owing to want of better acquaintance,” and he goes on to briefly describe Edwards’s “great esteem and regard for his amiable and excellent consort” and his manner of interaction with his eleven children (Hopkins, Life and Character, 42– 43.). Nevertheless, Hopkins does not include the level of detail we find in Ryland, though he presumably had similar access to Edwards’s personal materials.  Hall to Ryland, October 26, 1815. My thanks to Dr. Timothy Whelan, who provided valuable feedback on the transcription of this letter. Edwards’s writings were well known to Hall, who began reading Edwards in his childhood, having “perused and reperused” his works by age nine (WRH, 1:5). Pre-

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In contrast to the “relative afflictions” of chapter nine, the final chapter surveys Fuller’s “personal afflictions,” culminating in his final sickness and death.²⁰³ In his introduction to the chapter, Ryland notes that the preceding account of Fuller’s life “contains much to illustrate the life, walk, work, and fight of faith.”²⁰⁴ But before addressing his topic, Ryland pauses to draw a (somewhat muddled) connection between Fuller’s life and his view of imputation. He argues that Fuller “had an impressive sense of the extent, strictness, and spirituality of the divine law.”²⁰⁵ Convicted of its “perfect equity and goodness,” and approving of its just requirements, he “renounced all dependence on any righteousness of his own” and considered any attempt on the part of a sinner to recommend themself to God by their own merit as “insolent presumption.”²⁰⁶ However, rather than seeing Christ’s death as “an amends made to us for the rigour of a law too severe to be enforced”—which is one implication of certain Calvinists’ overly literal understanding of imputation—Fuller constantly “ascribed all of his salvation to rich, free, and sovereign grace.”²⁰⁷ Fuller’s understanding of the atonement, Ryland argues, fuelled his pursuit of holiness, “and the

sumably Hall was acquainted with Samuel Hopkins’s (1721– 1803) biography of Edwards, but judged it insufficiently detailed. The Puritan John Howe (1630 – 1705) served as the curate at Great Torrington, Devonshire beginning in 1654. In 1656, he travelled to London to serve as chaplain to Oliver Cromwell (1599 – 1658) in Whitehall. After the fall of Richard Cromwell (1626 – 1712), he returned to his congregation in Devon. With the 1662 Act of Uniformity, Howe withdrew from the Church of England and became a Nonconformist. Hall wrote that he had learned far more from Howe “than from any other author I have ever read. There is an astonishing magnificence in his conceptions” (WRH, 1:163). Hall exhorted a fellow minister to read “the wonderful Howe” for his practical and experimental divinity, of which he considered Howe’s Living Temple and Treatise on Delighting in God as being the best representatives (WRH, 1:303). The historian Edmund Calamy, D.D. (1671– 1732), a grandson of the Puritan divine Edmund Calamy (1600 – 1666), published a memoir of Howe’s life in London in 1724. Apparently Hall also considered this volume too “sparing” in detail.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 515.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 515.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 515.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 515.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 516. Between the first publication of Fuller’s Gospel Worthy of All Acceptation and its second edition in 1801, Fuller’s views on imputation had sharpened, changing from a purely economic view of the atonement to a governmental view. Fuller sought to ground the atonement in God’s moral justice rather than the commercial sense in which it was often portrayed. In the second edition, Fuller demonstrated that there were two senses to the word “impute”—one proper (on which he cites 1 Cor 4:1) and the other figurative (on which he cites Philemon 1:18). When speaking of imputing the sin of wicked men to Christ, the Bible speaks figuratively, since God did not think his Son a sinner and us innocent, but treated each as so. A not-so-subtle twisting of the atonement could then be used to support Antinomianism. “If Christ by imputation became deserving of punishment, we by non-imputation cease to deserve it; and if our demerits be literally transferred to him, his merits must of course be the same to us; and then, instead of approaching God as guilty and unworthy, we might take consequence to ourselves before him, as not only guiltless, but meritorious beings” (WAF, 2:705). For an excellent account of Fuller’s view on the nature and extent of the atonement, see Brewster, Andrew Fuller, 86 – 92.

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tenor of his life evinced that Christ wrought in him mightily.”²⁰⁸ Again Ryland underscores the connection between doctrine and piety: He contended earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints, guarding against error on the right hand and on the left. It engaged him also in a constant conflict with sin, especially with sin in his own bosom, against which he incessantly watched and prayed.²⁰⁹

Ryland transitions to the account of Fuller’s final illness and death by noting that his friend was not only concerned to “do the will of God, but to suffer for it also.”²¹⁰ In the subsequent pages, Ryland notes several instances of dangerous illness earlier in Fuller’s life, which caused him to think more soberly about death and eternity. He shares intelligence received from various friends about Fuller’s state of mind in periods of ill health. He also traces how the burdens of the BMS, frequent travel, and advancing age brought on increasingly frequent and serious sickness. Ryland relates that the commencement of the disorder that took his life “may properly be dated back to September 1814.”²¹¹ Over the next eight months, Fuller continued his labours—writing and travelling on behalf of the BMS, attending John Mack’s (1797– 1845) ordination at Clipston, preaching in Kettering—despite the progress of the disease. Growing too weak even to write, he dictated his final letter to Ryland on April 28, 1815. In the nine days that transpired before his death, Ryland relates that Fuller endured significant suffering, especially “almost unintermitted bilious vomitings.”²¹² Nevertheless, Fuller remained peaceful and confident in God’s grace. On the day on which he died—Sunday, May 7, 1815—he expressed to his daughter Mary that he had strength enough to join her in corporate worship.²¹³ In concluding the memoir, Ryland restates his aim to “faithfully exhibit the man, in life and death.”²¹⁴ He acknowledges that he might be blind to some of Fuller’s faults, “although I thought I watched him more carefully than I did any other friend.”²¹⁵ But, he continues, if I had known more than I ever did, I would not needlessly expose them. I am fully satisfied that he is now without fault before the throne. His just spirit is made perfect. I long to be as he is. I wish I now were as he was, in all things except those bonds. O that I were well rid of all that he hath laid aside, and were like him in all that is now perfect!²¹⁶

        

Ryland, Ryland, Ryland, Ryland, Ryland, Ryland, Ryland, Ryland, Ryland,

Work Work Work Work Work Work Work Work Work

of of of of of of of of of

Faith, Faith, Faith, Faith, Faith, Faith, Faith, Faith, Faith,

520. 520. 520. 539. 547. 550. 559. 559. 559.

4 Ryland’s 1818 edition

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4 Ryland’s 1818 edition Despite the regret Ryland expressed in 1816 that he had failed to “secure much more leisure to revise and improve this narrative,” the corrections to the second edition indicate that he was generally pleased with the initial publication.²¹⁷ Ryland’s revisions can be summarized under three headings.²¹⁸

4.1 Formatting Ryland’s first edition weighed in at nearly 600 printed pages and was initially offered for sale at the price of 12 shillings. In a postscript to the preface of the 1818 edition, Ryland notes that, in addition to leaving out a “few particulars of less importance,” he requested the use of a smaller typeface “for the sake of reducing the price.”²¹⁹ These changes, resulted in a second edition that was almost half the length of the original, at 385 pages.²²⁰ It was offered for purchase at 7 shillings.²²¹

4.2 Omissions Ryland made several substantive cuts to the second edition. The “particulars of less importance” which he removed are most clearly seen in the revisions to chapter six.²²² Ryland eliminates a seven-page list of Fuller’s publications in DeCoetlogon’s Theological Miscellany, the Evangelical Magazine, the Missionary Magazine, the Quar-

 Ryland, Work of Faith, vi.  In addition to the changes Ryland mentions in the postscript to his 1816 preface, I have limited myself in this chapter to discussing changes between the two editions that may shed light on Ryland’s editorial purposes. In addition to correcting minor errors in the 1818 edition, Ryland rearranges the order of several letters and moves certain excerpts from one chapter to another in which they are a better fit thematically. He modifies transitions between sections for the sake of more coherence. In some cases, he includes excerpts from letters that were not included in the 1816 edition or removes some which were present, in each instance attempting to further illustrate Fuller’s character. In rare cases, he shortens excerpts while retaining the sense.  Ryland, Work of Faith (1818), xii.  The 1818 American edition, published by the Charlestown, Massachusetts printer Samuel Etheridge, also reduced the top, bottom, and right-hand margins and (regrettably) removed the chapter markers from the page headers. See John Ryland, The Work of Faith, the Labour of Love, and the Patience of Hope, Illustrated in the Life and Death of the Rev. Andrew Fuller: Late Pastor of the Baptist Church at Kettering, and Secretary to the Baptist Missionary Society (2nd ed.; Charlestown: Samuel Etheridge, 1818).  Anonymous, review of The Work of Faith, the Labour of Love, and the Patience of Hope, Illustrated in the Life of the Rev. Andrew Fuller, by John Ryland, The Eclectic Review 9 (February 1818): 181.  Ryland, Work of Faith (1818), xii.

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terly Magazine, the Protestant Dissenters’ Magazine, the Biblical Magazine, and a table calculating the total number of Fuller’s pieces in each.²²³ The most significant changes in the 1818 edition involve several passages from Fuller’s diaries concerning the Scottish Independent pastor and philanthropist Robert Haldane. While serving in the Royal Navy, Haldane had come under the gospel influence of David Bogue (1750 – 1825), pastor of an Independent congregation, while ashore at Gosport in 1780. When he finished his commission, Haldane returned to Gosport, to the ministerial academy run by Bogue, and studied for a time at Edinburgh University. In 1795, he underwent an evangelical conversion and became a significant financier of gospel ministry, selling his country estate and using the proceeds to establish churches and support the work of foreign missions through the Edinburgh Missionary Society.²²⁴ In 1799, Haldane sent £100 to the BMS to fund Serampore translations and requested that Fuller “would come down and preach.”²²⁵ In response, Fuller visited Scotland—the first of five journeys he would make between 1799 and 1813. Ryland recounts the developing relationship between Fuller and Scottish church leaders through Fuller’s diary entries. The 1816 edition of Ryland’s memoir included a number of entries detailing Fuller’s thoughts on Robert and his brother James. Fuller’s enthusiasm for the Haldanes centred on their energies in promoting evangelistic preaching. The Haldanes, however, had also stirred up significant controversy by planting an Independent congregation, given the presence of the Scottish Kirk. Fuller’s diary explained that “there appears a large portion of formality to have affected other denominations” and that there was “little or no entrance among their people by village preaching.”²²⁶ In including these excerpts early in the narrative, however, Ryland was aware that the Haldanes’ connection had foundered—largely

 Ryland, Work of Faith (1818), 146. Intriguingly, the American edition retains this list, but publishes a notice at the end of the volume stating: “N. B. The papers ascribed to Mr. Fuller in the different Magazines and Periodical Publications referred to in the catalogue of his works, is not thought to be correct” (Ryland, Work of Faith [1818], 362). At the end of the appendix to the 1818 edition, Ryland does hint at a number of other works Fuller did not publish: “Besides the above, he expounded the Proverbs of Solomon; but he did not commit to paper his ideas on this interesting portion of Scripture. Of all the other Expositions, he has left behind him copious notes; though as they are written in short hand, the advantage to be derived from them must be of very limited extent; as also from the outlines of upwards of 2000 Sermons, delivered to his own congregation, and repeated in many instances, to congregations in different parts of the country” (Ryland, Work of Faith [1818], 382). This hints at Ryland’s plan to collect all of Fuller’s works for publication.  Haldane and Bogue also served as directors of the London Missionary Society from 1796 to 1804; see Kenneth J. Stewart, “Robert Haldane,” in The Blackwell Dictionary of Evangelical Biography, ed. Donald M. Lewis (Oxford: Blackwell Publishers, 1995), 502. Fuller comments that the land Haldane sold is “a perfect heaven upon earth,” and that Haldane “has ever since lived in a recluse style of life, laying out thousands every year for the propagation of the gospel in Scotland and Ireland” (Ryland, Work of Faith, 304).  Ryland, Work of Faith, 262. See Haldane, Lives of Robert and James Haldane, 295.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 272.

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due to Robert’s changing theological convictions.²²⁷ Ryland hints at this early on in Fuller’s diary, writing in a footnote that when he was in Scotland in 1811, he found that Haldane was revoking the promises of funding he had given to several churches in response to several men “who did not follow him in all his subsequent changes!”²²⁸ Fuller’s subsequent journal entries from later trips to Scotland hint at the ongoing tension as Fuller attempts to link arms with the Haldanes in their common work of foreign missions while critiquing the Sandemanianism that was both destroying the Independent connection and influencing Scottish Baptists such as Archibald McLean. In the 1818 edition, however, Ryland has removed most of the comments on the Haldanes from Fuller’s diary entries. While leaving Fuller’s affirmation of the Haldanes’ support for foreign missions and their activism in forming congregations, Ryland removes stronger statements from the diary. For example, in an entry dated August 5, 1813, Fuller mentions visiting with an Independent minister in St. Andrews. Fuller writes, “There are about eighty churches of this denomination in Scotland, the remains of the wreck of Mr. Haldane’s connection; but they are beginning to recover the shock they sustained.”²²⁹ In Ryland’s 1818 edition, the clause reads “the remains of Mr. H’s connection.”²³⁰ Gone also are the sections in the journal in which Fuller mentions entreating the Haldanes to abandon their restorationist ecclesiology.²³¹ What should be made of these omissions, particularly in light of the fact that only a little more than a year had elapsed between the publication of the first edition and the submission of the second edition? There is no evidence that Ryland felt he needed to protect Fuller from unfavourable association or uncharitable readers who found in these journal excerpts another reason to critique Fuller. Neither is there an indication that Ryland was softening his stance on the intellectualist view of faith that characterized Haldane’s Sandemanianism. Instead, it is likely that Ryland thought the selections from Fuller’s diaries cast an unnecessary shadow upon ministry partnership with the Haldanes. The changes to the 1818 edition demonstrate the concern Ryland shared with Fuller to maintain relationships with those with whom they disagreed, both for the sake of missionary engagement and in the hope of impacting their doctrinal understandings.²³²  The Haldanes’ theological changes, especially after 1804, were connected to their embrace of Robert Sandeman’s restorationism. See section 3.3 “Theological emphases” above.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 270.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 336.  Ryland, Work of Faith (1818), 208.  See Ryland, Work of Faith, 325 – 26; see also Fuller’s conversations with Robert and James Haldane, in contrast to Ryland, in Ryland, Work of Faith (1818), 200 – 201.  Daughrity has demonstrated that what separated the Haldanes from the Glasites was the former’s commitment to evangelism and missions. Mainstream Sandemanians, by contrast, largely argued that the Great Commission was a command given to the apostles rather than to Christians in general (Dyron B. Daughrity, “Glasite Versus Haldanite: Scottish Divergence On the Question of Mis-

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A dispute over some of these changes confirms this assertion. Intriguingly, some of the copies of the 1816 edition which were distributed in Scotland bear the following note: Note to Page 270. I am very glad to testify that the unfavorable impression made on my mind at my first visit to Scotland, which induced me to insert this note in page 270, respecting Mr. Robt Haldane, has been removed, both by conversations with himself in July 1816, and by the testimony of others, by wch I am now convinced that the report there stated is utterly without foundation. And tho’ I never considered what I transcribed in page 304, respecting his gaining a large sum by buying in the funds, as conveying my reflection upon him but simply as the relation of a providential occurrence, yet having been assured that the rumour of any money having been gained by him in that way is equally inaccurate, I readily contradict that also. J. R.²³³

The note refers to Ryland’s footnote in the 1816 edition, which read: “When I was in Scotland in 1811, I was grieved to find that [Robert Haldane] was calling in, with much rigor, the money he had advanced for building places of worship, from several worthy men who did not follow him in all his subsequent changes!”²³⁴ Ryland again visited Scotland early in 1816, with John Saffery (1763 – 1825) and John Dyer (1783 – 1841), on an extensive support-raising trip for the BMS. While Ryland was in Edinburgh, a mutual friend, the Baptist pastor William Innes (1770 – 1855), exhorted him to call on Haldane, who “had been much offended at this note” and who wished to speak to Ryland.²³⁵ Ryland recalled that a “strong impression” had been made on his mind in 1811, such that “had I met with Mr. R. H. I could not have forborne mentioning the subject to him, though I have ever been far from forwardness or courage to complain or censure my superiors, or any persons indeed.”²³⁶ Nevertheless, Ryland consented and expressed his willingness to retract the note, so long as Haldane

sions,” Restorationist Quarterly 53, no. 2 [2011]: 65 – 79). Ryland exemplified an irenic spirit and a firm commitment to catholicity. In an essay articulating what was distinct about Baptist convictions, he wrote, “I think I can safely affirm that I have ever endeavored to promote a spirit of unfeigned love towards all real Christians, and I believe most of my brethren are like-minded. Strange would it be, if an agreement with our Episcopalian brethren, in six and thirty articles, except two sentences, should not have more effect to unite us, than a disagreement on three articles and two clauses could have to divide us” (Ryland, A Candid Statement of the Reasons Which Induce the Baptists to Differ in Opinion and Practice from So Many of Their Christian Brethren. [London: Button & Son, 1814], ix).  Greville Ewing and John Ryland, Jr., Letters by Mr. Ewing and Rev. Dr. Ryland Respecting a Passage in Ryland’s Memoirs of the Rev. Andrew Fuller (Glasgow, 1816), 1. The note also appears on the final page of the appendix in the copy of Ryland’s 1816 memoir held by Bristol Baptist College, in what appears to be Ryland’s own hand (Ewing and Ryland, Letters, 582). The copy at Bristol College has been annotated by someone other than Ryland, since numerous marginal notations reference events that occurred after Ryland’s death. Nevertheless, the note on page 582 bears a strong resemblance Ryland’s handwriting. For Alexander Haldane’s narration of the circumstances, see Haldane, Lives of Robert and James Haldane, 367.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 270.  Ewing and Ryland, Letters, 3.  Ewing and Ryland, Letters, 3.

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“could convince me I was mistaken.”²³⁷ In their meeting, Haldane “cleared up this case,” convincing Ryland that his calling in the loan in question was reasonable and justified by considerations of which Ryland was not originally aware.²³⁸ Ryland promptly issued a correction to the various distributors of the memoir, which they could paste into the volume. In August of 1816, Greville Ewing (1767– 1841) received the pastedowns and urgently wrote to Ryland, having previously begun distributing the memoir without them. He expressed his hope that he would not be held responsible for passing off some of the editions without the “editor’s correction.”²³⁹ Ewing’s greater concern, however, was that some might consider Ryland’s “subsequent contradiction as expressing a judgment on the merits of a dispute which was excited against me by Mr. Haldane.”²⁴⁰ Ewing thus appealed to Ryland to “give equal publicity to these my remarks on it.”²⁴¹ Haldane and Ewing, the pastor of Haldane’s Glasgow Tabernacle and principal of Glasgow Theological Seminary (1809), had fallen out in 1810 when Haldane sought to remove his financial support from the Tabernacle by selling the building at a discount and turning over Ewing’s living to his congregation.²⁴² While Haldane’s hope had been to reduce the potential for conflict of interest, particularly as Ewing’s and Haldane’s convictions regarding polity diverged, Ewing took Haldane’s prudential move as a political one, fearing that Haldane was failing to live up to his commitment and attempting to undermine Ewing’s pastorate. Ewing wrote a scathing pamphlet enumerating his charges against Haldane, to which Haldane responded with a pamphlet of his own.²⁴³ Ryland had visited Scotland the following year and, judging from the note in the 1816 edition, had only heard Ewing’s side of the matter. However, Ryland’s 1816 meeting with Haldane and his conversations with others had convinced him that his note was misleading, and he had issued a correction. In his response to Ewing, Ryland, lamented that “by endeavoring to avoid Scylla, I should fall into Charybdis!”²⁴⁴ What can I do, my dear Sir, in this case? It was mortifying to expose myself to the censure of rashness; but still, I thought myself bound to disregard my own feelings, if I had inadvertently

 Ewing and Ryland, Letters, 3.  Ewing and Ryland, Letters, 3. Robert Haldane’s minute account of his relationship with Greville Ewing and the history of the Tabernacle of which he was pastor is recounted in Haldane, Lives of Robert and James Haldane, 362– 65.  Ewing and Ryland, Letters, 1.  Ewing and Ryland, Letters, 1.  Ewing and Ryland, Letters, 1.  Haldane, Lives of Robert and James Haldane, 362. See also Kenneth J. Stewart, “Ewing, Greville,” in Blackwell Dictionary of Evangelical Biography, 372.  Haldane, Lives of Robert and James Haldane, 362.  Ewing and Ryland, Letters, 3.

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injured a Gentlemen I never saw before; and had no suspicion that I could be considered as reflecting upon you, whose controversy I had never seen.²⁴⁵

Ryland acknowledges that he has “got into a sad dilemma” and issues the following invitation to Ewing: “direct me to any step I can take to prevent [disagreeable consequences] without involving myself in a tedious controversy which does not belong to me.”²⁴⁶ It is unclear what further correspondence may have been exchanged, but neither the offending comment nor its equally offensive correction is included in the 1818 edition. Whether to maintain Fuller’s legacy and the ongoing relationship with missionsminded brethren in Scotland or simply to avoid provoking further controversy, Fuller’s perspective on the Haldanes is muted in the 1818 edition. Nevertheless, the editorial changes do not appear contrary to fact or liable to cause confusion on the part of Ryland’s readership.²⁴⁷ Ryland can still be seen as keeping the promise with which he prefaces all of Fuller’s diary entries, namely “not to disguise anything I extract.”²⁴⁸

4.3 Additions As Ryland mentions in the preface to the second edition, the 1818 edition made room “for some interesting additions,” all of which Ryland uses to underscore Fuller’s character and piety.²⁴⁹ I will mention several of the most significant here. First, Ryland extends the footnote detailing the life of William Coles (1735 – 1809), the father of Fuller’s second wife and surviving widow, Ann. Ryland doesn’t give an explicit reason for this inclusion, though the expanded content explains that Coles was impacted by the vision of the Baptist Mission, helping to fund the construction of a chapel in Ampthill for village preaching. Ryland may have included this sketch as context for another excerpt in which Coles comments on Fuller’s character. In the light of his daughter’s impending marriage, Coles writes that Fuller is “exceedingly respected,” both by his congregation and others: Indeed, he seemed to have a good report of all men; and it is a very great satisfaction to me to be fully persuaded of this, as it affords a pleasing prospect of happiness for my daughter, and for us all, in a nearer connection with him: I feel an entire confidence in the worthy man who is designed, by Divine Providence, to be the companion of my daughter’s life. I love him; and the more I know of him, the more I confide

 took    

Ewing and Ryland, Letters, 3. The “controversy I had never seen” is the pamphlet war which place in 1810. Ewing and Ryland, Letters, 4. None of the critical reviews of the 1818 edition pick up on these omissions. Ryland, Work of Faith (1818), 164. Ryland, Work of Faith (1818), xii.

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in him, as a good man, and a favourite of God. I believe his heart is right with God, and that it will be well with him, in life, in death, and forever.²⁵⁰

Ryland also later includes a moving letter from Fuller to Coles’s widow. Like Fuller, she had outlived her first spouse and then, painfully, her second. By including this letter, Ryland demonstrates Fuller’s spiritual concern and empathy: God brought me and you, my dear mother, into this family, nearly together; and we have enjoyed his blessing in it, and, perhaps, as large a portion of happiness as is to be hoped for in earthly connections. We have loved, and been loved of those connected with us; yea, we have all loved one another to this day; and I trust, shall do so to the end. You have the comfort of Christian hope, both for the deceased and for yourself; and I am persuaded, it will be the endeavour of your friends who survive with you, to do everything in their power, to alleviate your bereaved condition.²⁵¹

Second, Ryland includes excerpts from several additional letters concerning Fuller’s eldest son, Robert, which further demonstrate Fuller’s deep piety. Despite the disappointment of Robert’s spiritual wandering and enlistment in the army, Fuller writes, “I do not recollect any trial of my life, in which I had more of a spirit of prayer, and confidence in God.”²⁵² Ryland had discovered the most significant excerpt, in a letter from December 1801, after the publication of the 1816 edition. Once again, this excerpt shows Fuller’s deep affection and spiritual concern for his wayward son. He writes, My prayer for you, continually, is that the God of all grace and mercy may have mercy upon you. You may be assured that I cherish no animosity against you. On the contrary, I do, from my heart, freely forgive you. But that which I long to see in you is repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ; without which, there is no forgiveness from above […] Far as you have gone, and low as you are sunk in sin, yet, if from hence, you return to God by Jesus Christ, you will find mercy. Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, even the chief of sinners. If you had been ever so sober and steady in your behaviour towards men, yet, without repentance towards God and faith in Christ, you could not have been saved: and, if you return to God by him, though your sins be great and aggravated, yet will you find mercy.²⁵³

The third significant addition in the 1818 edition is Ryland’s lengthy footnote describing the remarkable piety of Sarah Fuller (1797– 1816), the only daughter from Fuller’s second marriage to survive infancy.²⁵⁴ In a moving tribute, Fuller and his wife Ann named her Sarah, after Fuller’s first wife. Fuller’s daughter died on June 11, 1816, after the publication of the first edition of Ryland’s memoir. While this addition

    

Ryland, Work of Faith (1818), 295. Ryland, Work of Faith (1818), 322. Ryland, Work of Faith (1818), 299. Ryland, Work of Faith (1818), 302– 303. See Ryland, Work of Faith (1818), 305 – 308.

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speaks to Fuller’s piety and character only by inference, it is nonetheless a striking portrait. Ryland’s initial description of Sarah echoes his presentation of Fuller’s character: “Her disposition from a child, was amiable. Integrity was a prominent feature in her character. She appeared to possess an habitual tenderness of conscience, and was the subject of early convictions of sin.”²⁵⁵ Like her father, she bore up under the suffering of her illness and expressed her concern instead for the welfare of her relatives. Ryland’s narrative of Sarah Fuller’s final illness and death strongly echoes Jonathan Edwards’s similar account of Abigail Hutchinson (d. ca. 1722), which had appeared in A Faithful Narrative (1737).²⁵⁶ Both Ryland’s and Edwards’s accounts depict young women who modelled true piety in the midst of extended illness and death. While Edwards explicitly states what he intends the reader should see in his account, Ryland characteristically gives little comment, trusting that the example of Sarah’s desire to live “for the glory of God, and that she might serve him” will be clear to the reader.²⁵⁷ Nevertheless, both examples model a piety shaped by their author’s concerns. Edwards’s emphasis is on the true nature of religious affection, grounded in a love for and relish in the beauty of God. Edwards highlights Abigail’s “constant sweetness” of soul, her sense of the glory of God as it appeared in nature and in her private meditations on his attributes, her submission to God’s will, and her desire to be with Christ.²⁵⁸ Ryland’s (and Fuller’s) emphasis is on the centrality of the atonement, the centrality of the Scriptures in the believer’s life, the urgency of belief, and the danger of an intellectualist faith. Thus Ryland highlights Sarah’s delight in public worship as well as in private reading of and meditation upon Scripture, her cordial spirituality, her concern that other young people should not put off spiritual concerns, her “reliance for salvation […] solely on the atonement of the Redeemer,” and her desire to convey to others “the strong impression of the weight of eternal things.”²⁵⁹ Nevertheless, Ryland’s and Edwards’s concerns overlap in Ryland’s atten Ryland, Work of Faith (1818), 305.  While A Faithful Narrative of the Surprising Work of God in the Conversion of Many Hundred Souls in Northampton is not mentioned in Ryland’s diary or his published works, sometime in the fall of 1788 Ryland wrote a letter to Jonathan Edwards, Jr. (1745 – 1801), in which he inquired about the spiritual condition of Phebe Bartlett, the second of the two “notable converts” mentioned in A Faithful Narrative (WJE, 4:199). Edwards replies, “In answer to your inquiry in a former letter concerning Phebe Bartlet, I have to inform you that she is yet living & has uniformly maintained the character” (Edwards, Jr. to Ryland, March 30, 1789). Sometime between 1804 and 1805, Ryland reprinted the narrative of Bartlett’s conversion. In a letter to Jonathan Walter Edwards, Ryland wrote, “I had since the pleasure to baptize the daughter of a Counsellor who was awakened by reading it, she is the first of a family of thirteen children who has publicly professed faith in Christ” (Ryland to Edwards, August 31, 1807).  Ryland, Work of Faith (1818), 307. Edwards notes that the inclusion of Abigail’s and Phebe’s accounts is intended “to give a clearer idea of the nature and manner of the operations of God’s Spirit” (WJE, 4:191).  WJE, 4:193, 195, 196, 198.  Ryland, Work of Faith (1818), 305 – 306.

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tion to Sarah’s meditation on “the glory of the heavenly world,” her belief that “seeing God and praising him” would supersede the joy of reunion with departed friends in glory, as well as her “thoughts of serving and glorifying God, whether in this world or another,” which “seemed to take the place of all other considerations.”²⁶⁰ Ryland’s decision to include this extended footnote in the 1818 edition also further underscores his alignment with Edwards and Hopkins regarding the value of women in modelling exemplary piety and their vital role in religious awakening.²⁶¹ Finally, at the end of the appendix, Ryland also includes the inscription on the tablet which the Kettering congregation erected in memory of Fuller. Apart from these additions, Ryland makes several transpositions in the 1818 edition, especially moving various letters and diary entries to where they seem to better fit his choice of theme. Perhaps what is most remarkable in the 1818 edition is how unremarkable the changes are, especially in light of the critical response to both Ryland’s and Morris’s competing biographies.²⁶² The years immediately after Fuller’s death were some of the busiest and most trying of Ryland’s life, as he attempted to balance his pastoral responsibilities at Broadmead, his leadership of the Bristol Academy, and the demands of the Baptist Missionary Society in Fuller’s absence. It is possible that Ryland could not find the necessary time to make a more thoroughgoing revision. However, it is more likely that Ryland was content with the representation of Fuller he had given in the first edition. By 1815, Ryland was already at work collecting Fuller’s works for publication with B. J. Holdsworth (fl. 1819 – 1828), a London publisher.²⁶³ Soon after Fuller’s death, and despite Hall’s advice to the contrary, Ryland and Fuller’s son, John (J. G. Fuller), published a notice indicating their intent to release a collected edition of Fuller’s works, which would include Ryland’s memoir and “a copious index.”²⁶⁴ The Works were eventually released in 1824, in eight volumes. Tempting as it may have been for Ryland to craft a character sketch more in keeping  Ryland, Work of Faith (1818), 307.  Ryland eagerly sought to encourage the work of Christian women, pursuing the publication of Maria Grace Saffery’s (1772– 1858) poems and hymns and supporting the work of girls’ schools in her home and elsewhere.  On the reception of Ryland’s and Morris’s memoirs on Fuller, see section 5.2.5 below.  For an account of the publication of Fuller’s Works in the English and American editions, see Chris Crocker, “The First English and American Edition of the Works of the Rev. Andrew Fuller” (unpublished paper, 2017).  In October of 1815, Hall wrote to Ryland: “With respect to the republication of his works, I think it would be much better to defer it for some years. Most of them are at present in the possession of the religious public in a separate form, and therefore will not be much disposed to pay 4 or 5 guineas for them again. After 12 or 15 years they might be collected & published to great advantage; in the meantime, it would be easy for the Society to provide for Mrs F. by a note similar to the last renewed from year to year. This would be more honorable to Mr F. than to be hawking his publications & pressing them on the public for the avowed purpose of providing for his family” (Hall to Ryland, October 26, 1815). I am grateful to Michael Haykin, who unearthed the publication notice at Fuller Baptist Church in Kettering.

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with other portraits of Fuller’s life, he remained committed to presenting Fuller “in his own words.”²⁶⁵

5 J. W. Morris’s and John Ryland’s competing biographies of Andrew Fuller When Robert Hall wrote to Ryland in October of 1815 concerning the manuscript of Fuller’s memoir, he commended Ryland’s chapter on his friend’s family life. He encouraged Ryland, saying that he was “much pleased with it as far as it has proceeded and, judging from this specimen, have no doubt it will give much satisfaction to the friends of our invaluable deceased Brother, as well as to the religious public at large.”²⁶⁶ In addition, he also wrote concerning a competing biography: Morris has wrote [sic] to Mr Broughton²⁶⁷ earnestly importuning me to review his Life of Mr Fuller which is completed to the last chapter. I need scarcely say that I absolutely declined, informing him it was impossible for me to do it without a violation of honor and consistency. I suppose his book which is to be a 12s will be out shortly. I hope and believe however it will not prevent your work from obtaining a considerable circulation.²⁶⁸

Hall went on to say that he “highly disapproved” of John Webster Morris’s publication, although he did remark: “it is not impossible that posterity may obtain a juster [sic] idea of the character of our excellent friend by comparing them than by either of them separately.”²⁶⁹ Ryland, along with others who were heirs of Jonathan Edwards, consciously shaped his biographical works in the light of Edwards’s dual emphasis on doctrine and piety.²⁷⁰ Their common purpose was served by a style which foregrounded their subject’s voice, letting the true colour of his (or her) piety shine through their sub Ryland, Work of Faith, 11.  Hall to Ryland, October 26, 1815.  Samuel Broughton (1787– 1837) of Spading, Lincolnshire was the son of Thomas Broughton (1704– 1774), the rector of St. Peter’s, Bristol. Samuel was appointed an army surgeon in 1812 and served in the south of France until the end of the Napoleonic wars. Broughton was later a prominent physician in London and was elected as a fellow of the Royal Society and the Geological Society (“Broughton, Samuel,” in Dictionary of National Biography, ed. Leslie Stephen [London: Smith, Elder, & Co, 1886], 6:403). It appears that J. W. Morris sent his narrative of Fuller’s life to his son, Jesse Morris (d. 1828), in the hopes of using Broughton to secure a review from Robert Hall. Jesse had begun working for Samuel Broughton in 1814. Jesse [J. T]. Morris, the third son of J. W. Morris, died on June 25, 1828 at the age of 36. Apparently J. W. Morris lost three sons “in the prime of life” (see “Recent Deaths,” New Baptist Miscellany [August 1828], 310 – 311).  Hall to Ryland, October 26, 1815.  Hall to Ryland, October 26, 1815.  C. Ryan Griffith, “‘Promoting Pure and Undefiled Religion’: John Ryland, Jr. (1753 – 1825) and Edwardsean Evangelical Biography” (PhD diss., Louisville, KY, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2017), 145 – 55.

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ject’s writings, whether published or private. While this biographical pattern was similar to other eighteenth-century biography, particularly the documentary style popularized by Mason, evangelical biography had a spiritual purpose at its heart. It did not simply aim to depict a religious person, but sought to commend a certain kind of piety for imitation. Thus piety, rather than the subject, was preeminent. The utility of Ryland’s Edwardsean biographical approach is accentuated when we compare his account with that of John Webster Morris. The following section will introduce John Webster Morris and assess the purpose and form, the selectivity and structure, and the content and theological emphases of Morris’s memoir, examining each in the light of Ryland’s memoir. Finally, in section 5.3, I will assess the two biographies with regard to their relative contributions and their popular reception, demonstrating that Hall’s sanguine hope did in fact come to pass.

5.1 J. W. Morris and the Fuller circle Sometime in the spring of 1785, a twenty-two-year-old journeyman printer named John Webster Morris came to Clipston from Worsted in Norfolk. He had been a member of the church in Worsted for only a year, but in that time had already demonstrated significant promise as a gospel minister. On June 12, 1785, Morris accepted the pastorate at the Baptist church in Clipston, a position he would hold for nearly the next twenty years. A number of pastors from the Northamptonshire Association were present for his ordination—most importantly, three men with whom he would become intimate friends: Robert Hall, Sr.; John Ryland, Jr.; and Andrew Fuller.²⁷¹ William Carey became pastor at Moulton the same year, and the two freshly installed ministers attended their first Northamptonshire Association ministerial meeting together.²⁷² Carey and Morris became close friends, and even when the former moved to Leicester, he remained in the association, occasionally visiting Clipston for fellow ministers’ meetings. It was at one of these meetings, at Easter in 1791, that the Baptist Missionary Society was nearly formed. Having discussed Carey’s Enquiry and heard

 Earnest A. Payne, Clipston Baptist Church the Record of One Hundred and Fifty Years’ Witness (Northampton: Billingham, 1932), 8.  Morris’s memoir records John Collett Ryland’s harsh response to Carey during one of the ministers’ meetings they attended together in 1786. Carey had proposed as a topic for discussion “whether the command given to the apostles to ‘teach all nations’ was not obligatory on all succeeding ministers to the end of the world, seeing that the accompanying promise was of equal extent.” John Collett Ryland responded that “certainly nothing could be done before another Pentecost,” when the outpouring of the Spirit would bring about the gift of tongues. John Collett Ryland went on to declaim Carey as “a most miserable enthusiast for asking such a question” (Morris, Memoirs, 97). In his memoir of Fuller, however, Ryland, Jr. disputed this account, exclaiming that he “had never heard of it till I saw it in print.” Ryland, Jr. continued: “No man prayed and preached about the latter-day glory, more than my father; nor did I ever hear such sentiments proceed from his lips, as are there ascribed to him” (Ryland, Work of Faith, 175).

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John Sutcliff on “Jealousy for God” and Fuller on “The Disaster of Delay,” Carey, Fuller, Ryland, and others met late into the night at Morris’s Clipston manse.²⁷³ These discussions set the group on a path to forming the BMS the following year, on October 2, 1792. Although Morris was not present in Kettering when the society was founded, he was added to the committee at its meeting in Leicester the following March and played an important role in its early deliberations. The founding of the society, coupled with the revival of earnest prayer, swept many churches in the association into a season of revival and growth. The Clipston church book records that Morris and the deacons, burdened with a great sense of responsibility for the unconverted, set aside February 25, 1795 as a day of prayer and fasting.²⁷⁴ Soon thereafter, a wave of revival swept the village. Numerous young people were converted and added to the Clipston congregation. Periodic revivals mark the years of Morris’s pastorate. At the turn of the century, a young man named John Gulliver was radically converted, and his earnest faith soon had a powerful effect on others. Young people gathered for prayer meetings, some as early as four in the morning. Morris wrote that the movement was “happily free from declamation and ostentatious pride, neither thunder nor earthquake, but the still small voice speaking in the heart producing the silent grief of godly sorrow and humble prayer.”²⁷⁵ While Morris would claim no direct part in the revival, his particular concern for the young people was evident in his advocacy for Sunday schools, which many still regarded as dangerous.²⁷⁶ Morris’s involvement with the BMS quickly deepened. Having originally apprenticed as a printer prior to his conversion, Morris started a printing house in Clipston which soon began to print the circular letters of the Northamptonshire Association and the Periodical Accounts of the Baptist Missionary Society. Fuller, having served as the society’s director since its founding in 1792, increasingly grew to depend on Morris to serve as a clearinghouse for society publications and correspondence, and soon for his own publications and personal correspondence as well.²⁷⁷ In his preface to a volume of Fuller’s miscellaneous writings, published in 1826, Morris recounts:

 William Carey, An Enquiry into the Obligations of Christians, to Use Means for the Conversion of the Heathens (Leicester: Ann Ireland, 1792); John Sutcliff and Andrew Fuller, Jealousy for the Lord of Hosts: And, the Pernicious Influence of Delay in Religious Concerns. Two Discourses Delivered at a Meeting of Ministers at Clipston, in Northamptonshire, April 27, 1791 (Clipston: Vernor, Ash, Matthews, Button; London: Gardiner; Sheffield: Gardiner, 1791).  Payne, Clipston Baptist Church, 11.  As quoted in Payne, Clipston Baptist Church, 11.  J. W. Morris, Discourse Delivered at Clipston, Northamptonshire, March 11, 1792 (Northampton: Taylor & Son, 1792). See also Payne, Clipston Baptist Church, 12.  William Perkins and I. E. Lauer, “Morris, John Webster,” in Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, ed. H. G. C. Matthew and Brian Harrison (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004), 285.

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As his labours began rapidly to multiply, as soon as he was ushered into public life, he felt the need of some assistance and I became in effect his amanuensis, an office which I filled during the above period, without any other fee or reward than what arises from that friendship which teaches us by love to serve one another. From his shorthand notes I transcribed for the press the greater part of what he intended to publish, all the missionary accounts, most of his controversial letters and other papers, and his correspondence with Scotland, America, and Bengal, making in the whole perhaps not less than fifteen volumes in octavo.²⁷⁸

Morris also grew to depend on the printing business to support himself. As Fuller and other ministers in the Northamptonshire Association engaged with the theological controversies of the day, Morris saw an opportunity to provide an outlet for their writings. In 1801, in addition to his pastoral duties and the occasional society and association publications, Morris began publishing The Biblical Magazine, a bimonthly periodical of which he was the editor, proprietor, and printer.²⁷⁹ John Sutcliff warned Morris that the venture was not without risk. Fuller was already committed to writing for the Evangelical Magazine, and it was not a foregone conclusion that he would have time to contribute to Morris’s publication. Fuller even wrote to Morris, conceding: “My heart is willing to do everything you desire that I can do, but my hands fail me.”²⁸⁰ Nevertheless, Morris confidently told Sutcliff that if he would support the publication, “Brother Fuller will follow in his own course.”²⁸¹ Sutcliff also warned Morris of the financial dangers he would face if the magazine issues failed to sell. Nevertheless, Morris pressed boldly forward—even projecting that the magazine could recoup its costs and earn him £100 a month.²⁸² Morris’s friends generously contributed to the publication and solicited others to participate.²⁸³ While visiting a congregation in Brotton, Yorkshire, Ryland came across a hymn on baptism written by Maria Saffery (1772– 1858). He wrote to her husband, his fellow pastor and friend John Saffery, asking whether he “could beg her occasional favors for friend Morris’s Biblical Magazine, which will, I strongly hope prove an interesting and useful publication.” Ryland even went so far as to concede: “I cannot but think his first [issue] superior to the first [issue] of our Bristol Theolog-

 J. W. Morris, Miscellaneous Pieces on Various Religious Subjects, Being the Last Remains of the Rev. Andrew Fuller. Collected and Arranged with Occasional Notes (London: Wightman and Cramp, 1826), xii.  Michael A. G. Haykin, One Heart and One Soul: John Sutcliff of Olney, His Friends and His Times (Darlington: Evangelical Press, 1994), 282.  Morris, Memoirs, 58.  As quoted in Haykin, One Heart and One Soul, 283. In 1826, Morris would write, “Mr. Fuller took a considerable interest in the work, and wrote a great variety of pieces on purpose for it, most of them at my particular request” (Morris, Miscellaneous Pieces, x).  Haykin, One Heart and One Soul, 283.  Ryland notes that Fuller contributed 43 articles to the publication during its brief existence (Ryland, Work of Faith, 234– 35).

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ical Magazine, though I do not wish to be named as bearing even true Witness against my neighbors, and hope they may improve in future.”²⁸⁴ Morris took on additional risk in 1802 by publishing monthly issues. However, the magazine emerged into a crowded field of Christian publications, and it increasingly struggled to cover its costs. Despite a merger with the Congregationalist Theological Magazine and Review in 1804, the newly retitled Theological and Biblical Magazine failed to make a profit consistently. Nevertheless, Morris doggedly pressed on in other ventures, constantly seeking his friends’ works for the press. In July of 1808, Robert Hall, amidst a grave sickness, replied to Morris’s incessant inquiries with a tone of exasperation: “I have written to you these few times […] to put an end to your suspense by informing you I find myself under the necessity of relinquishing [the work for the press].”²⁸⁵ Within the year, Morris’s business had reached a breaking point, and he was no longer able to meet his obligations to his creditors. In January of 1809 he was forced to declare bankruptcy, and on March 29 he “assigned over all his affects for the benefit of his creditors.”²⁸⁶ In the eighteenth century, Baptist churches saw bankruptcy as a matter of church discipline. As Harrison notes, this was not because “undue value was placed on industry and thrift,” but “what was actually condemned was dishonesty and carelessness where other people’s property was involved.”²⁸⁷ From this perspective, bankruptcy was a violation of Paul’s command in Romans 8:3 to “owe no man anything.” As late as 1873, a deacon of the Broad Street church in Nottingham was “expected to resign from the diaconate,” while the church hoped that God would cause his affairs to prosper so that he could meet his creditors’ claims.²⁸⁸ Thus it was a serious matter when Morris, the pastor of a congregation outside Dunstable and a member of the BMS, was declared bankrupt.²⁸⁹

 John Ryland to John Saffery, n.d., John Saffery Collection, Angus Library, Regent’s Park College, Oxford. John Saffery pastored the Baptist congregation at Brown Street in Salisbury from 1790 until his death. He was a tireless worker on behalf of the Baptist Missionary Society, serving as the treasurer for the Wiltshire auxiliary from its formation on March 27, 1793 and travelling extensively throughout England to raise support for missionaries. In 1816, he toured Scotland with John Ryland and John Dyer after Andrew Fuller’s death on an extensive campaign which raised £1,756 and 26p. See Marjorie E. Reeves, “Saffery, John,” in The Blackwell Dictionary of Evangelical Biography, ed. Donald M. Lewis (Oxford: Blackwell, 1995), 968 – 69. Maria Grace Saffery kept a successful boarding school in Salisbury, which Ryland’s daughter attended for a time. Saffery wrote numerous poems and hymns, which she eventually published in Poems on Sacred Subjects (1834). See Marjorie E. Reeves, “Saffery, Maria Grace,” in Blackwell Dictionary of Evangelical Biography, 969.  Robert Hall to J. W. Morris, July 28, 1808, Isaac Mann Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University, New Haven.  Haykin, One Heart and One Soul, 285.  F. M.W. Harrison, “The Nottinghamshire Baptists and Social Conditions,” Baptist Quarterly 27, no. 5 (1978): 215.  Harrison, “Nottinghamshire Baptists and Social Conditions,” 214.  In another later example, Morton Peto (1809 – 1889) resigned as treasurer of the Baptist Missionary Society when his railroad contracting company went bankrupt in 1866. After a thorough investi-

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While Morris resigned his pastorate, he persisted in blaming his misfortune on the failure of others and refused to acknowledge the pride and intransigence which had put his business on shaky footing. He also continued itinerating in various churches, despite his disqualification from gospel ministry. Fuller wrote to Morris, pleading with him to confess his sin and be reconciled both to God and to his faithful friends. With repentance, Fuller promised, “the days of past friendship and affection” would be revived.²⁹⁰ Morris nevertheless refused, and his continued impenitence drove a bitter wedge between him and his friends Fuller, Ryland, and Hall.²⁹¹ In a letter to the Serampore missionary and printer William Ward, Fuller wrote, “Poor Morris! I am grieved for him; but he is ruined. His pride and extravagance since he has been at [Dunstable] is beyond anything. He must have sunk the greater part of £1000 in those few years […] And now he acts dishonourably to his creditors […] and yet goes about preaching.”²⁹² The breach in their friendship was never healed. Morris never again exercised a pastoral ministry. While Hall’s October 1815 letter to Ryland evinces a tone of shock, it is the shock of presumption rather than surprise. Ryland had also expressed his concern that Morris would compose an unauthorized memoir, writing to John Saffery only two weeks after Fuller’s death that Morris “has said ‘I’ll write that fellow’s life. I have letters of his enough to fill a woman’s apron.’”²⁹³ Ryland and Hall were both concerned that the bitterness of Morris’s impenitence and the seven-year breach would result in a negative portrayal of Fuller’s life. Overwhelmed by the loss first of Sutcliff and then of Fuller, and buried under the added society responsibilities, Ryland lamented: “I fear that vile sinner Morris will insult his memory.”²⁹⁴ Hall flatly stated that Morris would be “sparing of [Fuller’s] lights.”²⁹⁵

gation by appointed members of the Bloomsbury Chapel, Peto was not judged to have been dishonest or irresponsible and was not disciplined by the church. See Brian Bowers and Faith Bowers, “Bloomsbury Chapel and Mercantile Morality: The Case of Sir Morton Peto,” Baptist Quarterly 30, no. 5 (1984): 210 – 20. Morris pastored the Houghton Regis Church outside Dunstable from 1803 to 1810. The church later became West Street Baptist Church and is now known as Christ Church, Dunstable. My gratitude to David Woodruff and Keith Wallis of Dunstable for their help in tracking down information on Morris’s pastorate.  As quoted in Haykin, One Heart and One Soul, 286.  According to Ryland, Hall later regretted that he had not taken stronger action against Morris; see John Ryland to John Saffery, May 22, 1815, Reeves Collection, Angus Library, Regent’s Park College, Oxford.  Quoted in Whelan, Baptist Autographs, 423; see also Haykin, One Heart and One Soul, 285.  Ryland to Saffery, May 22, 1815.  Ryland to Saffery. The tone of Ryland’s statement reflects how serious Morris’s ongoing impenitence was. Ryland had enjoyed a warm friendship with Morris, writing in a letter in 1804: “May the Lord abundantly prosper the work of your hands & bless your family and flock” (John Ryland to John Webster Morris, May 30, 1804, Isaac Mann Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University, New Haven).  Hall to Ryland, October 26, 1815.

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5.2 A tale of two biographies Given his parting of ways with Fuller and his fellow Northamptonshire pastors as well as the scandal of his bankruptcy, it is not surprising that Morris felt a burden to explain his qualification to publish an unauthorized memoir of Fuller. In the preface, Morris claims to have enjoyed “a long and intimate acquaintance” with Fuller.²⁹⁶ The relationship between the two, in Morris’s bold estimation, was “more intimate and unreserved than was enjoyed by any other person.”²⁹⁷ Morris argued for his own qualification on the basis of having seen Fuller at work and at rest, having known him in every difficulty, and having “shared with him all the pains and pleasures of life.”²⁹⁸ These intimacies, Morris claimed, were “generally unstudied and unsought […] both the cause and effect of an unremitted intercourse.” Moreover, the “interchange of thought and feeling, by conversation, by letter, by preaching, by every mode of expression,” Morris wrote, “was continued almost daily for a number of years, during the most active and enterprising period of life; and accompanied with a freedom, a collision, and a confidence that knew no bounds.”²⁹⁹ To those who knew of Morris’s impenitence and the resulting schism, his prefatory comments were preposterous: there had been little contact between Fuller and Morris for the preceding seven years. Morris obliquely references the schism in his preface, still stubbornly refusing to acknowledge his responsibility for its origin. Instead, he subtly shifts the blame to Fuller, arguing that “the suspension of that intimacy, once the source of so much enjoyment, gave, it cannot be doubted, occasion for mutual regret.”³⁰⁰ He opines that, due to the imperfections of human nature, “regrets are innumerable and unavailing” in the present life.³⁰¹ Morris even goes so far as to account for Fuller’s (and thus Ryland’s and Hall’s) opposition as a misunderstanding. Such misunderstandings are easily adjusted in the case of “general friendships,” “but when blended with those feelings and sentiments which previous intimacies and equalities have established, and requiring a surrendering of the right of judging as well as being judged, experience has too often proved that it is far otherwise.”³⁰² Thus Morris publicly laments Fuller’s “misjudging and misguided conduct” as well as “the irreparable injury which that conduct tended to inflict.”³⁰³ Waving away the detailed circumstances of the dispute, Morris concludes that he “is anxious to acquit [Fuller] of every dishonorable motive” and “cordially subscribes to the unimpeachable integrity of his char-

       

Morris, Morris, Morris, Morris, Morris, Morris, Morris, Morris,

Memoirs, vi. Memoirs, vi. Memoirs, vii. Memoirs, vii. Memoirs, viii. Memoirs, viii. Memoirs, viii. Memoirs, viii.

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acter.”³⁰⁴ Fuller, he states, has “gone to that world of truth and love, where every error will be banished, every passion purified, and where every virtuous and spiritual union shall be revived and perpetuated to be dissolved no more.”³⁰⁵

5.2.1 Purpose and form In his own estimation, Morris’s “most perfect kind of familiarity” with Fuller qualified him to write a memoir.³⁰⁶ However, he did not aim to provide a complement to Ryland’s portrait. Instead, he was claiming both the intimate knowledge and the literary qualification necessary to write a definitive literary biography. Morris believed that Fuller’s genius was of such remarkable historical significance that only a truly literary biography could serve as a fitting memoir. Thus his preface demonstrates an ambition to present Fuller with the authority and style of the most celebrated biographers. “Only one man could write the Life of Johnson,” Morris remarks, “and only one the life of Cowper.”³⁰⁷ Like both of these men, Morris was “best acquainted” with his subject. He laments, however, that had he employed the vigilance of a Lauterbach or a Boswell, amidst the innumerable opportunities which occurred, greater intellectual treasures might have been added to the present compilation, but they are now “like water spilled upon the ground, which cannot be gathered up.”³⁰⁸

By rehearsing distinguished biographies, Morris implies not only that Fuller was a worthy subject, but that his memoir is also worthy of similar acclaim. While Morris’s preface lacks the clear statement of purpose found in Ryland, his literary references, style, and language are familiar in the context of the literary biographies of the time. Morris begins poetically, reflecting on the frailty of human life and the impermanence of memory. At the end of the first paragraph, he quotes from Thomas Gray’s (1716 – 1771) celebrated “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard” (1751), signalling that he is targeting an educated audience familiar with great liter-

 Morris, Memoirs, viii.  Morris, Memoirs, viii.  Morris, Memoirs, viii.  Morris, Memoirs, vii.  Morris, Memoirs, vii. James Boswell’s The Life of Samuel Johnson (London: Henry Baldwin, 1791) is commonly known as the greatest biography written in the English language. The poet, essayist, and biographer William Hayley (1745 – 1820) was a patron and friend of many artists. He became acquainted with the poet and hymnodist William Cowper (1731– 1800) while working on his Life of John Milton. Anton Lauterbach (1502– 1569) became a close friend to Martin Luther (1483 – 1546) as a student at Wittenberg in 1529. His personal diaries and notes on Luther’s sermons and table-talks became an important source of Luther’s sayings. Morris evidently sees Boswell and Lauterbach as two great collectors of their subjects’ sayings.

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ature.³⁰⁹ He makes clear that he considers Fuller a “distinguished figure” and a “great man” of “departed worth,” who ranked among history’s “brightest ornaments.”³¹⁰ Like the accomplished authors he references, his purpose is to memorialize an equally worthy subject. Thus Morris’s memoir is strikingly different than Ryland’s. It is a literary biography focused on Fuller’s writing and public life. Fuller’s piety is of secondary concern and is not directly commended to the reader. Morris’s aim was to show Fuller as a man who, “like many other great and original characters,” rose to greatness “out of obscurity.”³¹¹ Morris approached his subject with a certain detachment and critical distance. The “advertisement” to Morris’s Sacred Biography (1820) provides some insight into his approach to the genre. In it, he argues that while “some instruction” could be derived from the memoirs of good men, biographies are often “destitute of the essential characteristics of the truth, and are more descriptive of what men ought to be, than of what they really are.”³¹² In a remarkable passage, he continues: In the lives of the saints, we read of righteous deeds that were never done, of voluntary privations that were never borne, of piety that was never felt, and of lives that were never lived; all intermingled with such a blaze of virtues, as not only to exclude the supposition of any moral defect, but as if intended to convince us that in truth no such characters ever existed.³¹³

Despite this jaundiced view of hagiography, Morris nonetheless argues that biography is “of all others the most useful and important branch of human knowledge”—for, quoting Pope, “the proper study of mankind is man.”³¹⁴ Rather than foregrounding the subject’s voice through extensive use of documentary material, however, the memoir’s narrative construction foregrounds Morris as an omniscient narrator.³¹⁵ Therefore the substance of the memoir centres around Fuller’s literary output and the general shape of his life. Morris devotes over one hundred pages—one-quarter of the entire volume—to the critical evaluation of selected works. Even his prose corresponds to his purpose and his audience: formal in style, indirect and impersonal in address, and refined in language. Thus he writes,

 Morris refers to classical works and notable authors throughout the memoir, mentioning Melanchthon (p. 43), Aristotle (p. 70), Bishop (p. 482), Latimer (p. 486), Queen Mary, Innocent III, and Dominic (p. 492), and Aristides (p. 495).  Morris, Memoirs, vii.  J. W. Morris, Sacred Biography, Chronologically Arranged: Or, Lives of All the Principal Persons Mentioned in Scripture, Forming a Connected History of the Old and New Testament (London: George Virtue, 1820), 1:n.p.  Morris, Sacred Biography, 1:n.p.  Morris, Sacred Biography, 1:n.p.  Morris, Sacred Biography, 1:n.p.  In this, Morris is more similar to Hopkins than to Edwards. See Griffith, “Promoting Pure and Undefiled Religion,” 145 – 154; Samuel Hopkins, Life and Character, 40.

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The frailty of human nature, the lapse of time, and the incessant recurrence of other objects, possess a most fatal tendency to deface the remembrance of those once dear to us, or whose virtues and achievements require to be perpetuated for the benefit of posterity. Ere many years have fled, the minuter parts and finer traits of character are obliterated; nothing remains but the rude projecting outline, which affords but little to gratify the taste or encrease [sic] the aggregate of public information.³¹⁶

Ryland’s memoir stands in dramatic contrast to this. It is a spiritual biography, foregrounding the voice of its subject through the use of his personal material. Friendship centred around the truth of the Gospel is the predominant feature of Ryland’s knowledge of Fuller.³¹⁷ Thus, aware of the potential for bias, he approached his subject in an intensely personal way. Like Edwards, his aim was to highlight the evidence of divine grace in Fuller’s life as a means of exhorting others to imitate his faith, hope, and love. Hence the overwhelming majority of the memoir aims to illustrate Fuller’s piety through his diary and correspondence in a documentary style. Ryland devoted only thirty-five pages (6 per cent of the memoir) to the discussion of Fuller’s works, on which he comments only minimally. Instead, the memoir is dominated by the careful selection of Fuller’s diary entries and correspondence, making up nearly 90 per cent of the total. Ryland’s prose also corresponds to his audience and purpose: informal in style, direct and personal in address, and common in language. Thus he writes, Expecting very shortly to have all my springs of actions examined at the tribunal of an impartial Judge, I do not hesitate to profess that I have undertaken this office, of giving a faithful representation of my dear departed Brother’s life, not under the influence of any wish to display my skill as a writer of biography, nor yet to appear as a critic on his publications; but with the hope of promoting pure and undefiled religion, founded on truly evangelical principles.³¹⁸

In sum, Morris’s goal, while indirect, was to erect his own literary monument to a heroic figure—a task he considered himself uniquely qualified to carry out: A remote successor may attempt to retrace and complete the portrait; but of the correctness of the execution, who shall judge? In this view, contemporary Biography has important advantages which subsequent compositions do not possess; it must, at least; furnish the ore, by which the latter are to be enriched. The history of persons who have lived in the same age and nation with ourselves, excites also an interest which we do not feel respecting others who have flourished at a distant period.³¹⁹

 Morris, Memoirs, v.  Ryland was sensitive to the fact that his friendship with Fuller was what distinguished his biography from Morris’: “No one of those that grew up with me in the work of the Lord had a higher share in my esteem than Mr. Fuller; and the task he assigned me at his death is some evidence that I did not impose on myself, in supposing that I possessed a peculiar interest in his friendship” (Ryland, Work of Faith, vii).  Ryland, Work of Faith, v.  Morris, Memoirs, vi.

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By contrast, Ryland’s goals were remarkably humble: to promote evangelical piety by his subject’s example, and “also with a desire of securing to the family of my beloved friend, the profits which may result from laying this sketch of his history before the public.”³²⁰ Despite his clear qualification to be Fuller’s authorized biographer, Ryland did not take his suitability for granted: “Had I been able to persuade anyone who could do more justice to his character to have undertaken the service, I would have gladly resigned my office; trusting that the talents of the writer would have tended to the usefulness of the publication.”³²¹ Morris’s approach, however, does have several distinct advantages. His narrative style requires less labour from the reader and is therefore significantly easier and more enjoyable to read than a catalogue of diary entries. Morris’s prose, while somewhat grandiose in the preface, is lucid and economical in the body of the memoir. The narrative is reasonably paced and for the most part avoids soliloquies or excessive anecdotes. Morris’s vivid descriptions of Fuller’s personality, physical appearance, work habits, and oratory are as illuminating as they are unique. Despite his critical distance and claim to a lack of bias, his overall depiction of Fuller’s character throughout the memoir tends towards the negative. While an extensive account of Fuller’s character is reserved for the final chapter, the narrative is more often critical than commendatory.

5.2.2 Selectivity and structure The structure of Morris’s memoir is both chronological and thematic. Like Ryland, he devotes a chapter to tracing Fuller’s early life through his ministry at Soham, and a second chapter to Fuller’s move to Kettering. Morris narratively treats Fuller’s “ministerial talents,” his work with the Baptist Missionary Society, and his 1805 journey to Scotland in discrete chapters. The majority of the volume, however, is devoted to a critical review of Fuller’s works in two chapters, as well as three chapters concerning the major theological controversies in which Fuller played a significant role. In Morris’s narrative style, direct quotations from correspondence or published pieces are used for illustrative purposes rather than driving the progress of the story. Morris selects only what supplements his portrayal of Fuller, commonly using brief quotations instead of lengthier excerpts. While Morris’s access to Fuller’s personal materials was comparatively limited, the paucity of direct quotation is a feature of his biographical

 Ryland, Work of Faith, v. Morris nowhere expressed an intention to support Fuller’s survivors. After the first publication of the memoir in 1816, Ryland received ten copies, which he gave as gifts to Fuller’s friends and admirers. In lamenting that he had not sent a copy to Lyman Beecher (1775 – 1863), Ryland tells Stephen West that “he gave the whole of the profit to my deceased brother’s family” (Edwards Amasa Park, “Contributions to History: Letters of John Ryland to Stephen West,” The Bibliotheca Sacra and Theological Eclectic 30, no. 117 [January 1873]: 186).  Ryland, Work of Faith, v–vi.

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style rather than an indication of insufficient access to material.³²² Morris’s presence as the omniscient narrator shapes the reader’s understanding of Andrew Fuller’s character. While a full account of Fuller’s character is reserved for the final chapter, as the preface has already hinted, Morris’s view is somewhat jaundiced. Though a man of extraordinary talent and usefulness, Morris’s Fuller is spiritually and pastorally anaemic.

5.2.3 Content and theological emphasis Morris’s use of the “rise from obscurity to greatness” motif shapes the material he chooses to relate in his description of Fuller’s origin and early development. Morris notes only the relative poverty of Fuller’s ancestry, omitting any discussion of the spiritual heritage which Ryland sees as a significant contributing factor to Fuller’s piety. Based on the content of and quotations in chapter one, it is clear that Morris had access to the same series of autobiographical letters that Ryland included in chapter two of his memoir. Morris excerpts a significant portion of the first letter, but recasts the content of the rest of the series in his own words. He excludes the early exercises of Fuller’s mind leading up to his baptism, as well as his contemplations concerning sanctification and the Modern Question. In so doing, the memoir presents the “mature” Fuller and avoids drawing attention to the fluctuations in his early thought. To further the significance of Fuller’s later success as a preacher, Morris quotes Fuller’s friend, Joseph Diver (d. 1801), as saying that Fuller will “never make a preacher.”³²³ In contrast, Ryland quotes Fuller’s autobiographical letter to the effect that Diver encouraged a disheartened Fuller by offering him additional opportunities to preach.³²⁴

 Ryland had unparalleled access to Fuller’s personal diaries and correspondence, noting that he drew the content for his eighth chapter from over three hundred letters he had carefully preserved. Morris contends that he, too, had access to much of Fuller’s personal correspondence while serving as Fuller’s clerk (“amanuensis”) for over a decade. In his Miscellaneous Pieces (1826), Morris writes, “The reader may not be aware of the fact which it is now proper for me to state, and which will at once account for the variety of notes and papers left in my possession. It is this. My intimacy with Mr. Fuller continued without interruption for upwards of twenty years, during which we had an unremitting and unreserved intercourse, on every subject connected with the mission, with his numerous publications, and his epistolary correspondence […] From his shorthand notes I transcribed for the press the greater part of what he intended to publish, all the missionary accounts, most of his controversial letters and other papers, and his correspondence with Scotland, America, and Bengal, making in the whole perhaps not less than fifteen volumes in octavo” (Morris, Miscellaneous Pieces, xii).  Morris, Memoirs, 21.  Ryland, Work of Faith, 48. It is possible that Morris mistakes Mr. Eve’s comment for Diver’s. Fuller writes, “In October 1771, our pastor, Mr. Eve, left us. I loved him, and he loved me, and took it hard that I had, in some respects, changed my views. I learned afterwards that he had entertained thoughts of me, as being formed for the ministry, but that this contention [over the nature of sanctification] damped his hopes on that subject” (Ryland, Work of Faith, 41).

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The second chapter continues to trace Fuller’s development, noting the importance of his acquaintance with other Northamptonshire pastors “of no ordinary standard” at the start of his ministry.³²⁵ Morris relates that “Mr. Fuller began to acquire considerable celebrity as an author” in his early years at Kettering, though he concedes that while Fuller may have excelled in exposition and theological discourse, the poetry occasioned during this period could only be valued for its “artless simplicity” and not “on account of any superior poetic excellency.”³²⁶ The chapter notes the emergence of Fuller’s “complaint of the lungs,” foreshadowing the illnesses that would dog much of his later ministry.³²⁷ Nevertheless, these illnesses had the positive consequence of increasing Fuller’s literary output. The third chapter discusses Fuller’s ministerial talents, his labours as a pastor, and examples of his “usefulness.” Morris gives a remarkably detailed account of Fuller’s appearance, preaching style, and study habits.³²⁸ His emphasis is decidedly on Fuller’s great intellectual giftedness, on his “vigorous understanding” and “rich and fertile imagination,” and he entertains little discussion of Fuller’s affections.³²⁹ He saw this bias reflected in Fuller’s preaching. Morris remarks that Fuller “could never be heard but with satisfaction; if the heart were not at all times affected, yet the judgement would be informed, and the taste gratified, by an unexpected display of some important truth, ingeniously stated and powerfully applied.”³³⁰ In keeping with his emphasis on Fuller’s genius, he notes that Fuller “had no great liking” for critical commentators on Scripture and generally avoided their observations in favour of his own judgment on a text. Fuller, Morris notes, had a “contempt of such kind of learning” that would obfuscate the message of salvation by trifling over the “superficies of a text.”³³¹ However, despite his power in “searching its riches” and carrying the conviction of his judgment on Scripture “to the heart,” Morris notes that Fuller “was not the exact model of an orator.”³³² Fuller “had none of that easy elocution, none of that graceful fluency, which melts upon the ear and captivates the attention of an auditor”—a judgment certainly harsher than but not com-

 Morris, Memoirs, 40. While Morris mentions Hall, Sutcliff, Carey, and John Collett Ryland, he does not mention John Ryland, who was also present at the same Northamptonshire Association meeting.  Morris, Memoirs, 50, 41, 45.  Morris, Memoirs, 59.  Morris notes that Fuller’s approach to the sermonic form was shaped by reading Jean Claude’s (1619 – 1687) “Essay on the Composition of a Sermon,” which had been translated from the French by the Baptist Robert Robinson (1735 – 1790) in 1779. Fuller avoided stories, background studies, and character sketches, instead “searching out [the text’s] riches, sounding its depth, comparing it with the analogy of faith.” Remarkably, according to Morris, Fuller prepared his sermons in one or two hours at the end of the week (Morris, Memoirs, 71, 73, 70).  Morris, Memoirs, 68.  Morris, Memoirs, 68.  Morris, Memoirs, 73.  Morris, Memoirs, 67.

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pletely contradictory to Ryland’s own estimation of Fuller’s preaching.³³³ Morris also faults Fuller for a lack of tenderness and a severe judgement which, Morris observes, “was often in exercise, when the affections were not.”³³⁴ “Perhaps,” he remarks, “in the minister, the man was sometimes as visible as the Christian.”³³⁵ While Morris underscores Fuller’s great zeal and ardour for the cross of Christ, he observes that Fuller was not personally successful in converting the lost and saw little numerical growth in his own congregation. Morris also notes that, whether due to Fuller’s personality or to the many demands placed on his time by controversy and his leadership of the BMS, he did not excel the rest of his brethren in “discharging the duties of the pastoral office.”³³⁶ The opening sentence of fourth chapter echoes that of the third, emphasizing what Fuller’s labours for the BMS reflected about “this great man.”³³⁷ In fact, the dizzying scope of the mission—its logistical, theological, and financial obstacles—was a challenge “of sufficient extent to afford the most ample scope for his abilities, and setting before him an object commensurate with the boundless desires of his heart.”³³⁸ While Ryland emphasizes Fuller’s indefatigable efforts to raise support and to provide pastoral care to the missionaries on the field, Morris underscores the primacy of Fuller’s role in the birth of the society itself. Careful to affirm William Carey’s place in the impetus and design of the society, Morris nevertheless argues that Fuller’s 1784 sermon, The Nature and Importance of Walking by Faith, “contained in reality the germ of the future mission, and was the prelude to that event.”³³⁹ Morris heavily excerpts the sermon to show how its theme undergirded Carey’s connection between God’s glory and Christ’s kingdom.³⁴⁰ Morris also notes how Carey deduced from Fuller’s Gospel Worthy of All Acceptation that “if it be the duty of all men where the gospel comes to believe until salvation, then it is the duty of those who are entrusted with the gospel to make it known among all nations for the obedience of faith.”³⁴¹ The fifth chapter recounts Fuller’s third trip to Scotland on behalf of the BMS. While Fuller had journaled his personal reflections during previous trips to Scotland and passed many of his observations on to his friends in the society, his 1805 diary was composed with the intention of reaching a broader audience. Whereas Ryland only briefly excerpts from this diary, Morris reprints it in full—casting it in the style of a travel journal, a popular literary genre of the time.³⁴² Like Ryland, he  Morris, Memoirs, 66. See also Ryland, Work of Faith, 226.  Morris, Memoirs, 66.  Morris, Memoirs, 81.  Morris, Memoirs, 75.  Morris, Memoirs, 85.  Morris, Memoirs, 86.  Morris, Memoirs, 88 – 89, 107.  Morris, Memoirs, 93.  Morris, Memoirs, 96.  See Rebecca Steinitz, “Diaries,” in Literature of Travel and Exploration, ed. Jennifer Speake (New York: Taylor & Francis, 2003), 1:332– 333. While Fuller’s diary largely lacks the vivid landscape de-

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attributes the growth of the mission to Fuller’s herculean work. “All of its principal transactions,” Morris writes, “must be referred to his agency.”³⁴³ The sixth and seventh chapters of Morris’s memoir constitute both the bulk of the work and the most significant contrast with Ryland’s content. Taken together, these chapters review twenty-one of Fuller’s published works in chronological order. Unlike Ryland, Morris provides critical reflection on the works in addition to their historical context. He notes that although Fuller was a writer of “times past,” negligent and coarse in style, he won deserved acclaim through the precision and weight of his argumentation.³⁴⁴ Whereas Ryland provides no engagement with Fuller’s writing, Morris restates the thesis of each work, briefly describing Fuller’s argument and conclusion, and offers his own judgment of the argument’s validity and efficacy. This distinguishes Morris’s memoir as a literary biography and reinforces the critical distance between the author and his subject. While it may seem presumptuous for Morris—who lacked extensive formal theological training and was not known for any contribution to the theological controversies of the day—to judge Fuller’s works, he nevertheless considers himself qualified to do so. Morris establishes this qualification by means of his thorough and insightful descriptions of Fuller’s theological controversies in chapters eight through ten. These chapters masterfully define High Calvinism (which Morris calls Hyper-Calvinism), Sandemanianism, Socinianism, Universalism, and Deism; identify the principal proponents of each; and address Fuller’s defence of orthodoxy in his published writings and his personal communication. Morris examines each of Fuller’s most important works (which he reserves for these two chapters) with reference to the theological controversies they addressed. These writings, Morris argues, are the basis for the “distinction which Mr. Fuller acquired amongst the theological writers of the day.”³⁴⁵ Morris also underscores Fuller’s remarkable ability to address the root of a theological controversy without impugning the motives of his opponents. Fuller could write both to “rectify the errors of a mistaken friend” and to sound “the alarm of an enemy in the camp […] to unite all parties in the cause of God and the truth.”³⁴⁶ The combination of these five chapters (two on Fuller’s works and three on various theological controversies) far surpasses Ryland’s treatment of the same matters. Ryland’s historical introduction in chapter one notwithstanding, his commitment to foregrounding Fuller’s voice severely limits his memoir’s ability to de-

scriptions which epitomize romanticist travel journals, its narrative style, descriptions of events, personal reflections, records of specific locations, and explanations of local (mostly religious) customs are in keeping with the genre’s conventions. For an account of eighteenth-century travel narratives, see Jean Viviès, English Travel Narratives in the Eighteenth Century: Exploring Genres (Burlington: Routledge, 2002).  Morris, Memoirs, 156.  Morris, Memoirs, 160.  Morris, Memoirs, 262.  Morris, Memoirs, 326.

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fine and explain the origin and nature of the theological controversies with which Fuller engaged. Despite Morris’s critical distance, it is clear that he, like Ryland, shares Fuller’s theological convictions. While Morris exercises greater restraint than Ryland in inserting extended commentary on theological controversies, he nonetheless makes his judgments known—sometimes in colourful ways. Surveying the “tribe of advocates of various descriptions” which had taken up the cause of High Calvinism in response to Fuller’s controversy with John Martin (1741– 1820), Morris wryly quips that “some of them had learned to write, and others could read English; but they all helped to sound the alarm and to preserve the stump of dagon.”³⁴⁷ He later apologizes for excerpting the writing of the High Calvinist William Wales (1773 – 1826): “we hope to have the reader’s forgiveness in having for one moment exhibited such a collection of ivory, apes, and peacocks, assuring him that graver matter will speedily demand his attention.”³⁴⁸ While these occasional satirical comments secure the reader’s notice, they signal a tone distinct from Fuller’s way of engaging his theological opponents and foreground the memoir’s author rather than its subject. Morris surveys Fuller’s involvement in the same theological controversies (Sandemanianism and High Calvinism, as well as the Socinian, Universalist, and Deist controversies) addressed in Ryland’s memoir. However, Morris is generally more expansive and thorough in his treatment. For instance, while Ryland’s eighth chapter mentions Fuller’s dispute with Abraham Booth (1734– 1806), Ryland neither relates the context nor describes what was ultimately at issue. He includes a letter recounting Fuller’s conversation with Booth but does not make clear how Booth saw his own work as an attempt to chart a middle way between the High Calvinist understanding of the nature of faith and Fuller’s view. Morris helpfully notes that Booth grew concerned that Fuller and his friends “were too much attached to the sentiments of President Edwards and other American divines of later date,” fearing that their influence would undermine orthodoxy.³⁴⁹ Morris notes that Booth misunderstood both Fuller and Samuel Hopkins—a misunderstanding which was most likely grounded in a subtle prejudice against the American writers. Fuller patiently laboured to show Booth that they agreed on both the fundamental moral warrant of creaturely obedience to and love for God, and the necessity of the Spirit’s work to produce the disposition to believe. Morris highlights Fuller’s care in defending Booth to Hopkins as an “upright, godly, learned man” who was “utterly incapable” of any “unworthy design,” as well as Fuller’s freedom to disagree with Hopkins’s judgments.³⁵⁰ In each of the various controversies in which Fuller was engaged, Morris accurately and (for the most part) even-handedly describes the circumstances, the point at issue, how Fuller addressed the matter in his correspondence and his publications, and the outcome of    

Morris, Morris, Morris, Morris,

Memoirs, 303. Memoirs, 308. Memoirs, 379. Memoirs, 382– 85.

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the controversy. In this way, Morris provides a critical resource on each major controversy that is simply unmatched in Ryland’s memoir. Nevertheless, Morris pays less heed to Edwards’s impact on Fuller. Morris writes that Fuller and his connections “certainly had a very high esteem for the writings of President Edwards and others of the New-England school,” but argues that the idea “that he indiscriminately adopted the sentiments of these writers or admitted of all their reasonings is far from being true.”³⁵¹ Morris staunchly defends Fuller’s intellectual independence and distances Fuller from the influence of Edwards’s work.³⁵² Despite its influence on Fuller’s deepest theological convictions, Morris only mentions Religious Affections once, and then only to say that Fuller constantly recommended it as “delineating the genuine nature of experimental religion.”³⁵³

5.2.4 Andrew Fuller’s character The weakness of Ryland’s memoir is the consequence of his focus on displaying his subject’s spirituality by foregrounding Fuller’s voice. This approach, while influenced by Ryland’s selectivity, allows the reader to inductively form their own judgment of Fuller’s character and expects that a spiritually-minded reader will imitate that which is virtuous. Morris’s dominant narrative presence, while providing more context and greater detail, mutes Fuller’s voice and shapes the presentation of his character according to Morris’s judgement. He essentially tells his readers what is imitable and what should be rejected. This is the most significant difference between the two memoirs. Ryland does not give a discrete account of Fuller’s character. In contrast, Morris’s twenty-six-page character sketch is his final word on Fuller’s life.³⁵⁴ Before this final chapter on Fuller’s character, Morris reviews the circumstances surrounding Fuller’s final illness and death. He notes that Fuller “did not expect a long life,” even predicting that “probably he should never live to the age of three score and ten.”³⁵⁵ Like Ryland, he traces Fuller’s last illness to much earlier precursors in respiratory complaints. While the chapter is materially similar to Ryland’s ac-

 Morris, Memoirs, 383.  Morris, Memoirs, 482.  Morris, Memoirs, 478.  Morris’s description of Fuller’s character was so elegant that it was frequently mentioned in literary reviews. See Anonymous, “Review of Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Andrew Fuller, by J. W. Morris,” Magazine of the Dutch Reformed Church 1, no. 12 (March 1827), 374. In the 1884 Philadelphia edition of the Complete Works of Andrew Fuller, an unidentified editor (one later than Joseph Belcher [1794– 1859]) inserts a lengthy excerpt from Morris’s biography near the end of Andrew Gunton Fuller’s biographical memoir. The editor writes, “Perhaps this is a proper place to introduce a general view of Mr. Fuller’s person, habits, and character, which I regret my valued brother [Andrew Gunton Fuller] has not incorporated into the memoir. No one knew Mr. Fuller better than his earliest biographer, the Rev. J. W. Morris” (Fuller, Works of the Rev. Andrew Fuller: With a Memoir of His Life, ed. Joseph Belcher [Philadelphia: American Baptist Publication Society, 1884], 1:105).  Morris, Memoirs, 441.

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count, Morris pauses over a particular aspect of Fuller’s reaction to the death of John Sutcliff. Fuller remarked in a conversation: I have been thinking of what brother Sutcliffe [sic] said to me a few days before his death: “I wish I had prayed more.” So I wish that I had prayed more. I do not suppose that brother Sutcliffe meant that he wished that he had prayed more frequently, but more spiritually. I wish I had prayed more for the influence of the Holy Spirit; I might have enjoyed more of the power of vital godliness.³⁵⁶

While Morris takes little note of this statement in his narration of Fuller’s decline, it is another indicator of his evaluation of Fuller’s spirituality—one which he returns to in his sketch of Fuller’s character. Through similar excerpts and passing comments throughout the memoir, Morris crafts an impression of Fuller’s character: a rough but brilliant man who, through persistence and his own intellectual genius, raised himself up among his peers to become a leading light among Baptist ministers. Morris’s Fuller is a man of uncompromising integrity, rigorous logic, and remarkable discernment. His aggressive pursuit of truth, often involving disputes with other ministers, reinforced a Calvinistic and evangelical orthodoxy and provoked deeper theological convictions among Particular Baptists through his publications and personal network. Fuller’s capacious intellect, expansive vision, and energetic industry found their greatest outlet in his labours for the Baptist Missionary Society. In Morris’s account, while Fuller was a profoundly influential theologian, visionary, and catalyst, he also had notable deficiencies. His “unrefined nature” and ability to endure hardship “left but little room for the expressions of hospitality.”³⁵⁷ His ability to endure difficulty translated into an impatience with others who could not endure similar rigour. While emotionally stable and not unkind, his “even flow of spirits” only “border[ed] on cheerfulness.”³⁵⁸ While noting that Fuller’s “fire of original genius was constantly fed by pure and rich supplies” from the “boundless source of intelligence” found in the Scriptures, Morris expresses some disappointment that Fuller’s occupations prevented him from being more widely read.³⁵⁹ In an age of unprecedented access, Fuller’s personal library “was not much larger than John Bunyan’s” and consisted “chiefly of a scanty collection of the writings of the Puritans, and those of the New-England school.”³⁶⁰ Instead, the Bible “was his library, his treasury of knowledge and to that he repaired with ever new delight.”³⁶¹ Consistent with the shape of his memoir, Morris emphasizes Fuller’s unrivalled intellect. “The fertility of his genius,” Morris writes, “is universally acknowledged,”

     

Morris, Morris, Morris, Morris, Morris, Morris,

Memoirs, 443. Memoirs, 473. Memoirs, 473. Memoirs, 478. Memoirs, 477. Memoirs, 478.

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and such mental prowess had both benefits and liabilities.³⁶² He possessed an unparalleled ability to “improve the occurrences of life to sacred purposes,” such that his observations on nature and circumstances became the source of countless sermon illustrations.³⁶³ Contrary to any assumptions of intellectual reliance, Morris contends for Fuller’s independence of thought. He argues that Fuller’s agreement with Richard Baxter’s (1615 – 1691) thought was coincidental, since Fuller read Baxter after “he had published what others called his Baxterianism.”³⁶⁴ What is more, Morris asserts, Fuller was critical of what he later found in Baxter, noting that his writings were “tedious and crabbed in extreme.” “It is obvious enough,” Morris concludes, “that his manner of thinking and mode of expression were entirely his own; he had no models, nor did he so much as possess the power of imitation.”³⁶⁵ At the same time, Fuller’s acuity was also reflected in a wit and a flair for repartee that occasionally devolved to severe sarcasm and satire—a propensity that was “one of his besetting sins.”³⁶⁶ Morris asserts that Fuller’s “mental and moral energy” were also “evidently applied to something like misanthropy,” a disposition to “indulge the most unbounded suspicions of human nature, which in too many cases produced rashness and dogmatism in the opinion he formed of others.”³⁶⁷ Morris surmised that Fuller’s constitutional severity and his convictions regarding the “abstract doctrine of human depravity” combined to produce a critical spirit and a propensity to ill-formed judgments about others.³⁶⁸ While he was neither “churlish nor morose,” Fuller possessed a “sturdiness” which gave the appearance of “roughness and severity” to his behaviour. Morris asserts that his natural temper “was not distinguished by gentleness, meekness, affability, nor kindness”³⁶⁹ and contends that his “stern behavior” had become “rather a general subject of complaint.”³⁷⁰ These characteristics “infused into his preaching and conversation a style of malediction, neither the most favorable to usefulness nor adapted to form an amiable trait in the Christian character.”³⁷¹ Fuller’s severity was such an issue that

 Morris, Memoirs, 479.  Morris, Memoirs, 480.  Morris, Memoirs, 483.  Morris, Memoirs, 483. Morris’s characterization of Fuller is reminiscent of Hopkins on Edwards: “He took his religious principles from the Bible and not any System or Body of Divinity. Tho’ his Principles were Calvinistic, yet he called no Man, Father. He thought and judged for himself, and was truly very much of an Original” (Hopkins, Life and Character, 41).  Morris, Memoirs, 480.  Morris, Memoirs, 488.  Morris, Memoirs, 489.  Morris, Memoirs, 489.  Morris, Memoirs, 489.  Morris, Memoirs, 488.

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he could not be faithful without being severe, nor display his zeal against principles and practices which he disapproved, whether justly or not, without exceeding the restraints of ordinary prudence, and retrenching some of the duties of religion and humanity³⁷²

Morris argues that, in this way, Fuller “bore no resemblance to the examples in Scripture” in giving reproof.³⁷³ “Instead of seeking that which is broken,” Fuller’s “dispensatory contained no emollients, and he seems to have had no idea that a wound could be healed, except by the immediate application of a caustic.”³⁷⁴ In reading Morris’s critique, one cannot help but think of the tension which had arisen between himself and Fuller. Morris speaks autobiographically: He could never penetrate those shades which misrepresentation had formed around him, nor view an injured character any otherwise than through a fog, which magnified every distortion into the most hideous caricature.³⁷⁵

Morris’s harsh judgement of Fuller’s character does not comport with the sentiments expressed by many others who knew Fuller well. Instead, his assessment must be considered in the light of the devastating, ongoing relational breach between Morris, Fuller, and other pastors in the Northamptonshire Association. Morris’s impenitence and the resulting ostracism hardened his perspective on both Fuller and his former friends. He was thus prone to uncharitable judgments, writing that Fuller’s force of personality was so strong that others readily deferred to his judgement. “Mr. Fuller did not assume the dictatorship,” Morris asserts, “it was freely given him; the deference paid to his judgment decided everything and from it there was no appeal.”³⁷⁶ Morris waves away other accounts of Fuller’s character by arguing that the slavish admiration of Fuller’s friends resulted in a “timidity in examining character, the disposition to give too high a coloring to biographical sketches,” and the tendency “to confound every just distinction with indiscriminate praise.”³⁷⁷ Additionally, it is difficult to square Fuller’s earnest letter to Morris, pleading for his repentance and promising restored affection and full reconciliation, with Morris’s characterization of Fuller’s misanthropy and scepticism. However, the facet of Morris’s Fuller that stands in starkest contrast to Ryland’s depiction is his assertion that Fuller’s intellectual preoccupation resulted in a profound lack of devotional fervour. “If spirituality consists in an aptness for spiritual exercises or in the prevalence of devout affections,” Morris wrote, “in this, Mr. Fuller was not eminent.”³⁷⁸ According to Morris, Fuller’s remarks on religious matters cen-

      

Morris, Morris, Morris, Morris, Morris, Morris, Morris,

Memoirs, 490. Memoirs, 491. Memoirs, 491. Memoirs, 491. Memoirs, 488. Memoirs, 488. Memoirs, 478.

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tred on how they afforded “grounds for rational belief” rather than “any remarkable degree of spirituality” displayed in their discussion “or any immediate or successful effort to impress the heart and kindle the fire of devotion.”³⁷⁹ The absence of cordial spirituality “was the general complexion of his religious constitution.”³⁸⁰ This, Morris asserts, was the fundamental cause of “the want of adequate success” in the discharge of his pastoral ministry.³⁸¹ In essence, this assertion assaults the thesis of Ryland’s biography—that Fuller was a man in whom a love for sound doctrine resulted in a life of vibrant piety. Morris’s sketch not only stood at variance with Ryland’s, but also with those of a number of others who had strong claims to intimate knowledge of Fuller. Robert Hall, Jr., Charles Stuart, and Thomas Toller saw Fuller in countless seasons of his pastoral ministry, but they make no mention of such serious deficiencies. Soon after news of Fuller’s death reached India in the autumn of 1815, William Ward preached a “funeral sermon” in his honour. Ward’s earlier political activism had been a dangerous liability for English Baptists, but Fuller had patiently counselled the young man to maturity and eventually into a placement with the BMS. Despite Ward’s first missteps in foreign service, Fuller had remained confident in his character and utility, writing to him with both warmth and firmness. In his funeral sermon, Ward described Fuller’s spirituality as “a most fervent and solid piety,” which was “equally removed from irrational enthusiasm and irrational torpidity.”³⁸² He continued, Nothing was more apparent in him than that he was a man whose whole soul was imbued with the spirit of devotion, and in whom the whole word of God dwelt richly. His public and family exercises of devotion afforded “times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord” and his public discourses as well as his writings show that he was a scribe well-instructed not only in the letter of scripture, but that he had profoundly studied its doctrines and precepts, the tendency of its history and its characters, and above all had drank [sic] deeply of those wells of salvation which sanctify the soul and prepare it for a perfect state.³⁸³

The question remains as to why Morris’s depiction of Fuller was such a contrast to those of Fuller’s other biographers. Was it a result of a deeper intimacy with Fuller and a broader exposure to his daily life? This is unlikely, not least given their long separation during the final decade of Fuller’s life. Was Morris simply a more objective biographer? Did his strained relationship with Fuller permit a clearer assessment of Fuller’s weaknesses? While Morris contends for the necessity of including even Fuller’s most painful and embarrassing errors, since “truth, justice, honour, and impartiality […] imperiously demand it,” his anger and resentment over the protracted ten-

 Morris, Memoirs, 479.  Morris, Memoirs, 479.  Morris, Memoirs, 479.  William Ward, A Sketch of the Character of the Late Andrew Fuller in a Sermon Preached at the Lal Bazar Chapel, Calcutta, on Lord’s Day October 1, 1815 (Bristol: J. G. Fuller, 1817), 9.  Ward, Sketch of the Character, 10.

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sion in their friendship is never far from the surface.³⁸⁴ He is quick to magnify Fuller’s shortcomings, but finds very little virtue to imitate. Ryland is not averse to presenting Fuller’s weaknesses and frequently uses Fuller’s own self-assessment to do so. He also contends that critical evaluation of spiritual life is a characteristic of true friendship—and that both he and Fuller made a practice of commending virtue and condemning sin in each other’s lives. However, Ryland argues that public criticism must be bounded by biblical constraints: If I knew of his making a golden calf, or in any degree countenancing idolatry, I would acknowledge and reprobate his conduct; or if I knew of his denying his Lord three times over, or even once only, I would both own and lament it. But the sacred writers, though they recorded every material fact impartially, yet did not needlessly repeat and exaggerate the imperfections of upright men, nor aim to show their own acumen in nicely criticising their characters: their impartiality was real, but not ostentatious.³⁸⁵

For this reason, Ryland took strong issue with Morris’s particular assessment of Fuller’s character: Luke entered into no discussion of the controversy between Paul and Barnabas, though he had full opportunity of knowing one side of the story, and that from far the greatest man of the two: and, as I am not divinely inspired to distinguish accurately who was right and who was wrong, wherein Mr. Fuller was separated from some who once had a share in his friendship, and from whom he thought it his duty to withdraw it; I shall leave them to write of his faults, who refused to acknowledge any of their own. Though I may have strong grounds for an opinion on that subject, yet I am not eager to show them. I leave such things to an infallible Judge.³⁸⁶

While bitterness and wistfulness pervade Morris’s character sketch, the dominant note in his memoir is Fuller’s remarkable genius and his important intellectual and missionary legacy. Morris’s style and approach, however, do suggest a strong ambition—a desire, perhaps, to trade on Fuller’s celebrity through a landmark literary biography. Such a motive seemed apparent to William Carey some years later. In a letter to his sisters in October of 1831, Carey expressed deep concern over Morris’s eagerness to present Carey as a celebrity missionary: Dear Morris wrote to me for letters and other documents to assist him in writing memoirs of me after my death, but there was a spirit in his letter which I must disapprove. I therefore told him so in my reply, and absolutely refused to send anything. Indeed, I have no wish that anyone should write or say anything about me; let my memorial sleep with my body in the dust and at the last great day all the good or evil which belongs to my character will be fully known.³⁸⁷

   

Morris, Memoirs, 493. Ryland, Work of Faith, 560. Ryland, Work of Faith, 560. Earnest A. Payne, “A Carey Letter of 1831,” Baptist Quarterly 9, no. 4 (October 1938): 240.

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5.2.5 Reception A reviewer captured the surprise many felt when Morris’s memoir appeared: The family of the departed immediately announced that arrangements were made, by which a Memoir would be given to the world by Mr. Fuller’s most intimate friend, the Rev. Dr. Ryland of Bristol. This produced high expectations. But before the publication of this work could possibly take place, The Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Andrew Fuller, Late Pastor of the Baptist Church at Kettering, Etc. Etc. By J. W. Morris, appeared from the press.³⁸⁸

Many reviews lauded Morris’s work. The New Evangelical Magazine and Theological Review concluded that Morris had “produced one of the most finished pieces of individual biography that is to be found in the English language,” a work they judged, “if we are not egregiously mistaken, will stand the test of ages.”³⁸⁹ The Eclectic Review agreed that Morris’s review of Fuller’s works displayed an exceptional “sagacity […] in seizing and unfolding the point at issue,” which “could be acquired only by great familiarity with the subjects in debate.”³⁹⁰ Morris’s writing indisputably possessed a “positive beauty and force of diction,” which reminded some reviewers of the landmark literary biographies of Samuel Johnson.³⁹¹ Rufus Babcock (1798 – 1875) noted in the preface to the first American edition of Morris’s work, however, that the “more judicious and discriminating […] have earnestly desired a more striking delineation of those powers of mind and habits of life” than Ryland had provided.³⁹² When comparing Morris’s and Ryland’s works, the American Baptist Magazine captured a common sentiment: “It has been said of these two volumes, that Morris gives his readers the intellect of Fuller, while Ryland presents you with his heart.”³⁹³ Morris is concerned with showing a great man—a man, Ryland asserts, who is already sufficiently well known by his works. Morris largely affirms the familiar picture of Fuller—intelligent, strong-willed, driven, and theologically precise; a  Review of Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Andrew Fuller, by J. W. Morris, American Baptist Magazine 10, no. 10 (October 1830): 303. The review references the advertisement announcing a new collection of Fuller’s Works, of which Ryland’s Memoir was to be published separately. See John G. Fuller and John Ryland, “Proposal for Publishing by Subscription: The Works of Andrew Fuller” (J. G. Fuller, 1815), Special Collections, Fuller Baptist Church, Kettering.  Review of Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Andrew Fuller, by J. W. Morris, The New Evangelical Magazine and Theological Review 2 (March 1816): 93.  Review of Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Andrew Fuller, by J. W. Morris, The Eclectic Review 5 (May 1816): 491.  Review of Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Andrew Fuller, by J. W. Morris, The New Evangelical Magazine and Theological Review 2 (March 1816): 89; Review of Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Andrew Fuller, by J. W. Morris, American Baptist Magazine 10, no. 10 (October 1830): 307.  J. W. Morris, Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Andrew Fuller, ed. Rufus Babcock, Jr. (Boston: Lincoln & Edmands, 1830), iv.  Review of Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Andrew Fuller, by J. W. Morris, American Baptist Magazine 10, no. 10 (October 1830): 303.

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controversialist whose love for truth pressed him into service in multiple religious controversies; an able organizer and indefatigable supporter of the work of foreign missions. Ryland is concerned to show the sides of Fuller not likely to be seen in the public eye: his awareness of his own inadequacy, his watch-care over his heart, his sincere affection for his congregants, his abiding and tender love for family and relations, his earnest longing for the salvation of the lost, and his delight in the beauty and glory of God. Reviewers zeroed in on their starkly different approaches. Some found Morris’s failure to include Fuller’s voice a significant weakness: “Mr. Morris’s materials for the personal Memoir of his once intimate and interesting friend, were obviously very scanty. His narrative is well managed; but much remains to be supplied in this department.”³⁹⁴ Others found that “the excellent doctor” excerpted Fuller “more copiously than good taste will justify,” and without regard to “the use to which [Fuller’s diary] was originally destined as the repository of secret thoughts.”³⁹⁵ While Ryland’s documentary style and thematic organization constituted a deliberate strategy, it also left “the history of Mr. Fuller in some degree of obscurity.”³⁹⁶ Neither did the “marks of haste,” whether caused by Morris’s rival volume or the new responsibilities occasioned by Fuller’s death, go unnoticed by readers.³⁹⁷ In terms of literary features, Ryland’s volume was simply eclipsed by Morris’s memoir. Soon after the release of his revised edition in 1826, the New Baptist Magazine wrote, In everything relating to literary workmanship, Mr. Morris has undoubtedly won the palm. Respecting the truth of this assertion there can be scarcely a question. He has arranged his plan with judgment, condensed his material with skill, and expressed his ideas with uniform neatness and vigour. His narrative is perspicuous and lively, and in pourtraying [sic] character, he shews extraordinary power.³⁹⁸

The magazine concluded: “if asked which of the two limners has furnished the most accurate likeness […] we must give preference to the less flattering, but more finished delineation of Mr. Morris.”³⁹⁹ For many reviewers, however, the representation of Fuller’s character was of greatest concern. While some lauded Morris’s criticism of Fuller as “a bold exposure of what he considers to be error even in his own friends,” others regarded it as pos Review of Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Andrew Fuller, The Eclectic Review: 491.  Review of Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Andrew Fuller, rev. ed., by J. W. Morris, New Baptist Magazine 2, no. 23 (October 1826): 390.  Review of Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Andrew Fuller, rev. ed., New Baptist Magazine: 390.  Review of Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Andrew Fuller, rev. ed., New Baptist Magazine: 390.  Review of Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Andrew Fuller, rev. ed., New Baptist Magazine: 389.  Review of Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Andrew Fuller, rev. ed., New Baptist Magazine: 389.

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sessing “a spirit and temper which we no means admire.”⁴⁰⁰ Ryland’s and Hall’s fears that Morris’s bitter impenitence would result in a skewed depiction of Fuller were confirmed by reviewers. The Eclectic Review rebuked Morris for the vindictive way he presented Fuller’s “severer virtues”: We cannot part with Mr. Morris, without admonishing him on the voluntary peril to which he has exposed himself in undertaking to write the memoirs of a man, “whose misjudging and misguided conduct tended to inflict upon him an irreparable injury” […] But the exposure of those severer virtues, was a task gratuitously undertaken by Mr. Morris, and we have regretted in our perusal of his volume, to observe too often the indications of a smothered resentment. Perhaps it was too much to expect, that under all the circumstances of the case, Mr. Morris should entirely divest his narrative of personal feeling and personal allusion. He supposes himself to have been deeply wronged, and in his zeal to be accounted an impartial biographer, he is not unmindful of the wounded man. We, of course, are perfect strangers to the grounds of those dissensions which separated him from the subject of these Memoirs, whose death we all deplore; but we cannot forbear to remind him, that there is probably as much guilt in the impenitent pride which scorns to say I have sinned, as in the want of a chastised courtesy of manner, or a tender consideration of human frailty.⁴⁰¹

By contrast, Ryland’s depiction of Fuller brought “satisfaction and delight” to readers.⁴⁰² Not all were convinced that its style was an inherent weakness. The Eclectic Review’s assessment of the 1818 edition argued that Ryland “has certainly succeeded in giving a real, vivid, expanded representation of the man, by means of bringing into confirmation a multiplicity of smaller and larger fragments in which [Fuller] had […] so forcibly and characteristically displayed himself.”⁴⁰³ Timothy Edwards, Jr. (1774– 1851) wrote to Ryland on January 17, 1819, informing Ryland that he had read the memoir and was “much affected with Mr. Fuller’s life.”⁴⁰⁴ In reviewing the complete Works of Andrew Fuller, of which Ryland’s memoir served as the first volume, the London Christian Instructor wrote,  Review of Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Andrew Fuller, by J. W. Morris, The Monthly Repository of Theology and General Literature 11, no. 124 (April 1816): 235; Review of The Work of Faith, the Labour of Love, and the Patience of Hope, Illustrated in the Life of the Rev. Andrew Fuller, by John Ryland, The Evangelical Magazine and Missionary Chronicle 26 (February 1818): 68. The New Evangelical Magazine and Theological Review concluded that Morris’s sketch was the most accurate account of Fuller’s character yet published: “we ourselves have no doubt of the fidelity of the picture which [Morris] has drawn, nor will there be any wisdom in those who dispute it, challenging the proof” (Review of Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Andrew Fuller, by J. W. Morris, The New Evangelical Magazine and Theological Review 2 [March 1816]: 92).  Review of Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Andrew Fuller, The Eclectic Review: 491.  Review of The Work of Faith, the Labour of Love, and the Patience of Hope, Illustrated in the Life of the Rev. Andrew Fuller, by John Ryland, The Evangelical Magazine and Missionary Chronicle 26 (February 1818): 68.  Review of The Work of Faith, the Labour of Love, and the Patience of Hope, Illustrated in the Life of the Rev. Andrew Fuller, by John Ryland, The Eclectic Review 9 (February 1818): 185.  Timothy Edwards, Jr. to John Ryland, January 27, 1819, Letters from the Edwards Family to John Ryland, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University, New Haven.

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Of Dr. Ryland’s Memoir, public approbation has rendered it unnecessary for us to say anything by way of recommendation. It is rather deficient in analysis and criticism, but it presents as complete a picture as can be desired, if not of the intellectual habits, of the social and spiritual character of Andrew Fuller.⁴⁰⁵

The Eclectic Review asserted that Ryland’s presentation of Fuller’s personal spirituality illuminated the pious dimensions of the “rougher” qualities for which Fuller was widely known: The ample manifestation here made of his possessing so much of the softer qualities, when taken, as they ought to be, into the account of those rougher ones, will strongly tend to show that, in all probable justice of estimate, there was in many of these exhibitions of these latter ones [bluntness, inflexibility, and even sternness], something better than the mere indulgence of natural disposition—that there was a principle of honest, resolute integrity, an unyielding sense of the right, not seldom a conscientious prompting of duty. We must even acknowledge, that our own previous impressions of his character have been considerably modified by reading the present work.⁴⁰⁶

In the end, the memoirs accomplished their respective aims. Ryland’s zeal to “promote pure and undefiled religion” by “showing what manner of man” Fuller was and “exciting others to follow him so far as he followed Christ” was reflected in the Eclectic Review’s concluding remarks: Taking comprehensively the display here presented of the ardent, disinterested, indefatigable zeal, for the promotion, in every way, of the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour, we own we should greatly envy the reader who has a right to close the book without some very mortifying feelings of self-reproach. And that it is eminently adapted to make this impression, may be a strong testimony to the judgment and the spirit with which it is written and compiled, and a promise, we hope, of its extensive utility.⁴⁰⁷

Morris’s memoir became a landmark, albeit in a lower literary orbit than the one to which he aspired. In fact, Morris would go on to have a prolific career in writing and publishing. He published a second edition of Fuller’s Memoirs in 1826, as well as a collection of Fuller’s writings in the same year.⁴⁰⁸ In the following years, he published a two-volume History of the Christian Church from the Apostolic Age to the Times of Wycliffe the Reformer (1827) and edited both an abridgment of William Gurnall’s (1616 – 1679) Spiritual Warfare and The Complete Works of Robert Hall in 1828. By 1833, he had completed Biographical Recollections of the Rev. Robert Hall, A.M.

 Review of Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Andrew Fuller, by J. W. Morris, The London Christian Instructor or Congregational Magazine 7, no. 84 (December 1824): 648.  Foster and Ryland, Critical Essays, 2:410.  Foster and Ryland, Critical Essays, 2:411.  Most of the pieces in this collection were articles Fuller contributed to Morris’s Biblical Magazine. Morris notes that some of them were “unceremoniously” included in Ryland and J. G. Fuller’s Works of Andrew Fuller (Morris, Miscellaneous Pieces, x).

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and a biography of the Scriptures entitled Sacred Biography, Forming a Connected History of the Old and New Testament. ⁴⁰⁹ While evidence of his resentment persists in his later works, by the end of his life he had at least outrun the financial troubles that dogged the first decade of his career.

6 Conclusion While the two memoirs do not present materially different images of the same man, the contrast is nevertheless significant. Morris’s narrative is unique in the way it highlights unflattering aspects of Fuller’s character alongside his indefatigable zeal, powerful intellect, and uncompromising commitment to the truth of the Gospel. While Morris’s emphasis on Fuller’s “shades” may be disproportionate and even unfair, this does not constitute the sum total of his assessment. Ryland’s portrait is more indulgent of Fuller’s virtues. Yet there is strong reason to believe that Ryland took the chastening remark in Robert Hall, Jr.’s October 1815 letter into consideration prior to publishing the memoir. Ryland’s comments on Fuller’s character in the preface and in chapter ten portray Ryland’s sensitivity to the charge of only showing Fuller’s “lights.” Nevertheless, while he knew Fuller’s faults, he was cautious to “not needlessly expose them.”⁴¹⁰ Rather than making cursory judgments, Ryland uses Fuller’s personal writings to illustrate his friend’s uprightness and his practice of acknowledging sin and pursuing growth in areas of weakness.⁴¹¹ In the final analysis, Robert Hall’s hopeful expectation was also prophetic. Undoubtedly, generations of readers possess a “juster idea” of Fuller’s character as a result of Morris’s and Ryland’s complementary biographies.

 Perkins and Lauer, “Morris, John Webster,” 285.  Morris, Memoirs, 559.  For example, Ryland excerpts a letter from January of 1813, in which Fuller writes, “If I know a little of your blind side, you know as much or more of mine. I hope we shall get on together, and see reason to love and warn each other, as occasion requires. I wish to shun all strife, but what cannot, in justice, be avoided” (Ryland, Work of Faith, 409).

Notes on the text 1. All spelling has been regularized and conformed to that of the Webster’s Third New International Dictionary, a step that does not involve much more than utilizing compound words in place of stand-alone or hyphenated combinations (e. g., “today” instead of “to-day” or “anything” instead of “any thing”). Abbreviations such as ampersands have been spelled out, though spoken contractions have been retained. While it was common in the eighteenth century to use “it’s” as the possessive form, all possessives have been rendered “its” in the text. Capitalization has been standardized and punctuation modernized without substantively altering the sentence structures used by Ryland or Fuller. 2. Several formatting adjustments have also been made. While taking Ryland’s format into account, letters, journal entries, and dialogue have been set so that they are easier to read. Except for instances in Fuller’s letters or journal entries, the liberal use of italic typeface has been eliminated. Double quotation marks as paragraph markers have been removed, numbered lists have been reformatted for clarity, and scriptural references have been standardized and changed from Roman to Arabic numbering. Single quotation marks have been changed to double quotation marks. Obvious typographical errors have also been corrected. 3. Where an unattributed quotation of Scripture is included in Ryland’s narrative or in his quotation of Fuller, the reference has been provided in a footnote. Quotations provided by Ryland from the Bible and other secondary sources are printed verbatim ac literatim. 4. Ryland’s original footnotes have been designated with his name in square brackets [Ryland] after the note. This critical edition is based on the revised London edition published by Button & Son and printed by J. G. Fuller in 1818. Changes from the 1816 edition are referenced in footnotes with 1816 in square brackets [1816]. 5. As Fuller’s closest friend, Ryland had unrestricted access to the former’s papers. Ryland’s biography, while selective, makes extensive use of Fuller’s wide-ranging correspondence as well as the personal letters the two shared over decades of friendship. Doubtless aware of how his close friendship with Fuller could prejudice his account, Ryland prefaces the volume by committing to give “a faithful representation” of his “dear departed brother’s” life. While Ryland’s use of Fuller’s papers is necessarily selective, the account is replete with extended excerpts, and occasionally entire letters. As is common among eighteenth- and nineteenth-century biographers, Ryland makes editorial changes to Fuller’s diary entries and correspondence, altering spelling and punctuation, deleting names, annotating quotations, and occasionally omitting portions that revealed information Ryland felt would be inappropriate for https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110634778-005

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general consumption. No effort has been made in this volume to compare the excerpts from Fuller’s correspondence with the extant copies held in various archives. A forthcoming critical edition of Fuller’s correspondence will take that task in hand. Additionally, the sole surviving volume of Fuller’s diary (entries between January 1780 and June 1801), which Ryland extensively excerpts beginning in chapter three, has been transcribed and annotated in Volume I: The Diary of Andrew Fuller, 1780 – 1801 (The Complete Works of Andrew Fuller 1; Berlin/Boston: De Gruyter, 2016).

The Work of Faith, the Labour of Love, And the Patience of Hope, Illustrated In the Life and Death Of the Rev. Andrew Fuller Late Pastor of the Baptist Church at Kettering And Secretary to the Baptist Missionary Society From its Commencement in 1792 Second Edition, with Corrections and Additions Chiefly Extracted from His Own Papers By John Ryland, D.D. London: Button & Son, Paternoster Row, 1818 Printed by J. G. Fuller, Bristol

https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110634778-006

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Preface Expecting very shortly to have all my springs of action examined at the tribunal of an impartial judge, I do not hesitate to profess that I have undertaken this office of giving a faithful representation of my dear departed brother’s life, not under the influence of any wish to display my skill as a writer of biography, nor yet to appear as a critic on his publications; but with the hope of promoting pure and undefiled religion, founded on truly scriptural and evangelical principles and, also, with a desire of securing to the family of my beloved friend the profits which may result from laying this sketch of his history before the public. Had I been able to persuade anyone who could do more justice to his character to have undertaken the service, I would have gladly resigned my office; trusting that the talents of the writer would have added to the usefulness of the publication; while I should willingly have subserved the undertaking, without being known to have had a share in the compilation. But, not being able to prevail in this request, I was unwilling that the public should suffer loss by the suppression of the valuable materials which had been put into my hands; or that the pecuniary advantage, resulting from their being committed to the press, should be transferred from the afflicted family— whose right it is—to any other person. My avocations, however, were too numerous to admit of my attempting to anticipate another publication, a great part of which had evidently been prepared beforehand, consisting chiefly of a review of his works.¹ And I should, indeed, have rejoiced to secure much more leisure to revise and improve this narrative than, after all this delay, I have found it possible to obtain: though my highest ambition is, like the biographer of David Brainerd, to show what manner of man my friend was and to excite others to follow him so far as he followed Christ.² Most of our common acquaintance are well aware that I was his oldest and most intimate friend; and though my removal to Bristol, above twenty years ago, placed us at a distance from each other, yet a constant correspondence was all along maintained; and, to me at least, it seemed a tedious interval if more than a fortnight elapsed without my receiving a letter from him. I always considered him, brother Sutcliff, and myself, as more closely united to each other than either of us were to anyone else.³ No one of those that grew up with  See Morris, Memoirs.  David Brainerd attended Yale College and, after his controversial expulsion, was a Presbyterian missionary to the Delaware Indians with the Scottish Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge. While Brainerd’s success among the indigenous tribes was limited, his piety became exemplary for many evangelicals through the publication of his diary by the New England pastor and theologian, Jonathan Edwards. As mentioned in the introduction to this volume, Edwards’s biographical account of Brainerd’s life had a profound influence on evangelical piety and missionary efforts in the subsequent centuries.  I do not forget the ardent friendship we all bore to the excellent and amiable Pearce; but this commenced fifteen years later and was interrupted by death, fifteen years sooner, than our acquaintance with each other. [Ryland]. Samuel Pearce (1766 – 1799) studied at the Baptist Academy at Bristol and

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me in the work of the Lord had an higher share in my esteem than Mr. Fuller; and the task he assigned me at his death is some evidence that I did not impose upon myself, in supposing I possessed a peculiar interest in his friendship. But, as I affirmed at his funeral, so I again avow my persuasion, that our intimate friendship did not blind either of us to the defects or faults of the other; but rather showed itself in the freedom of affectionate remark on whatever appeared to be wrong. I know but one religious subject on which there was any material difference of judgment between us; and, on that point, I repeatedly expressed myself more freely and strongly to him than I did to any man in England; yet without giving him offence. His natural temper might occasionally lead him to indulge too much severity, especially if it were provoked by the appearance of vanity or conceit. But to the modest and diffident, I never knew him otherwise than tender. He was not a man, however, to be brow-beaten and overborne, when satisfied of the goodness of his cause; nor could he be easily imposed upon by anyone. In January 1815, I thought I had some occasion for urging him to take care lest he should be too much provoked. He replied, “I know something of my own temper and thank you for all your cautions. It has some advantages, and some temptations.” It has been conceived that he was in danger of thinking too favourably of anyone who appeared to embrace the whole of his religious sentiments. It might be so. But let what he has said at the close of his fourth letter,⁴ respecting the difference between principles and opinions, be considered. Will not this be found a correction of such a mistake? I believe, if he formerly verged towards an error of this kind, it was chiefly occasioned by the deep sense he had in his own experience, of the humbling and holy tendency of his principles. Hence, he might be too ready to suppose that everyone who seemed to enter thoroughly into them, would necessarily be subject to the same sanctifying influence. Some of his friends, I am aware, have suspected that the experience of progressive years had not greatly altered his propensity to think the less of a man for not entering into the minuter parts of his system. He certainly had taken a long while to settle his own judgment on some points of very considerable importance: he should, therefore, not have forgotten, if he now walked in the midst of the paths

was ordained as the pastor of Cannon Street Baptist Church in Birmingham in 1790—an event at which Andrew Fuller, Robert Hall, Sr. (1728 – 1791), and John Ryland were present. Pearce preached the ordination service for William Carey (1761– 1834) in 1791 and was one of the founding members of the Baptist Missionary Society, which was formed on October 2 of the following year. Disappointed in his hope to be appointed for missionary service in India, Pearce zealously laboured for the interests of the society until his death in 1799. John Sutcliff (1752– 1814) also received his training at the Bristol Baptist Academy and, from 1775 until his death, served the Baptist church at Olney. Like Fuller and Ryland, Sutcliff was deeply influenced by the writings of Jonathan Edwards—ultimately suggesting that Edwards’s Humble Attempt be reprinted and circulated among churches in the Baptist association as a call to prayer for “the success of the gospel.” Sutcliff was also one of the founders of the Baptist Missionary Society in 1792.  See Chapter 2, p. 113. [Ryland].

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of judgment, that a man who had wandered a little on the left side of the narrow way, might be as long in getting exactly into the proper track, as he himself had been in finding his way out of a thicket on the right hand. Yet, in this respect also, I cannot forbear referring to the same passage as expressive of genuine candour, and those who thought they had most room for complaint on this head have acknowledged that “he did everything conscientiously.” A much higher delineation of my friend’s character than I ever attempted, which I could not have drawn with equal eloquence though I fully believe it to be just, I shall here subjoin; and this may suffice to excuse me for writing these Memoirs without any panegyric of my own. I cannot refrain from expressing, in a few words, the sentiments of affectionate veneration with which I always regarded that excellent person while living, and cherish his memory now that he is no more; a man whose sagacity enabled him to penetrate to the depths of every subject he explored, whose conceptions were so powerful and luminous, that what was recondite and original appeared familiar; what was intricate, easy and perspicuous in his hands; equally successful in enforcing the practical, in stating the theoretical, and discussing the polemical branches of theology: without the advantages of early education, he rose to high distinction among the religious writers of his day, and, in the midst of a most active and laborious life, left monuments of his piety and genius which will survive to distant posterity. Were I making his eulogium, I should necessarily dwell on the spotless integrity of his private life, his fidelity in friendship, his neglect of self-interest, his ardent attachment to truth, and especially the series of unceasing labours and exertions in superintending the mission to India, to which he most probably fell a victim. He had nothing feeble or indecisive in his character; but to every undertaking in which he engaged, he brought all the powers of his understanding, all the energies of his heart; and, if he were less distinguished by the comprehension, than the acumen and solidity of his thoughts; less eminent for the gentler graces, than for stern integrity and native grandeur of mind, we have only to remember the necessary limitation of human excellence. While he endeared himself to his denomination by a long course of most useful labour, by his excellent works on the Socinian and Deistical controversies, as well as his devotion to the cause of missions, he laid the world under lasting obligations.⁵ If any testimony of respect need be added after the preceding quotation from one of his own denomination, it shall be one as honourable to the candour of the speaker,

 See John Ryland, Pastoral Memorials Selected from the Manuscripts of the Late Rev. John Ryland D.D. of Bristol with a Memoir of the Author in Two Volumes, vol. 2 (London: B. J. Holdsworth, 1828), 414– 22; WRH, 3:5.

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as it was to the character of my departed brother. A Paedobaptist minister in Scotland, at a numerous assembly convened at Glasgow, for the sake of forming a society in aid of the Baptist Mission, in the beginning of last October, expressed a wish, with which the universal feeling of all present seemed to be in unison, “Would to God that every Brahman in India was altogether such a man as Brother Fuller or Brother Carey!” Nor did Dr. Balfour, Mr. Wardlaw, and Dr. Chalmers⁶ appear less disposed to testify their respect to our late invaluable Secretary, than Mr. Greville Ewing.⁷ As Dr. Stuart, who drew up the sketch of Mr. Fuller’s life, inserted in the Christian Herald (and copied by Mr. M.), has assured me, that he gave no offence by adding to it the following extract, which I had sent him, from a letter I received soon after Mr. Fuller’s death, I need not scruple to insert it myself: But all this time, I have been thinking of our departed friend, for ours, not yours, I must term him; at least, it will go ill with me, and with anyone who does not belong to that blessed society to which he belongs. There is a part of his work, The Gospel Its Own Witness, which is enough to warm the coldest heart.⁸  Mr. Chalmers [1816].  Though a native of Edinburgh, Robert Balfour, D.D. (1740 – 1818) ministered for forty-four years in Glasgow, Scotland and was one of the founding members of the Glasgow Missionary Society (1796). Like Balfour, Greville Ewing, originally a minister in the Church of Scotland, took an active role in the development of mission societies, helping to found the Edinburgh Missions Society in 1796 and serving as its first secretary. In 1799, Ewing became a Congregationalist minister and, in partnership with Ralph Wardlaw (1779 – 1853), aided in the development of home missions and Congregationalism in Scotland. Ewing was also an enthusiastic supporter of Andrew Fuller and the Baptist Missionary Society, collecting subscriptions for the Serampore mission. Ewing also closely collaborated with the Congregationalist pastor and philanthropist Robert Haldane (and his brother, James) in the development of several Independent congregations. Their relationship became strained in 1810, however, when Robert Haldane sought to remove his financial interest from the Tabernacle by selling the building at a discount and turning over Ewing’s living to his congregation. As noted in chapter 7 (below), Ryland makes several significant editorial changes to the second (1818) edition of his biography after meeting with Robert Haldane in July of 1816. Thomas Chalmers (1780 – 1847) was educated at the University of St. Andrews and entered into ministry in the Church of Scotland in Kilmany, Fifeshire in 1802. While recuperating from a serious illness in 1811, Chalmers experienced an evangelical conversion, becoming a zealous supporter of missionary societies and transforming his approach to parish ministry. Fuller’s visit to Kilmany and his stay with Chalmers from August 4– 6, 1813 had deep impact on the younger minister, and he felt “greatly honoured by harbouring him.” Though Fuller would not live to see Chalmers take the pulpit at Tron Church in Glasgow, he anticipated Chalmers’s future influence: “I saw in my dear friend Chalmers a mind susceptible of strong impressions, a capacity of communicating them to others, a thirst for knowledge, an openness to conviction, and a zeal for the promotion of the kingdom of Christ” (William Hannah, Memoirs of The Life and Writings of Thomas Chalmers, D.D. LL.D. [Edinburgh: Sutherland and Knox,1849], 1:336 – 337).  Charles Stuart, “A Short Memoir of the Late Mr. Andrew Fuller,” The Christian Herald (June 1815): 1. Charles Stuart, a Baptist pastor in Edinburgh, was a frequent host and travelling companion to Fuller during his trips to Scotland for the BMS. The “Mr. M.” Ryland mentions here is John Webster Morris (1763 – 1836), who also pre-empted Ryland’s publication, issuing his biography only shortly before Ry-

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I conclude this preface with the entry on the minutes of the Committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society, dated May 22, 1815. This Committee learned, with deep regret, the decease of the late Rev. Andrew Fuller, Secretary to the Baptist Missionary Society; and, impressed with a sense of the valuable services rendered by that excellent individual, in promoting the translation and publication of the Sacred Scriptures in the East, desire to unite their condolence on this afflictive event with those of their Baptist brethren, to whom he was more particularly allied, and of the Christian world, by whom his memory will deserve to be held in affectionate and grateful veneration. To this testimony of the most respectable Christian Senator in the British Parliament, and the most respectable Christian Society in the world, I add nothing but my fervent prayers, for his surviving widow, and all his children and family; that his God may be their God, guardian, guide, and portion forever. Amen! John Ryland Bristol, January 29, 1816 P. S. In this new edition, I have rectified two or three mistakes, which I had inadvertently made in the former, and have left out a few particulars of less importance to make room for some interesting additions; especially part of a letter to his eldest son (369), a further account of Mr. Coles (361), and of Mr. Fuller’s second daughter, Sarah, who died since her father’s decease (371), with a letter to a friend, respecting impressions of texts of Scripture on the mind (421). A few paragraphs have also been transposed and a smaller type has been used for the sake of reducing the price. January 1, 1818.

land’s went to press in 1816 (see J. W. Morris, Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Andrew Fuller [London: T. Hamilton, 1816]). Ryland read Morris’s memoir, but perhaps too late to make any substantive changes prior to the publication of his own. Numerous periodicals later used Morris’s narrative and character sketch, which were easier to adapt to the short form. It is notable, however, that Fuller’s grandson, Andrew Gunton Fuller, uses Ryland’s memoir rather than Morris’s in his biographical account (Andrew Fuller, The Complete Works of the Rev. Andrew Fuller: With a Memoir of His Life, ed. Andrew Gunton Fuller [Boston: Gould, Kendall and Lincoln, 1836]).

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Chapter 1 A History of English Baptists Mr. Fuller having been brought up among the Particular Baptists, in which religious connection he rose to eminent respectability and usefulness, it may be proper to prefix, to the narrative of his life and labors, a brief account of the principles held by that denomination of Christians, and of the state of religion among them, at the time of his entering on the work of the ministry. The Baptists take their name from the ordinance of baptism, in respect of which they are concerned to adhere to the primitive institution of Jesus Christ, from which they conceive Christians of other denominations have deviated. I simply mention this, as not knowing into what hands this publication may fall. If any reader wishes to know the reasons of our judgment on this subject, I would refer him to a late publication of my own.⁹ We wish others to search the Scriptures carefully, and judge for themselves, and desire to love all that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, whether they think with us on this point or not. As to church government the Baptists have almost-universally coincided in opinion and practice with the Independents, considering every separate congregation as authorized to choose its own elders and admitting or excluding members by the vote of the whole church. In several parts of the kingdom they have long had associations of churches; to the annual meeting of whose ministers and messengers, letters are sent giving information of the state of every church, while a general letter from each association is usually printed and circulated through all its churches. If any church were to dishonor the gospel by tolerating fundamental errors or scandalous disorder in its members, the association would refuse to acknowledge that church as belonging to their body. I have known very salutary effects to follow from the association threatening to withdraw from a church if they did not impartially attend to gospel discipline. The Northamptonshire and Leicestershire Association, of which Mr. Fuller was so long a distinguished member, was first planned at Kettering in October 1764. A letter was written from the same place at their first meeting in May 1765. Their first printed

 A Candid Statement of the Reasons Which Induce the Baptists to Differ, in Opinion and Practice from So Many of Their Christian Brethren. [Ryland]. Ryland’s Candid Statement (1814) reflects his remarkable catholic spirit: “I think I can safely affirm that I have ever endeavored to promote a spirit of unfeigned love towards all real Christians, and I believe most of my brethren are like-minded. Strange would it be, if an agreement with our Episcopalian brethren, in six and thirty articles, except two sentences, should not have more effect to unite us, than a disagreement on three articles and two clauses could have to divide us” (Ryland, A Candid Statement of the Reasons Which Induce the Baptists to Differ in Opinion and Practice from So Many of Their Christian Brethren. [London: Button & Son, 1814], x).

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letter was sent from Olney in 1766, written by Mr. Moses Deacon.¹⁰ In this, the churches are not named, but in 1767 the Association consisted of eight churches. In 1815, it contained thirty-one. The Western Baptist Association had its rise much earlier and was, for many years, kept up by the Baptists as such without any regard to their different principles in other respects. The consequence of this was their annual meetings were found to be rather pernicious than useful, as there was scarcely a meeting of the kind but some unhappy differences arose between the Calvinistic and Arminian ministers. In the year 1731, this annual meeting was to have been held at Tiverton; but an awful fire, about that time, which consumed most of the town, prevented it. The next year, it was not revived; but, in the following year, an invitation was sent to the respective churches, by the church in Broadmead, Bristol, desiring them to renew their annual meeting, upon the foot of their agreement in the Confession of Faith set forth by the Assembly of Particular Baptists, held in London, in 1689.¹¹ Accordingly, a meeting was held in Broadmead on May 17, 1733, when Mr. Joseph Stennett,¹² of Exeter, preached from Phil. 1:27, latter part. There were messengers or letters from twenty-four churches. The Rev. Bernard Foskett was then pastor, and Edward Harrison minister, at Broadmead; and the Rev. John Beddome and William Bazely were pastors at the Pithay.¹³ There are now sixty-eight churches in this association.

 Moses Deacon (1701– 1773) was the minister of the Baptist church in Walgrave from ca. 1732– 1773 and was one of the six ministers who founded the Northamptonshire Association in 1764. Deacon had been present at the ordination of John Collett Ryland (1723 – 1792) in 1760, and in 1770 he filled the pulpit of the Kettering congregation where Fuller would later serve as pastor. See Geoffrey F. Nuttall, “Baptists and Independents in Olney to the Time of John Newton,” Baptist Quarterly 30, no. 1 (1983): 34; see also Ian Cross, Useful Learning: Neglected Means of Grace in the Reception of the Evangelical Revival among English Particular Baptists (Eugene: Pickwick, 2017), 274.  After the Act of Toleration (1689) granted religious liberty to dissenting churches, one hundred Particular Baptist ministers met in London to draw up a confession modelled on the London Baptist Confession (1644), the Savoy Declaration (1648), and the Westminster Confession (1658). Particular Baptists had convened in 1677 to draw up a revised confession, but persecution kept it from being widely adopted among their congregations. The Second London Baptist Confession of 1689 was largely based on the 1677 confession, though it omitted two articles related to the notion of double-predestination. (See David W. Bebbington, Baptists through the Centuries [Waco, TX: Baylor University Press, 2010], 52.) The newly recast Western Baptist Association had much in common with the Northamptionshire Association in both doctrine and collegiality.  Afterwards Dr. Joseph Stennett, who removed to Little Wild Street, London, in 1737. His father and grandfather, as well as his son (Dr. Samuel Stennett) were all employed in the work of the ministry; and his grandson (Mr. Joseph Stennett) is now pastor of the church at Calne. [Ryland]. The University of St. Andrews conferred the degree of Doctor of Divinity on Joseph Stennett II (1692– 1758) in 1754. Stennett’s father, Joseph I (1663 – 1713), took up the pastorate of his father, Edward (d. 1690), at Pinner’s Hall. A well-known seventh-day Baptist, Joseph is particularly remembered for his hymns. Joseph Stennett IV (d. 1824) became the pastor of the Baptist church in Calne, in Wiltshire. See Martin Hood Wilkin, Joseph Kinghorn of Norwich: A Memoir (Norwich: Fletcher and Alexander, 1855), 254.  Bernard Foskett (1685 – 1758) came from Alcester in 1720 to serve as the assistant pastor at Broadmead Baptist church, where he also served as a tutor for ministerial students at Bristol Academy. Fos-

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The English Baptists have been usually divided into two distinct bodies, by their different views of the doctrines of grace. The General Baptists are so called, from their maintaining the sentiment of general redemption. Many of the old churches of this sort have gone from general redemption to no redemption, or from Arminianism to Arianism and Socinianism, but the churches of what is called the New Connection are far more evangelical; and some of them approach nearly to the principles of the moderate Calvinists.¹⁴ The Particular Baptists espouse the Calvinistic sentiments on what are called the five points, namely: (1) That the elect were eternally foreordained to holiness, obedience, and happiness as the end, through sanctification and the sprinkling of the

kett succeeded Peter Kitterel (d. 1724) as senior pastor, eventually serving Broadmead and Bristol Academy for 38 years. An active participant in association life, Foskett encouraged the use of congregational hymn-singing, introduced the catechizing of children, and advocated for evangelical Calvinism in the west of England. After his death, Foskett’s estate provided financial support for Bristol Academy students for many years (Donald M. Lewis, “Foskett, Bernard” in The Blackwell Dictionary of Evangelical Biography: 1730 – 1860, ed. Donald M. Lewis [Cambridge, MA: Blackwell, 1995], 399 – 400). Edward Harrison came to Bristol in 1731 to serve as Foskett’s assistant. The “Arminian tendency” of his preaching, however, occasioned discomfort in the congregation, and by 1733, he had returned to the Baptist congregation in Newbury, Berkshire (J. Gunton Fuller, The Rise and Progress of Dissent in Bristol; Chiefly in Relation to the Broadmead Church, Etc. [London: Hamilton, Adams and Company, 1840], 185; Karen Smith, “The Covenant Life of Some Eighteenth-Century Calvinistic Baptists in Hampshire and Wiltshire,” in Pilgrim Pathways: Essays in Baptist History in Honour of B. R. White, ed. William H. Brackney and Paul S. Fiddes [Macon: Mercer University Press, 1999], 201– 203). John Beddome (ca. 1675 – 1747) was called to ministry by the Baptist congregation at Horsley Down, Southwark, which was then under the care of Benjamin Keach (1640 – 1704). Beddome served in Alcester from 1697 until 1724, when he was called to the congregation at Pithay. Beginning in 1711, Beddome’s service at Alchester overlapped with Bernard Foskett, who was called in 1719 to Broadmead church in Bristol. Beddome’s son, Benjamin (1717– 1795), would later study under Foskett at the academy at Broadmead. In Pithay, John Beddome joined William Bazely (1673 – 1721) as successors to the Puritan Andrew Gifford (1641– 1721) and his son Emmanuel (d. 1723).  See a letter from the Rev. Mr. Freestone of Hinkley inserted in the Baptist Magazine for September 1812 in answer to a very erroneous statement by Dr. Haweis which the conductors of the Evangelical Magazine would not suffer to be corrected. [Ryland]. Joseph Freestone, pastor of the General Baptist congregation in Hinkley, wrote to the Evangelical Magazine in 1811 attempting to correct Thomas Haweis’s (ca. 1734– 1820) mischaracterization of General Baptists as being a denomination in numerical decline and having “little life of spiritual religion” (Joseph Freestone, “Mis-Statement in the Evangelical Magazine,” Baptist Magazine 4 [September 1812]: 382). Haweis, one of the founders of the London Mission Society and chaplain to Selina, Countess of Huntingdon (1701– 1791), was a prominent Anglican minister and the principal trustee of the churches of Huntingdon’s Connection after her death. Freestone argues that the fifty-six churches of the Baptist New Connection, on the contrary, had seen consistent numerical growth through conversion and baptism, and were evangelical in their doctrine. Robert Hall, Jr. noted Freestone as an example of a General Baptist whose statement of doctrine would not have “given the slightest offense to a congregation of moderate Calvinists” (Robert Hall, Works, 4:357). The “New Connection” Ryland mentions here, however, was the association formed by General Baptists in 1770 over concerns of growing Arian and Socinian sympathies among Baptist ministers.

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blood of Jesus, as the means of obtaining that end, to the glory of sovereign grace; (2) That the peculiar blessings of redemption, purchased by the death of Christ, are actually imparted only to the elect, all of whom shall certainly enjoy them; (3) That mankind are so universally and totally depraved, that they never can be brought back to God without the powerful influence of the Holy Spirit; (4) That the special operations of the divine Spirit are invincibly efficacious and cannot be frustrated by the rebellious will of man; (5) That all who are truly regenerated shall persevere in grace to glory. In their zeal for these doctrines, some good men, towards the beginning of the last century, were driven into an extreme so as to deny that all who hear the gospel are called to that exercise of repentance and faith which is connected with salvation.¹⁵ As far as I can learn, this controversy, respecting what was then called the Modern Question (whether it be the duty of all men to whom the gospel is published to repent and believe in Christ) first arose in Northamptonshire. Many of the churches in that neighborhood had been gathered by the labors of Mr. Davis, an Independent minister at Rothwell, and other preachers called out by his church. He was a very zealous, laborious man; but was accused of rashness and imprudence by the Presbyterian ministers in his neighborhood and both himself and his fellow-laborers were charged with using expressions of an Antinomian tendency.¹⁶ But I can find

 High Calvinism arose as a response to the ongoing Arminian and Antinomian controversies of the mid-seventeenth century. These debates centred on persistent questions over the nature of human freedom, the breadth of God’s knowledge, the order of his sovereign decrees, and the extent and application of the atonement. Calvinists such as Tobias Crisp (1600 – 1643) sought to protect the biblical teaching of God’s sovereign work in human election by grounding it in the idea of the elect’s personal declaration of justification in eternity past—a logical construction built on biblical understanding, but not one taught in the Scriptures themselves. In a twist of irony, this Calvinist reaction to semi-Pelagianism actually undermined a proper understanding of obedience as a necessary consequence of justification. Since the elect were justified in a decree in eternity past, it followed that they were also to be considered as being righteous and without sin. A life of obedience, then, was not requisite, and to emphasize such would be tantamount to denying the sufficiency of God’s eternal declaration. Many years later, Andrew Fuller would refer to this aspect of High Calvinism as “Crispism.” Gerald Priest helpfully summarizes this issue: the eighteenth-century advocates of High Calvinism “normally advocated the following positions or variations of them: (1) a supralapsarian decree of election which would include (2) reprobation or what John Gill called ‘pre-damnation’; (3) eternal justification, the doctrine that God decreed the elect for justification before the fall, a corollary of this logically being (4) passive faith (i.e., God grants his elect faith apart from active human volition); (5) a divine warrant or indication (usually conviction of sin) that an individual was elect prior to conversion; and (6) a distinction between preaching the gospel indiscriminately and offering it to those sensible to it (i. e., those who have a warrant that they are elect)” (Gerald Priest, “Andrew Fuller’s Response to the ‘Modern Question’—A Reappraisal of The Gospel Worthy of All Acceptation,” Detroit Baptist Seminary Journal, no. 6 [Fall 2001]: 45 n 3).  The High Calvinist controversy was renewed in the 1690s, when the Independent Richard Davis (1658 – 1714) of Rothwell, Northamptonshire began teaching doctrines reminiscent of Crisp’s doctrinal antinomianism. Like Crisp, Davis was a vigorous evangelist and church planter, and he spread this teaching among a network of well-established Independent and Baptist churches. An inquiry was

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no evidence that he took the negative side on this question; and when, after Mr. Davis’s death, it began to be advanced among some of his followers, his successor, Mr. Maurice, very strenuously opposed it. He published a pamphlet against this sentiment and annexed to it a testimony from the church under his care (dated August 31, 1737) which was signed by above fifty members. Mr. Lewis Wayman of Kimbolton, wrote in defence of the new opinion (that it is not the duty of the unregenerate to believe in Christ).¹⁷ To this Mr. Maurice prepared a reply but died before it was quite completed. What he had written, however, was published by the desire of his church, under the inspection of the Rev. Thomas Bradbury, of London, who prefixed an epistle to the reader (dated May 5, 1739).¹⁸ After this Mr. Gutteridge of Oundel wrote a piece on the affirmative side, wherein there were, I suppose, some things really verging towards Arminianism. Upon this, Mr. John Brine, a Baptist minister in London, but a native of Kettering, published a letter to a friend, entitled, The Arminian Principles of a Late Writer Refuted (1743).¹⁹ Though Mr. Brine espoused the negative side of the question, yet he repeatedly allows what no man of reading could dispute: that many sound Calvinists embraced the affirmative, and professes to his friend concerning Mr. Gutteridge, Had not this writer attempted to build up Arminianism upon the foundation of the opinion of evangelical repentance and special faith being the duties of unregenerate men, I had not given you and the world this trouble; for, though I apprehend that opinion is not to be supported by Scripture and held in Kettering to judge Davis’s teachings. However, Davis was not present, and no formal censure resulted from the meeting. Instead, his version of High Calvinism spread quickly to others. Davis’s arguments eventually persuaded Joseph Hussey (1660 – 1727), an Independent minister who testified against Davis at the Kettering inquisition, to adopt his views.  In A Further Inquiry After Truth, Lewis Wayman (d. 1764), minister of the Independent congregation in Kimbolton, argued that “Adam had not the faith of God’s elect before the fall, and did not lose it for his posterity; therefore they are not debtors to God for it while in unregeneracy” (Lewis Wayman, A Further Enquiry after Truth. Wherein Is Shewn, What Faith Is Required of Unregenerate Persons; And What the Faith of God’s Elect Is, Which Is a Blessing of the Covenant of Grace. Occasion’d by a Pamphlet, Entitled, A Modern Question Modestly Answer’d [London: J. & J. Marshall, 1738], 54).  The Modern Question had first been raised by Joseph Hussey in 1707, but it surfaced again in 1737 in Matthias Maurice’s A Modern Question Modestly Answer’d. Mathias Maurice (1684– 1738), an Independent pastor, forsook the High Calvinist position and argued for the duty of all hearers of the word to believe in Christ. Maurice’s recantation of High Calvinism brought the debate to London and provoked a “pamphlet battle” between high and evangelical Calvinists. The High Calvinist Baptists John Gill and John Brine (1703 – 1765) would both offer “negative” responses to the Modern Question. Thomas Bradbury (1677– 1759), a well-known Congregationalist minister and a prominent defender of Trinitarian orthodoxy in the Salter’s Hall controversy of 1719, posthumously printed Maurice’s The Modern Question Affirm’d and Proved (1739), which quickly spread the controversy in London.  Joseph Ivimey notes that Gutteridge, a Baptist, wrote a piece to prove “that it was the duty of all men to whom the gospel was preached to repent and believe in Christ.” While this position was common among later evangelical Calvinists, Gutteridge (as both Ryland and Ivimey attest) tended towards Arminianism. See Joseph Ivimey, A History of the English Baptists (London: Holdsworth, 1823), 3:271.

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the analogy of faith, it seems not to me to be such consequence, but that persons differing in this point may fully agree about the doctrines of the grace of God.²⁰ In 1752, a pamphlet was published on the affirmative side by Mr. Alvery Jackson, a Baptist minister in Yorkshire, whose daughter married Mr. Abraham Greenwood, once pastor of the church at Oakham.²¹ This piece was edited by Dr. Joseph Stennett, upon which Mr. Brine made some animadversions in his Motives to Love and Unity among Calvinists Differing in Opinion. ²² A very peculiar man, Mr. Johnson of Liverpool, published also on the negative side in reply to Mr. Jackson; but he carried matters to so extravagant a length, that Mr. Brine thought it necessary to note and rectify his mistakes and his publications were very little regarded by Calvinists in general.²³ However, through the influence of Mr. Brine and Dr. Gill, who both took the negative side of the question (though the latter never wrote on the subject), this opinion spread pretty much among the ministers of the Baptist denomination.²⁴ And though the controversy had subsided and was but little known among the people, yet the  John Brine, Refutation of Arminian Principles, Delivered in a Pamphlet, Intitled, The Modern Question Concerning Repentance and Faith, Examined with Candour, Etc. in a Letter to a Friend (London: Aaron Ward, 1743), 16. John Brine was called into ministry at the Baptist congregation at Kettering and ministered at Coventry before succeeding William Morton (the successor of John Skepp [1675 – 1721]) at Currier’s Hall, Cripplegate in London in 1730. Brine, an ardent Calvinist, served the London congregation until his death in 1765. Like other High Calvinists, Brine refused to give an open invitation to his hearers to accept Christ.  Alvery Jackson (1700 – 1763), author of several important tracts, was pastor of the Baptist congregation at Barnoldswick from 1718 until his death in 1763.  John Brine, Motives to Love and Unity among Calvinists, Who Differ on Some Points: A Dialogue between Christophilus, Philalethes, and Philagathus Wherein Is Contained an Answer to Mr. Alvery Jackson’s Question Answered, Whether Saving Faith in Christ Is a Duty Required by the Moral Law, of All Those Who Live under the Gospel Revelation? (London: John Ward, 1753).  John Johnson (1706 – 1791) shared the High Calvinist sympathies of Skepp, Gill, and Brine. For several years, Johnson filled Richard Smith’s (d. 1763) pulpit at Wainsgate, where he engendered significant controversy by maligning the congregation’s enfeebled pastor, whose moderate Calvinism was abhorrent. Brine dismissed Johnson’s 1754 refutation of Alvery Jackson as being mistaken and only partially considered; see John Brine, Some Mistakes in a Book of Mr, Johnson’s of Liverpool, Intitled The Faith of God’s Elect, Etc. (London: John Ward, 1755).  One of Joseph Hussey’s converts, John Skepp, also adopted Baptist convictions and was called to a prominent Baptist congregation in London, formerly pastored by Hanserd Knollys (1599 – 1691) and Robert Steed (d. 1695?). Skepp’s advocacy of High Calvinist doctrine had the most enduring impact on two men who were to become leaders in both Calvinistic and Baptist circles for over fifty years: John Gill and John Brine. Both from Kettering, Gill moved to London in 1719 and Brine in 1730. Skepp ordained Gill in London, and after Skepp’s death, Gill ordained Brine (who had been converted under Gill’s preaching) to Skepp’s pulpit. Brine would ordain Ryland’s father, John Collett Ryland, in 1750. The zealous and fruitful efforts of these High Calvinist preachers were so effective that by the mideighteenth century, High Calvinism was “received orthodoxy among Particular Baptist churches in London and the Northamptonshire Association” (Keith S. Grant, Andrew Fuller and the Evangelical Renewal of Pastoral Theology [Eugene: Wipf & Stock, 2013], 27).

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preachers were too much restrained from imitating our Lord and his apostles in calling on sinners to “repent and believe the gospel.”²⁵ Many of these ministers, indeed, endeavored to address the consciences of men as far as their system would allow, and some of them could hardly refrain from expressing themselves inconsistently with their creed. They were aware that the divine law requires such obedience as no bad man will yield to it; but, though they considered all mankind as bound to love God supremely, yet they supposed that the faith connected with salvation could not be a duty because Adam, as they then thought, had not power (that is, he had no occasion or opportunity) to believe in Christ.²⁶ At length, several of them began, independently of each other, to examine this question for themselves and were convinced that they had needlessly deviated from the scripture path in which the most orthodox of their predecessors had been used to walk.²⁷

 Mark 1:15.  Yet Dr. Gill gives up this chief argument of Mr. Brine and says: “That Adam, in a state of innocence, had a power of believing in Christ, and did believe in him, as the second person in the Trinity, as the Son of God, cannot well be denied; since, with the other two persons, he was his Creator and Preserver, the knowledge of which cannot well be thought to be withheld from him. And his not believing in him as the Mediator, Saviour, and Redeemer, did not arise from any defect of power in him; but from the state, condition, and situation in which he was, and from the nature of the revelation made to him” (John Gill, The Cause of God and Truth [London: Aaron Ward, 1740], 4:81). [Ryland].  The sixty-second of Samuel Rutherford’s Letters was one of the first things that put me to a stand on this subject. Closely studying Edwards on the Will and entering into the distinction between natural and moral inability, removed the difficulties which had once embarrassed my mind. In 1776, I borrowed of Mr. Newton, of Olney, two sermons on this subject, by Mr. Smalley, which Brother Sutcliff afterwards reprinted from the copy which I transcribed. I well remember lending them to Mr. Hall of Arnsby, to whom I remarked that I was ready to suspect that this distinction well considered, would lead us to see that the affirmative side of the Modern Question was fully consistent with the strictest Calvinism. He replied, “I do not think that.” But I believe the next time I met him was at a Minister’s Meeting at Kettering, when I found he was fully satisfied of the truth of my observation. [Ryland]. The letters of Samuel Rutherford (ca. 1600 – 1661)—the Scottish pastor, theologian, and commissioner to the Westminster Assembly—were a rich source of reflection and pastoral theology. Ryland likely read Rutherford’s 1637 letter to James Lindsay, in which Rutherford argues that, after the fall, human beings “love their inability and rest upon themselves,” affirming a notion similar to Johnathan Edwards’s idea of moral inability (Samuel Rutherford, Joshua Redivivus [9th ed.; Glasgow: John Bryce, 1765], 103 – 106). After reading Edwards’s Freedom of the Will (1754) sometime before October of 1775, Ryland noted in his diary that he had come to “a more decided conviction of truth of the affirmative side of the Modern Question and a clearer view of the nature of faith in Christ” (John Ryland, “Autograph Reminiscences: Memoirs of His Family and Autobiographical Material” [1807], [Special Collections, Bristol Baptist College, Bristol], 57). The sermon series Ryland borrowed from Newton was The Inability of the Sinner to Comply with the Gospel (1769) by John Smalley (1734– 1820). Smalley, a graduate of Yale and a student of Joseph Bellamy (1719 – 1790), was ordained as a parish pastor in New Britain, Connecticut. Having thoroughly digested Jonathan Edwards’s argument in Freedom of the Will (1754), Smalley distinguished between two kinds of inability. The first, natural inability, had to do with human faculties which were not directly impacted by sin (physical hinderances, a lack of understanding or physical strength). The second, moral inability, consisted in the lack of a

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These ministers, however, always abhorred as the very essence of Antinomianism the notion that the law is not binding upon believers as a rule of conduct. Dr. Gill, Mr. Brine, and Mr. Toplady utterly reprobated that pernicious sentiment into which so many have eagerly run within these last thirty years.²⁸ But, at the former period, some of the Calvinistic Methodists (especially in Lady Huntingdon’s Connection) were becoming tinged with false Calvinism. These were not led into it, like the admirers of Mr. Brine and Dr. Gill, by reading a great deal of controversial divinity or by a polemical discussion of the five points disputed between us and the Arminians; but by a vague, crude idea of the term power, which led them to suppose that nothing could be a bad man’s duty but what he could perform without any special influence from God. The same idea was spreading faster than we were aware among our churches also; the ministers might distinguish between repentance and faith and other internal duties, allowing the latter to be required while they scrupled exhorting men to the former. But had things gone on a little longer in the same direction, we should soon have lost sight of the essence of duty and of the spirituality of the divine law. Consequently, men would have been treated as though, before conversion, they were fallen below all obligation to anything spiritually good and as though, after conversion, they were raised above all obligation to anything more than they were actually inclined to perform. Thus, inclination would have been made the measure of obligation; duty would have been confined to the outward conduct; the turpitude of sin unspeakably lessened; and grace proportionably eclipsed, both as to the pardon of sin and as to the application of salvation to the soul.²⁹

will or disposition. Like Edwards, Smalley argued that human beings, unless they were mentally handicapped, had a natural ability to understand and obey the law, and similarly an ability to understand the gospel, accept it, and repent of sin. Thus sinners who refused to love God did so not because they were physically or mentally incapable of doing so, but because they lacked the will to love. The New Divinity distinction between natural and moral inability was crucial in changing Ryland’s mind about the Modern Question, and he sought to pass this insight along to other ministers with whom he was acquainted.  The Church of England minister Augustus Toplady (1740 – 1778) became a strong defender of Calvinist theology shortly after reading Thomas Manton’s (1620 – 1677) sermons on John 17. Ordained in 1762, Toplady invested much effort in advocating for the church’s practical return to an embrace of predestination, including the translation and publication of Jerome Zanchius’s (1560 – 1590) essay, published as The Doctrine of Absolute Predestination Stated and Asserted: With a Preliminary Discourse on the Divine Attributes (London: Joseph Gurney, 1769). John Wesley (1703 – 1791), who was bitterly opposed to Calvinist doctrine, scandalously and intentionally misrepresented Toplady in an abridgement of the latter’s work published in 1770. Despite the negative impact on Toplady’s reputation, he nonetheless laboured to advocate for doctrinal faithfulness within the established church.  As Ryland describes it here, “False Calvinism” (Fuller’s preferred term for High Calvinism), recast the understanding of human ability such that “nothing could be a bad man’s duty, but what he could perform without any special influence from God” (Ryland, Work of Faith, 11). Thomas Pentycross (1748 – 1808), a minister in the Countess of Huntingdon’s New Connection church in Wallingford,

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Such was the state of our churches when God was pleased to call my dear brother by his grace and to bring him into the ministry and, soon after, into connection with the Northamptonshire Association. These things account for his mind having been so early engaged in theological disquisitions whereby God was preparing him to be an instrument of checking the progress of false Calvinism and bringing back many from the very borders of Antinomianism. Having premised these observations I shall proceed, after noticing his parentage, to present my readers with an account of his earliest religious impressions, his conversion, and entrance on the work of the ministry, in his own words.

began espousing a High Calvinist view in 1783, which eventually resulted in the formation of a new separatist congregation in 1791.

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Chapter 2 Fuller’s Early Days Mr. Andrew Fuller was born on the 6th of February 1754, at Wicken, a village in Cambridgeshire, seven miles from Ely and about the same distance from Newmarket. In this village his paternal ancestors had resided from time immemorial. His father, Robert Fuller, was a farmer. He removed, in 1758, from Wicken to Mildenhall; in 1761, to Soham; in 1773, to Bottisham (until which time his son Andrew assisted him in his business); and, in 1780, to Isleham—places at no great distance from one another—in each of which he rented a small farm and, at the last of which, he died on January 29, 1781, aged 58.³⁰ His mother, Philippa, daughter of Mr. Andrew Gunton, a farmer at Soham, was a member of the Baptist church there, but resided many years at Kettering. She survived to lament the loss of her dutiful and affectionate son; but on May 27, 1816, she departed this life, in her 90th year, with a hope full of glory and entered on a reunion with him, in a state of eternal felicity. She had two other sons, who are yet living; namely, Mr. Robert Fuller, a farmer at Isleham, born in 1747; and Mr. John Fuller,³¹ a farmer at Little Bentley, in Essex, born in 1748—they are both deacons of Baptist churches. But, as several of Mr. Fuller’s ancestors were not only eminent for piety but suffered in the cause of pure and undefiled religion, some further notice of them may not be unacceptable to the reader.³² His paternal grandfather was Robert Fuller, of Wicken. He married Honour Hart, a pious woman, who travelled, to attend public worship, from Wicken to Isleham, where she was a member of an Independent church, till, being convinced of the propriety of believers’ baptism, she joined the church at Soham, in which she continued till her death.³³ Her father was Robert Hart, of Swaffham Prior, in Cambridgeshire, who (according to tradition preserved in the family) was converted in a wood near Burwell under the preaching of Mr. Francis Holcroft,³⁴ one of the ejected ministers.

 While Robert died during Andrew Fuller’s lifetime at age 58, it is notable that both his mother, Phillipa (1722– 1816), and his two elder brothers outlived him—Robert (1747– 1828) and John Fuller (1748 – 1837) both died as octogenarians.  Father of Joseph Fuller, a most amiable and promising youth, of whose future usefulness in the church of God, I indulged the highest expectations, which sovereign wisdom thought good to disappoint, by removing him from our world, by a decline, in his 19th year. See a more particular account of him in Chap. 9. [Ryland]. The final sentence in this note is an addition to the 1816 edition (see Ryland [1816], 13) and points to the expanded note in chapter 9.  See Ryland’s use of “pure and undefiled religion” in his preface.  Robert Fuller (1696 – 1764) married Honour Hart (1700 – 1748) on October 4, 1721.  He was Fellow of Clare Hall, before his ejectment. He had been a pupil of Mr. David Clarkson, and chamber-fellow with Dr. Tillotson, afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury, from whom he experienced great kindness under his troubles. [Ryland]. Francis Holcroft (1629 – 1693) matriculated at Clare Hall, Cambridge, in 1647 and became friends with John Tillotson (1630 – 1694) around 1650. Tillotson, who would become Archbishop of Canterbury in 1691, was a constant supporter of Holcroft’s ministry, in-

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Mr. Holcroft was imprisoned in Cambridge castle (1663) by Sir Thomas Chickley for preaching at Great Eversden. His first confinement lasted nine years, but the jailer suffered him sometimes to go out by night to preach at Kingstone and in this wood. Mr. Hart was afterwards a member of the church at Isleham. His maternal grandfather was Andrew Gunton, of Soham, whose wife was Philippa Stevenson. She was first a member of the Independent church at Burwell and, afterwards, of the Baptist church at Soham, at its first formation, under the pastoral care of Mr. John Eve.³⁵ Her father was named Friend Stevenson, who lived at Soham. His wife was named Mary Malden; she was remarkable for piety and was buried in the meeting-house at Burwell. Her parents were John and Joan Malden, who lived at Soham in the reign of Charles II, when they were objects of ridicule and persecution on account of their nonconformity. They were friends of Mr. Holcroft and Mr. Oddy and were buried near them in a piece of ground which the former purchased for a burying-ground at Oakington, a village three or four miles north of Cambridge. These two zealous Nonconformists were the founders of almost all the dissenting churches about Cambridgeshire.³⁶ Thus, John and Joan Malden were the parents of Mary, the wife of Friend Stevenson, whose daughter, Philippa Stevenson, became the wife of Andrew Gunton, and their daughter, Philippa Gunton, married Robert Fuller the younger, of Wicken, and was the mother of the Rev. Andrew Fuller. And Robert Hart, of Swaffham Prior, was the father of Honour Hart, who married Robert Fuller the elder, of Wicken, whose son Robert was our Mr. Fuller’s father. Of Mr. Fuller’s first religious impressions he himself wrote an account to his much-respected friend, Dr. C. Stuart of Edinburgh, in five letters; the first two of which were inserted in the Evangelical Magazine (1788) but without any hint of the person to whom they referred. He also sent a similar detail, more lately, to a friend at Liverpool, with a few variations of expression.³⁷ cluding during his Cambridge imprisonment (1663 – 1672) under Sir Thomas Chicheley (1614– 1699) and a later imprisonment at Fleet Street, London for insolvency. Clarkson (1622– 1686) was a fellow at Clare from 1645 – 1650 and would later pastor an Independent London church with John Owen (1616 – 1683).  Andrew Fuller would also sit under the ministry of John Eve (1731– 1782) at Soham, Cambridgeshire in the late 1760s. Eve, a sieve-maker by trade, had been called to ministry by St. Andrew’s Baptist Church in Cambridge in 1749. Eve became the Soham congregation’s pastor in 1752 and remained there until 1771. The Soham church was decidedly High Calvinist, having been influenced by Richard Davies (1658 – 1714). Eve was an avid reader of John Gill.  See Palmer’s Nonconformist’s Memorial, Vol. I. pp 202, 216. First Edition. [Ryland]. Edmund Calamy notes that Holcroft and Joseph Oddy (1629 – 1687) “were the founders of almost all the Nonconformist churches about Cambridgeshire” (Edmund Calamy and Samuel Palmer, The Nonconformist’s Memorial [London: W. Harris, 1775], 1:216).  The first biographical account of Fuller’s life appears to have been published by Charles Stuart in 1815; see Stuart, “A Short Memoir of the Late Mr. Andrew Fuller,” Christian Herald (June 19, 1815): 238 – 41; Stuart, “A Short Memoir of the Late Mr. Andrew Fuller Part II,” Christian Herald (July 19, 1815): 280 – 86.

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I wish, as much as possible, to let my dear departed brother be his own biographer; and shall therefore insert the narrative, as given by himself. Possibly some sincere Christian may be puzzled for a time, on reading the first letter; but it is better that such an one should be subjected to temporary pain, in learning to distinguish between genuine and false religion, than that others, who mistake counterfeit experience for the true work of the Holy Spirit, should be left to deceive themselves. Close examination will soon lead to discern the essential difference; and a good hope will stand firmer, if both feet are placed on the rock alone, than if one rested partly on a quicksand. Letter I Kettering, 1798 My dear Friend, You request the particulars of that change, of which I was the subject near thirty years ago. You need not be told, that the religious experience of fallible creatures, like everything else that attends them, must needs be marked with imperfection, and that the account that can be given of it on paper, after a lapse of many years, must be so in a still greater degree. I am willing, however, to comply with your request; and the rather, because it may serve to recall some things, which, in passing over the mind, produce interesting and useful sensations, both of pain and pleasure. My father and mother were dissenters, of the Calvinistic persuasion, who were in the habit of hearing Mr. Eve, a Baptist minister;³⁸ who, being what is here termed high in his sentiments, or tinged with false Calvinism, had little or nothing to say to the unconverted. I, therefore, never considered myself as any way concerned in what I heard from the pulpit. Nevertheless, by reading and reflection, I was sometimes strongly impressed in a way of conviction. My parents were engaged in husbandry; which occupation, therefore, I followed, to the twentieth year of my age. I remember many of the sins of my childhood; among which were lying, cursing, and swearing. It is true, as to the latter, it never became habitual. I had a dread upon my spirits to such a degree that, when I uttered an oath, or an imprecation, it was by a kind of force put upon my feelings, and merely to appear manly, like other boys with whom I associated. This being the case, when I came to be about ten years old, I entirely left it off; except that I sometimes dealt in a sort of minced oaths and imprecations, when my passions were inflamed.

 John Eve.

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In the practice of telling lies I continued some years longer; at length, however, I began to consider this as a mean vice, and accordingly left it off, except in cases where I was under some pressing temptation. I think I must have been nearly fourteen years old, before I began to have much serious thought about futurity. The preaching upon which I attended was not adapted to awaken my conscience, as the minister had seldom anything to say, except to believers; and what believing was, I neither knew, nor was I greatly concerned to know. I remember, about this time, as I was walking alone, I put the question to myself, “What is faith? There is much made of it: what is it?” I could not tell; but satisfied myself in thinking that it was not of immediate concern, and that I should understand it as I grew older.³⁹ At times, conviction laid fast hold of me, and rendered me extremely unhappy. The light I had received, I know not how, would not suffer me to go into sin with that ease which I observed in other lads. One winter evening, I remember going with a number of other boys, to a smith’s shop, to warm ourselves by his fire. Presently they began to sing vain songs. This appeared to me so much like reveling, that I felt something within me which would not suffer me to join them; and while I sat silent, in rather an unpleasant muse, those words sunk into my mind like a dagger, “What doest thou here, Elijah?”⁴⁰ I immediately left the company; yet, shocking to reflect upon, I

 About this time, an incident took place, which Mr. Fuller mentioned to me many years ago: Being sent by his father, to do some business in the pastures, he perceived a hawk’s nest on one of the trees He climbed the tree and found two young hawks with which he was greatly pleased. Having to perform his business in the pasture, he tied the birds to a bush, and went to work. Soon after, on going to the place, he found they had made their escape. In the midst of his concern, he thought of those words, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard-seed, ye shall say to this mountain, ‘Remove thence, to yonder place’, and it shall remove.” “Now, (thought he) if a mountain should remove, why not a bird?” He thought, moreover, that this was a fit opportunity to try whether he had any faith, or not. Accordingly, he very gravely commanded the birds to appear before him; but they did not come! He was more concerned, however, for the loss of his birds, than for his want of faith; he thought that might come some time, but the birds would not! At another time he was climbing for a rook’s nest, which was very high and stood upon a small bough of a kind of wood which was very liable to break. He sat some time on an arm of the tree, viewing the nest. He thought there was great danger of the bough breaking and, if it did, of his losing his life. The thought occurred, however, that God could prevent its breaking. So, he prayed to him to do so; and upon this presumption, ventured up! The bough did not break and, supposing that this prayer was answered, he descended from the tree with a heart full of Pharisaical pride, imagining that he was one of the favourites of heaven! Such was the darkness and levity of his mind at that time; but he afterwards felt very different sensations on reflecting on the divine patience and forbearance, which thus preserved him before he was effectually called by divine grace. [Ryland].  1 Kings 19:13.

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walked home, murmuring in my heart against God, that I could not be let alone, and suffered to take my pleasure like other young people! Sometimes, I was very much affected, in thinking of the doctrines of Christianity, or in reading such books as Bunyan’s Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners, his Pilgrim’s Progress, etc. One day, in particular, I took up Ralph Erskine’s Gospel Sonnets; and, upon opening what he entitles, A Gospel Catechism for Young Christians: or, Christ All in All in Our Complete Redemption; I read, and as I read, I wept. Indeed, I was almost overcome with weeping; so interesting did the doctrine of eternal salvation appear to me. Yet, there being no radical change in my heart, these thoughts passed away and I was equally intent on the pursuits of folly, as heretofore.⁴¹ Yet I often felt a strange kind of regard towards good people, such of them, especially, as were familiar in their behaviour to young persons, and would sometimes talk to me about religion. I used to wish I had many thousand pounds, that I might give some of it to those of them who were poor as to their worldly circumstances. I was, at times, the subject of such convictions and affections, that I really thought myself converted, and lived under that delusion for a long time. The ground on which I rested that opinion, was as follows: One morning, I think about the year 1767, as I was walking alone, I began to think seriously what would become of my poor soul and was deeply affected in thinking of my condition. I felt myself the slave of sin and that it had such power over me that it was in vain for me to think of extricating myself from its thraldom. Till now, I did not know but that I could repent at any time; but now, I perceived that my heart was wicked, and that it was not in me to turn to God, or to break off my sins by righteousness. I saw, that if God would forgive me all the past, and offer me the kingdom of heaven on condition of giving up my wicked pursuits, I should not accept it. This conviction was accompanied with great depression of heart. I walked sorrowfully along, repeating these words: “Iniquity will be my ruin! Iniquity will be my ruin!”⁴²

 John Bunyan (1628 – 1688)’s Grace Abounding, first published in 1666, was composed during Bunyan’s twelve-year imprisonment for unlicenced preaching. Ralph Erskine (1685 – 1752), brother of Ebenezer (1680 – 1754), was a prominent minister at Dunfermline and tutor to the children of Colonel John Erskine (1662– 1743) from 1705 to 1711. Colonel Erskine’s grandson, John (1721– 1803), was a frequent correspondent of both Ryland and Fuller. The Erskine brothers’ succession from the Dunfermline synod is credited with preserving evangelical life both locally and in the national church. Erskine’s Gospel Sonnets, originally published in 1720, have been frequently reprinted.  Cf. Ezekiel 18:30.

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While poring over my unhappy case, those words of the Apostle suddenly occurred to my mind, “Sin shall not have dominion over you; for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”⁴³ Now, the suggestion of a text of Scripture to the mind, especially if it came with power, was generally considered, by the religious people with whom I occasionally associated, as a promise coming immediately from God.⁴⁴ I, therefore, so understood it, and thought that God had thus revealed to me that I was in a state of salvation, and that, therefore, iniquity should not, as I had feared, be my ruin. The effect was, I was overcome with joy and transport. I shed, I suppose, thousands of tears as I walked along, and seemed to feel myself, as it were, in a new world. It appeared to me that I hated my sins and was resolved to forsake them. Thinking on my wicked courses, I remember using those words of Paul, “Shall I continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid!”⁴⁵ I felt, or seemed to feel, the strongest indignation at the thought. But, strange as it may appear, though my face was that morning, I believe, swollen with weeping, before night all was gone and forgotten, and I returned to my former vices with as eager a gust as ever. Nor do I remember that, for more than half a year afterwards, I had any serious thoughts about the salvation of my soul. I lived entirely without prayer and was wedded to my sins just the same as before, or rather, was increasingly attached to them. Sometime in the following year, I was again walking by myself and began to reflect upon my course of life; particularly upon my former hopes and affections, and how I had since forgotten them all and returned to all my wicked ways. Instead of sin having no more dominion over me, I perceived that its dominion had been increased. Yet, I still thought, that must have been a promise from God to me, and that I must have been a converted person, but in a backsliding state. And this persuasion was confirmed by another

 Romans 6:14.  See Remarks upon the Notion of Extraordinary Impulses and Impressions on the Imagination, indulged by many Professors of Religion. [Ryland]. Ryland’s twelve-page Remarks upon the Notion of Extraordinary Impulses was published in 1800 and later reprinted in Pastoral Memorials (John Ryland, Pastoral Memorials Selected from the Manuscripts of the Late Rev. John Ryland D.D. of Bristol with a Memoir of the Author in Two Volumes [London: B. J. Holdsworth, 1828], 2:414– 22). Both Ryland and Fuller were shaped by Jonathan Edwards’s reflections on the nature of true conversion. The mixed results of the New England revivals of 1740 – 1742 had prompted Edwards to rethink his understanding of assurance. While there had been numerous genuine conversions, it was also evident that many were deceived about their true state. Edwards concluded that congregants were insufficiently equipped to discern true conversion, often overemphasizing “impressions on the imagination” rather than “the abiding sense and temper of their hearts” and the true “fruits of grace.” This culminated in Edwards’s argument in Religious Affections, in which he sought to articulate a biblical understanding of the true signs of religious affection.  Romans 6:1– 2.

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sudden impression, which dispelled my dejection, in these words: “I have blotted out as a thick cloud thy transgressions, and as a cloud thy sins.”⁴⁶ This, like the former, overcame my mind with joy. I wept much at the thoughts of having backslidden so long, but yet considered myself now as restored and happy. But this also was mere transient affection. I have great reason to think that the great deep of my heart’s depravity had not yet been broken up, and that all my religion was without any abiding principle. Amidst it all, I still continued in the neglect of prayer and was never, that I recollect, induced to deny myself of any sin, when temptations were presented. I now thought, however, “Surely I shall be better for the time to come.” But, alas! in a few days this also was forgotten, and I returned to my evil courses with as great an eagerness as ever. I was now about fifteen years of age and as, notwithstanding my convictions and hopes, the bias of my heart was not changed, I became more and more addicted to evil in proportion as my powers and passions strengthened. Nor was I merely prompted by my own propensities; for, having formed acquaintance with other wicked young people, my progress in the way to death became greatly accelerated. Being of an athletic frame and of a daring spirit, I was often engaged in such exercises and exploits as, if the good hand of God had not preserved me, might have issued in death. I also frequently engaged in games of hazard, which, though not to any great amount, yet were very bewitching to me and tended greatly to corrupt my mind. These, with various other sinful practices, had so hardened my heart, that I seldom thought of religion. Nay, I recollect that, on a Lord’s day evening about that time, when my parents were reading in the family, I was shamefully engaged with one of the servants, playing idle tricks, though I took care not to be seen in them. These things were nothing to me at that time; for my conscience, by reiterated acts of wickedness, had become seared as with a hot iron. They were, however, heavy burdens to me afterwards. But as I have now brought down my narrative to the period when, I trust, God began to work effectually on my heart, I will leave that part to another opportunity and, for the present, subscribe myself, Yours, affectionately, A. F.

 Isaiah 44:22.

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Letter II My dear Friend, I embrace the earliest opportunity of concluding the narrative which I began at your request. By the close of my last, you would perceive, that at near sixteen years of age, I was, notwithstanding various convictions and transient affections, pressing on in a lamentable career of wickedness. But, about the autumn of 1769, my convictions revisited me and brought on such a concern about my everlasting welfare, as issued, I trust, in real conversion. It was my common practice, after the business of the day was over, to get into bad company in the evening and, when there, I indulged in sin without restraint. But, after persisting in this course for some time, I began to be very uneasy, particularly in a morning, when I first awoke. It was almost as common for me to be seized with keen remorse at this hour, as it was to go into vain company in the evening. At first, I began to make vows of reformation and this, for the moment, would afford a little ease. But, as the temptations returned, my vows were of no account. It was an enlightened conscience only that was on the side of God; my heart was still averse to everything that was spiritual or holy. For several weeks, I went on in this way; vowing and breaking my vows, reflecting on myself for my evil conduct and yet continually repeating it. It was not now, however, as heretofore: my convictions followed me up closely. I could not, as formerly, forget these things and was, therefore, a poor miserable creature; like a drunkard, who carouses in the evening, but mopes about the next day like one half dead. One morning, I think in November 1769, I walked out by myself, with an unusual load of guilt upon my conscience. The remembrance of my sin, not only on the past evening, but for a long time back, the breach of my vows and the shocking termination of my former hopes and affections, all uniting together, formed a burden which I knew not how to bear. The reproaches of a guilty conscience seemed like the gnawing worm of hell. I thought, “Surely that must be an earnest of hell itself!” The fire and brimstone of the bottomless pit seemed to burn within my bosom. I do not write in the language of exaggeration. I now know that the sense which I then had of the evil of sin and the wrath of God was very far short of the truth, but yet it seemed more than I was able to sustain. In reflecting upon my broken vows, I saw that there was no truth in me. I saw that God would be perfectly just in sending me to hell and that to hell I must go, unless I were saved of mere grace and, as it were, in spite of myself. I felt that if God were to forgive me all my past

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sins, I should again destroy my soul and that in less than a day’s time. I never before knew what it was to feel myself an odious, lost sinner, standing in need of both pardon and purification. Yet, though I needed these blessings, it seemed presumption to hope for them, after what I had done. I was absolutely helpless and seemed to have nothing about me that ought to excite the pity of God, or that I could reasonably expect should do so; but everything disgusting to him, and provoking to the eyes of his glory. “What have I done? What must I do?” These were my inquiries, perhaps ten times over. Indeed, I knew not what to do! I durst not promise amendment, for I saw such promises were self-deception. To hope for forgiveness in the course that I was in was the height of presumption, and to think of Christ, after having so basely abused his grace, seemed too much. So, I had no refuge. At one moment I thought of giving myself up to despair. “I may,” said I within myself, “even return and take my fill of sin. I can but be lost.” This thought made me shudder at myself. My heart revolted. “What!” thought I, “give up Christ and hope and heaven!” Those lines of Ralph Erskine’s then occurred to my mind: But say, if all the gusts And grains of love be spent, Say, Farewell Christ, and welcome lusts–– Stop, stop: I melt, I faint!⁴⁷ I could not bear the thought of plunging myself into endless ruin. It is difficult, at this distance of time, to recollect with precision the minute workings of my mind, but, as near as I can remember, I was like a man drowning, looking every way for help, or rather, catching for something by which he might save his life. I tried to find whether there were any hope in the divine mercy, any in the Saviour of sinners; but felt repulsed by the thought of mercy having been so basely abused already. In this state of mind, as I was moving slowly on, I thought of the resolution of Job, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.”⁴⁸ I paused and repeated the words over and over. Each repetition seemed to kindle a ray of hope, mixed with a determination, if I might, to cast my perishing soul upon the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, to be both pardoned and purified; for I felt that I needed the one as much as the other.

 Fuller’s quotation comes from a section in Erskine’s Gospel Sonnets entitled “The Believer Wading through Depths of Desertion and Corruption” (Ralph Erskine, The Poetical Works of the Late Reverend and Learned Mr. Ralph Erskine [Glasgow: William Smith, 1778], 241).  Job 13:15.

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I was not then aware that any poor sinner had a warrant to believe in Christ for the salvation of his soul,⁴⁹ but supposed there must be some kind of qualification to entitle him to do it; yet, I was aware that I had no qualifications. On a review of my resolution at that time, it seems to resemble that of Esther, who went into the king’s presence, contrary to law, and at the hazard of her life. Like her, I seemed reduced to extremities, impelled by dire necessity, to run all hazards, even though I should perish in the attempt. Yet it was not altogether from a dread of wrath that I fled to this refuge; for I well remember that I felt something attracting in the Saviour. “I must–I will–yes–I will trust my soul, my sinful, lost soul in his hands–If I perish, I perish!”⁵⁰ However it was, I was determined to cast myself upon Christ, thinking, peradventure, he would save my soul and, if not, I could but be lost. In this way I continued above an hour, weeping and supplicating mercy for the Saviour’s sake (my soul hath it still in remembrance and is humbled in me!) and, as the eye of the mind was more and more fixed upon him, my guilt and fears were gradually and insensibly removed. I now found rest for my troubled soul, and I reckon, that I should have found it sooner, if I had not entertained the notion of my having no warrant to come to Christ without some previous qualification. This notion was a bar that kept me back for a time; though, through divine drawings, I was enabled to overleap it. As near as I can remember, in the early part of these exercises, when I subscribed to the justice of God in my condemnation and thought of the Saviour of sinners, I had then relinquished every false confidence, believed my help to be only in him, and approved of salvation by grace alone, through his death; and if at that time I had known that any  See on this point a Sermon published by desire of the Baptist Association at Lyme, entitled The Necessity of the Trumpet’s giving a Certain Sound, pp. 24, 25. This Sermon was recommended by my departed Brother, in the Baptist Magazine, December 1813, p 467. That passage in John 6:50 – 51 would have been more expressive if the indefinite pronoun, τις, had been literally translated. The like deviation from the original in Matt 11:27 seems to imply that God the Father is a man! [Ryland]. Ryland’s The Necessity of the Trumpet’s Giving a Certain Sound, preached in June of 1813 at the Western Association’s annual meeting, argues against the practice common among High Calvinists to refrain in their preaching from making a “general call” to all people to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus —the concern reflected in Fuller’s comment about being unaware that “any poor sinner had a warrant to believe in Christ for the salvation of his soul.” In the sermon, Ryland wrote that the Scriptures taught “that the Call of the Gospel is addressed to Sinners, simply as lost, guilty and perishing; who without looking into the book of God’s decrees, or into their own hearts, to derive encouragement either from his secret purposes or from their own qualifications, are invited to come to Jesus for rest for their weary souls” (John Ryland, The Necessity of the Trumpet’s Giving a Certain Sound [Bristol: E. Bryan, 1813], 24– 25). Ryland’s comment here on John 6 (the indefinite pronoun typically translated into English as “one” or “any one” is translated as “a man” in the Authorized Version) reflects this burden.  Esther 4:17.

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poor sinner might warrantably have trusted in him for salvation, I believe I should have done so, and have found rest to my soul sooner than I did. I mention this, because it may be the case with others, who may be kept in darkness and despondency by erroneous views of the gospel much longer than I was. I think also, I did repent of my sin in the early part of these exercises and before I thought that Christ would accept and save my soul. I conceive that justifying God in my condemnation and approving the way of salvation by Jesus Christ, necessarily included it; but yet I did not think at the time that this was repentance, or anything truly good. Indeed, I thought nothing about the exercises of my own mind, but merely of my guilty and lost condition and whether there were any hope of escape for me. But, having found rest for my soul in the cross of Christ, I was now conscious of my being the subject of repentance, faith, and love. When I thought of my past life, I abhorred myself and repented as in dust and ashes; and when I thought of the gospel way of salvation, I drank it in as cold water is imbibed by a thirsty soul. My heart felt one with Christ and dead to every other object around me. I had thought I had found the joys of salvation heretofore; but now I knew I had found them and was conscious that I had passed from death unto life. Yet, even now, my mind was not so engaged in reflecting upon my own feelings, as upon the objects which occasioned them. From this time, my former wicked courses were forsaken. I had no manner of desire after them. They lost their influence upon me. To those evils, a glance at which before would have set my passions in a flame, I now felt no inclination. “My soul” said I, with joy and triumph, “is as a weaned child!”⁵¹ I now knew, experimentally, what it was to be dead to the world by the cross of Christ, and to feel an habitual determination to devote my future life to God my Saviour. From this time, I considered the vows of God as upon me. But, ah! I have great reason for shame and better reflection, on reviewing the manner in which they have been fulfilled. Nevertheless, by the help of God, I continue in his service to this day; and daily live in hopes of eternal life, through Jesus Christ my Lord and only Saviour. I am affectionately yours, A. F.

 Psalm 131:2.

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Letter III January 1815 My dear Friend, In recollecting the early exercises of my mind, I see a great difference between respect and love. I never knew the time when I did not respect good men, but I did not love them for Christ’s sake. There was one poor man, in particular, who used to travel about three miles on a Lord’s day morning, to worship; and, as I often attended at the same place, I was frequently very eager to get his company. I have run miles, to overtake him, though when I was with him I had nothing to say. In the autumn of 1769, he became my father’s thrasher; and I was delighted on account of it, though I scarcely knew for what reason. It was in the November of this year, that the things related in my last letter occurred. My mind was now at rest in Christ; yet I had never spoken to anyone on the subject, nor did I think of doing so for the present. But whether the thrasher perceived some alteration in me as I went about my business, or how it was, I know not, he talked to me rather freely, and I told him all my heart. After this, other Christians conversed with me, and invited me to their prayer-meetings and I engaged with them in prayer, and other religious exercises. It was in this accidental way, and not from my own intention, that I became known among serious people. But having opened my mind to the thrasher, I often visited him in the barn; and, because I hindered him in his work, I made it up, by thrashing for him, sometimes for an hour or two together. From the month of November 1769, I had entirely broken off all my ungodly connections and courses; yet, being a boy under sixteen, I found, at times, boyish inclinations and strong struggles of mind respecting youthful follies. At Shrovetide, in particular, when the young men met together, and practised various athletic exercises, their shouts which were within my hearing, would throw me into agitations which rendered me very unhappy. But my good friend the thrasher warned me tenderly and solemnly to keep out of the way of temptation; and I was enabled, though with some difficulty, to follow his counsel. As the spring of 1770 came on, the young people of the town, as usual, would meet every evening for youthful exercises. This was especially the case at the wake or feast; and, though I always kept at a distance, yet I found such times very ensnaring to my mind. To avoid this, I began a practice, which I continued with great peace and comfort for several years. Whenever a feast or holiday occurred, instead of sitting at home by myself, I went to a neighbouring village to visit some Christian friends and returned when all was over. By this step, I was delivered from

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those mental participations in folly which had given me so much uneasiness. Thus, the seasons of temptation became to me times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. In March 1770, I witnessed the baptizing of two young persons (having never seen that ordinance administered before) and was considerably affected by what I saw and heard. The solemn immersion of a person, on a profession of faith in Christ, carried such conviction with it, that I wept like a child, on the occasion. The words of the Psalmist (Ps 61:10), “A good understanding have all they that do his commandments,” left a deep and abiding impression on my mind.⁵² I was fully persuaded, that this was the primitive way of baptizing and that every Christian was bound to attend to this institution of our blessed Lord. About a month after this, I was baptized myself and joined the church at Soham,⁵³ being then turned of sixteen years of age. Within a day or two after I had been baptized, as I was riding through the fields, I met a company of young men. One of them, especially on my having passed them, called after me, in very abusive language, and cursed me for having been “dipped.” My heart instantly rose in a way of resentment: but, though the fire burned, I held my peace; for, before I uttered a word, I was checked with this passage, which occurred to my mind: “In the world ye shall have tribulation.”⁵⁴ I wept and entreated the Lord to pardon me; feeling quite willing to bear the ridicule of the wicked and to go even through great tribulation, if at last I might but enter the kingdom. In this tender frame of mind I rode some miles, thinking of the temptations I might have to encounter. Amongst others, I was aware of the danger of being drawn into any acquaintance with the other sex, which might prove injurious to my spiritual welfare. While poring over these things, and fearful of falling into the snares of youth, I was led to think of that passage: “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”⁵⁵ This made me weep for joy; and, for forty-five years, I have scarcely entered on any serious engagement without thinking of these words and entreating divine direction. I have been twice married and twice settled as the pastor of a

 Psalm 61:10.  Mr. John Eve was then pastor of the Baptist church, and Mr. Adam was pastor of the Independent church, in the same place. [Ryland]. William Adam (1710 – 1782) ministered to the Independent congregation at Soham from 1763 through the end of his life. He was described by a fellow minister as “the best scholar and most intelligent Independent minister in the country”; see Timothy Whelan, Baptist Autographs in the John Rylands University Library of Manchester 1741 – 1845 (Macon: Mercer University Press, 2009), 345.  John 16:33.  Proverbs 3:6.

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church, which were some of the leading ways in which I had to acknowledge the Lord; and in each, when over, I could say, as Psalm 119:26, “My ways have I declared, and thou heardest me.” In reviewing the early years of my life, I see much ignorance, vanity, and folly. I feel the force of Paul’s considering the terms “carnal” and “babes in Christ,” as synonymous.⁵⁶ But, amidst all my youthful follies and sins, I bless God that I was always kept from any unbecoming freedom with the other sex or attempting to engage the affections of any female, except with a view to marriage. The summer of 1770 was a time of great religious pleasure. I loved my pastor and all my brethren in the church; and they expressed great affection towards me, in return. I esteemed the righteous as the excellent of the earth, in whom was all my delight. Those who knew not Christ, seemed to me almost another species, towards whom I was incapable of attachment. About this time, I formed an intimacy with a Mr. Joseph Diver, a wise and good man, who had been baptized with me.⁵⁷ He was about forty years of age and had lived many years in a very recluse way, giving himself much to reading and reflection.⁵⁸ He had a great delight in searching after truth, which rendered his conversation peculiarly interesting to me; nor was he less devoted to universal practical godliness. I account this connection one of the greatest blessings in my life. Notwithstanding the disparity as to years, we loved each other like David and Jonathan.⁵⁹ My life, this summer, resembled the description given by Dr. Watts: The day glides swiftly o’er their heads, Made up of innocence and love;

 See 1 Corinthians 3:1.  Joseph Diver (fl. ca. 1730 – 1780). On Diver, see Michael D. McMullen and Timothy D. Whelan, eds., The Diary of Andrew Fuller, 1780 – 1801 (The Complete Works of Andrew Fuller 1; Berlin/Boston: De Gruyter, 2016), 3, 6, 8 – 9.  More than twenty years Fuller’s senior, Diver was a father figure to Fuller after his conversion and served as a significant source of encouragement in his later ministry. Fuller and Driver shared preaching duties at Soham for more than three years after John Eve’s departure in 1771. Diver was known to be “a man of considerable reading and of great piety and prudence” (Anonymous, “A Memoir of the Rev. Andrew Fuller Secretary to the Baptist Missionary Society, Lately Deceased,” Baptist Magazine 7 [July 1815]: 266).  See 1 Samuel 18.

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And, soft and silent as the shades, Their nightly minutes gently move.⁶⁰ But, in the autumn of the same year, an unhappy affair occurred in the church, which occasioned a breach between our pastor, Mr. Eve, and the people, which terminated in his leaving them; and, what rendered it the more afflicting to me, I was much concerned in it. The case was this: One of the members having been guilty of drinking to excess, I was one of the first who knew of it. I immediately went and talked to him, as well as I could, on the evil of his conduct. His answer was, he could not keep himself; and that, though I bore so hard on him, I was not my own keeper. At this I felt indignant, considering it as a base excuse. I therefore told him that he could keep himself from such sins as these, and that his way of talking was merely to excuse what was inexcusable. I knew not what else to say at that time; yet the idea of arrogating to be my own keeper seemed too much. He however was offended, and told me that I was young, and did not know the deceitfulness of my own heart. Well, I went and told my pastor, who highly commended me, and said, we could keep ourselves from open sins. We had no power he observed, to do things spiritually good; but, as to outward acts, we had power both to obey the will of God, and to disobey it. The business soon came before the church, and the offender was unanimously excluded: the excuse which he had made too, was considered by all, I believe as an aggravation of his offence. But this affair being disposed of, the abstract question of the power of sinful men to do the will of God and to keep themselves from sin, was taken up by some of the leading members of the church, amongst whom was my friend Joseph Diver. They readily excused me, as being a babe in religion; but thought the pastor ought to have known better, and to have been able to answer the offender, without betraying the truth. They alleged that the greatest and best of characters, as recorded in Scripture, never arrogated to themselves the power of keeping themselves from evil, but constantly prayed for keeping grace; that, were it not for the restraining goodness and constraining grace of God, earth would be a hell, and the best of men incarnate devils: in short, that though we are altogether blameworthy for our evil propensities, yet if they were restrained or conquered, it was altogether to be ascribed to God, and not to us. To support these ideas, they alleged the prayers of the faithful to be kept from evil,

 Fuller was familiar with John Rippon’s 1801 collection of Isaac Watts’s hymns, which included this song, entitled “The Pleasures of a Good Conscience” (John Rippon, An Arrangement of the Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs of the Rev. Isaac Watts, D.D. [London: Button & Son, 1801], 299).

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even from presumptuous sins (Ps 19:13);⁶¹ the declaration of the prophet, that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in him that walketh to direct his steps (Jer 10:23);⁶² the case of Hezekiah, whom the Lord left, that he might try him, that he might know all that was in his heart (2 Chr 32:31);⁶³ and the acknowledgments of such men as John Bradford, the martyr, who, on seeing a man go to be publicly executed, said, “There goes John Bradford by nature.”⁶⁴ On the other hand, the pastor distinguished between internal and external power. He allowed that men had no power of themselves to perform anything spiritually good, but contended that they could yield external obedience and keep themselves from open acts of sin. In proof of this, he alleged a great number of Scripture-exhortations, asking, if we had no power to comply with them, why they were given us? The opponents did not deny our being exhorted to do good and to avoid evil, nor that it was our duty to do both and our sin to act otherwise; but they denied that this implied our being sufficient of ourselves to do anything, even to think a good thought. In these disputes, I continued, for some time, on the side of my pastor, but, after a few months, I felt difficulties on the subject, which I could not answer and which rendered me unhappy. I perceived that some kind of power was necessary to render us accountable beings. If we were like sticks or stones, or literally dead, like men in a burying ground, we could, with no more propriety than they, be commanded to perform any duty: if we were mere machines, there could be no sin chargeable upon us. Yet, on the other hand, the Scriptures expressly affirm that “the way of man is not in himself,” and represent the godly as crying to heaven for preservation from evil, ascribing all the good that was in them to Him who worketh in us to will and to do of his own good pleasure.⁶⁵ I prayed much and laboured hard to solve this difficulty.

 Psalm 19:13.  Jeremiah 10:23.  2 Chronicles 32:31.  John Bradford (1510 – 1555) was mentored by Nicholas Ridley (ca. 1500 – 1555) and Hugh Latimer (ca. 1487– 1555), and in 1551 he became chaplain to King Edward VI (r. 1547– 1553) and prebendary at St. Paul’s Cathedral. After Mary Tudor ascended to the throne in 1553, Bradford was imprisoned in the Tower of London—at one time sharing a cell with Ridley, Latimer, and Thomas Cranmer (1489 – 1556). Bradford was burned at the stake on July 1, 1555 for his anti-Catholic sentiments. A nineteenth-century tradition traced Bradford to the idiomatic saying, “There, but for the grace of God, go I.”  Jeremiah 10:23.

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My worthy friend, Joseph Diver, who sustained a high character for wisdom and integrity, would reason thus with me: “We ought to hate evil, and love the Lord: but it is the grace of God alone, that can make us what we ought to be.” He would often speak of the equity of the divine requirements, in the words of David, “I esteem all thy precepts in all things to be right, and I hate every false way.”⁶⁶ And again, “Thou hast commanded us that we should keep thy precepts diligently: O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!”⁶⁷ “Thus, it is,” said he, “that we should turn every precept into a prayer, instead of inferring from it a sufficiency in ourselves to conform to it. All our conformity to the divine precepts is of grace; it will never do to argue from our obligations against our dependence, nor from our dependence on grace against our obligations to duty. If it were not for the restraining goodness and preserving grace of God, we should be a kind of devils and earth would resemble hell.” In October 1771, our pastor, Mr. Eve, left us. I loved him, and he loved me, and took it hard that I had, in some respects, changed my views. I learned afterwards, that he had entertained thoughts of me as being formed for the ministry, but that this contention damped his hopes on that subject. He settled, when he left Soham, with a people at Wisbeach. I never look back upon these contentions but with strong feelings. They were to me the wormwood and the gall of my youth; my soul hath them still in remembrance and is humbled in me. But though, during these unpleasant disputes, there were many hard thoughts and hard words on almost all hands, yet they were, ultimately, the means of leading my mind into those views of divine truth which have since appeared in the principal part of my writings. They excited me to read and think and pray with more earnestness than I should have done without them; and, if I have judged or written to any advantage since, it was in consequence of what I then learned by bitter experience and in the midst of many tears and temptations. God’s way is in the deep. About this time, I met with a passage in Dr. Gill (I think it was in his Cause of God and Truth), in which he distinguished between a thing being “in the power of our hand, and in the power of our heart.”⁶⁸ This (thought I), is

 Psalm 119:128.  Psalm 119:4– 5.  Common sense can distinguish, every day, between the inability of a hard-hearted miser freely to impart of his abundance to the poor and the inability of a compassionate poor man to contribute much to the relief of others; between the inability of Tamar to resist the violence of her brother Amnon and the inability of those whose “eyes are full of adultery” to cease from sin. But, when

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the clew to our dispute. Every man has it in the power of his hand to do good and abstain from evil, and this it is which makes us accountable beings. We can do, or forbear to do, this and that, if we have a mind; but many have not a mind, and none would have such a mind but for the restraining goodness or constraining grace of God. We have it in the power of our hands to do good, but we are disposed to do evil; and so, to do good is not naturally⁶⁹ in the power of our hearts. It was some time after this, that I became acquainted with Mr. Robert Hall of Arnsby who, in conversation on the subject, recommended Edwards on the

we apply the same distinction to every sinner’s inability to love God, and give full credit to his testimony concerning his Son, many pretend they cannot understand it: “If no one can come to Christ, except the Father draw him,” they are ready to ask, “what propriety can there be in complaining ‘Ye are not willing to come to me, that ye might have life?’” And if once ministers admit the excuse to be valid in this case, loose professors will soon learn to apply it to sensual indulgences also. I question much, if any thinking man can steer clear of False Calvinism, on the one hand, and Real Arminianism, on the other, without entering into the distinction between natural and moral inability, as it is commonly termed Dr. Twisse, the Prolocutor of the Assembly of Divines (whose most learned adversaries have confessed that there was nothing then extant, more exact, accurate, and full, touching the Arminian controversy, than what he published), admits the truth and importance of this distinction: “Impotentia faciendi quod Deo gratum est et acceptnm, non est impoteniia naturæ, sed morum.” See Howe’s Blessedness of the Righteous, III. 157. [Ryland]. In part one of The Cause of God and Truth, Gill observed “that persons oftentimes have it in the power of their hands when they do not have it in the power of their hearts to do a good work.” Gill argued that the unregenerate are capable of “performing works which are in a natural and civil” way good, while not being spiritually good (John Gill, The Cause of God and Truth: Being an Examination of the Principal Passages of Scripture Made Use of by the Arminians, in Favour of Their Scheme [London: Aaron Ward, 1735], 1:2). Fuller notes—and Ryland agrees—that false Calvinism and Arminianism both fail to make the distinction between natural inability and moral inability, and therefore cannot admit both the necessity of the general call and divine election. Ryland also quotes William Twisse (1578 – 1646), Prolocutor of the Westminster Assembly (1643), on the matter, and this quotation is taken from the Puritan theologian John Howe’s The Blessedness of the Righteous (see John Howe, The Whole Works of the Rev. John Howe [Chichester: William Mason, 1812], 3:157).  The term physical is not understood by illiterate people, however, and many plain Christians, who are accustomed to speak of our native depravity as natural, are puzzled by the ambiguity of that term also. We admit, with Mr. Howe, “That our moral incapacity is also, in some sense, truly natural; that is, in the same sense wherein we are said to be, by nature, the children of wrath (Eph 2:3). Human nature, therefore, must be considered, as created by God, and as propagated by man. It is in the former sense (as God is the author of it), that it is taken, in this distinction of natural and moral impotence.” See Howe, ut supra. Our depravity, though natural in the latter sense, is most unnatural in the former. We say of a child who shows no affection for his tender parents that he is an unnatural wretch: how much more justly might we speak of the enmity of a creature against a good and holy God, as unnatural; and this, notwithstanding its universality, and its connection with the fall of our first parents. [Ryland]. In the 1816 edition, the footnote read: “See the Note in the next page.” The text of the note was inserted after “On reading this work, and some other pieces on physical…” (see Ryland [1816], 43 – 44).

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Will. On reading this work and some other pieces on physical and moral impotence, I saw the same things clearly stated in other words which I had learned by bitter experience.⁷⁰ Mr. Eve having removed and the church being divided into parties, it was thought, by some, that we should be dissolved; and I went, several Lord’s days, to hear an Independent minister in the neighbourhood. Those members, however, who were of one mind (and who formed the majority) met together on Lord’s days and, having no minister and being situated too far from other Baptist churches to get supplies, they carried on the worship by singing, prayer, and reading and expounding the Scriptures. They also appointed a day for fasting and prayer and invited all the members to unite in it. I went to this meeting and, from that time, continued to assemble with them. My friend, Joseph Diver, was, at that time, chosen to be a deacon; and having some talent for expounding the Scriptures, he used, at the request of the church, to take up a part of every Lord’s day in that exercise. As the disputes in the church were the occasion of turning my thoughts to most of those subjects on which I have since written, so were they the occasion of my engaging in the Christian ministry. But this I shall reserve for another letter. I am, etc. A. F.

 Fuller later mentions that he first met Robert Hall, Sr. when the latter attended his ordination on May 3, 1775. Hall pastored at Arnesby from 1753 until his death in 1791 and was an early leader among those who rejected the spiritually deadening effects of High Calvinism. His Help to Zion’s Travellers: Being an Attempt to Remove Various Stumbling Blocks Out of the Way, Relating to Doctrinal, Experitmental, and Practical Religion (Bristol: William Pine, 1781) argued strenuously against the High Calvinist idea that a person must have confidence in their own election before being able to repent and believe in Christ. In Ryland’s introduction to the second edition of Hall’s Help (1807), he mentions that Hall was strongly influenced by the New England pastor John Smalley’s The Consistency of the Sinner’s Inability to Comply with the Gospel (1769)—a book that Ryland had first borrowed from John Newton of Olney (1725 – 1807) in 1774. Smalley was crucial in helping Ryland understand the distinction between natural and moral inability, an insight which changed Ryland’s mind about the Modern Question (on Smalley, see D. Bruce Hindmarsh, John Newton and the English Evangelical Tradition: Between the Conversions of Wesley and Wilberforce [Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996], 152– 154). Ryland loaned Smalley’s Consistency to Hall the same year. Though Hall is often credited with introducing his Northamptonshire Baptist friends to the New England divine, Jonathan Edwards, it is likely that Ryland was the first of the circle of friends to read and understand the implications of Edwards’s thought for the chill wind of High Calvinism. While Fuller here mentions that Hall encouraged him to read Edwards on the Will, Fuller at first mistook the author for John Edwards of Cambridge (1637– 1716) and thus did not read Jonathan Edwards until 1777 (see letter V, p 119, below).

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Letter IV February 1815 My dear Friend, I renew the subject of my narrative. In November 1771, as I was riding out on business on a Saturday morning to a neighbouring village, my mind fell into a train of interesting and affecting thoughts from that passage of Scripture, “Weeping may endure for a night; but joy cometh in the morning.”⁷¹ I never had felt such freedom of mind in thinking on a divine subject before; nor do I recollect ever having had a thought of the ministry: but I then felt as though I could preach from it; and, indeed, I did preach, in a manner, as I rode along. I thought no more of it, however, but returned home when I had done my business. In the afternoon of the same day, I went to meet my mother, who had been to London to see her mother, who was then very unwell. As we rode a few miles together, she told me she had been thinking much about me while in town and added, “My dear, you have often expressed your wish for a trade: I have talked with your uncle at Kensington about it and he has procured a good place in the city where, instead of paying a premium, you may, if you give satisfaction, in a little time receive wages and learn the business. I thought (continued she) that, as we had now lost the gospel and perhaps shall never have it again, you could have no reason for wishing to continue here. In London you can hear the gospel in its purity.” That which my mother suggested was very true: I had always been inclined to trade; but, how it was I cannot tell, my heart revolted at the proposal, at this time. It was not from any desire or thought of the ministry nor anything else in particular, unless it were a feeling towards the little scattered society of which I was a member; a kind of lingering to see what would become of the city. I said but little to my mother but seemed to wish for time to consider of it. This was Saturday evening. The next morning, as I was walking by myself to meeting expecting to hear the brethren pray and my friend, Joseph Diver, expound the Scriptures, I was met by one of the members whom he had requested to see me, who said, “Brother Diver has, by accident, sprained his ankle and cannot be at meeting and he wishes me to say to you that he hopes the Lord will be with you.” The Lord be with me! (thought I) What does Brother Diver mean? He cannot suppose that I can take his place, seeing I have never attempted anything of the kind nor been asked to do so. It then occurred, however, that I had had

 Psalm 30:5.

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an interesting train of thought the day before and had imagined, at the time, I could speak it if I were called to it. But though I had repeatedly engaged in prayer publicly, yet I had never been requested to attempt anything further and, therefore, I thought no more of it. We walked on to the meeting and took our places. After singing, one of the brethren went to prayer, after which the eldest deacon asked me if I would read some part of the Scriptures and, if I found liberty, drop any remarks which might occur as I went on. At first, I was startled. But, conscious of what had passed in my mind the day before, I thought, as Brother Diver was absent, it might be my duty to try; and, therefore, making no objections (which, as it appeared to me, would have been mere affectation), I rose and spoke from Ps 30:5 for about half an hour with considerable freedom.⁷² After this, I was again invited by Brother Diver to speak, and I did so; but, not enjoying that liberty which I did the first time, I was discouraged and, though frequently asked, declined all such exercises for more than a year. But, early in 1773, I think it was, Brother Diver was absent again through an affliction and I was invited, once more, to take his place. Being induced to renew the attempt, I spoke from those words of our Lord, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.”⁷³ On this occasion I not only felt greater freedom than I had ever found before, but the attention of the people was fixed and several young persons in the congregation were impressed with the subject and afterwards joined the church. From this time, the brethren seemed to entertain an idea of my engaging in the ministry, nor was I without serious thoughts of it myself. Sometimes, I felt a desire after it; at other times, I was much discouraged, especially through a consciousness of my want of spirituality of mind, which I considered as a qualification of the first importance. As to other qualifications, it certainly would have been of great use to me if, for a few years, I had had the instructions of some father in the ministry; and I have often since regretted that, from 1771 to 1774, I lived to so little purpose. But none of my connections had any idea of the kind; and being conscious of knowing about as much as those around me, I myself thought nothing of it. At one time, when seriously reflecting on my own defects and insufficiency, I was greatly relieved and encouraged by that passage (Ps 84:11) “The Lord will give grace and glory.”⁷⁴ It was now usual for my friend Diver to speak on one part of the Lord’s day, and for me to be engaged on the other; and these exercises

 Psalm 30:5.  Luke 19:10.  Psalm 84:11.

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appeared to be blessed to several young people, who afterwards joined the church. In January 1774, an elderly lady, a member of the church, died and left a request that, if the church did not think it disorderly, I might be allowed to preach a funeral sermon on the occasion. As the members were nearly of one mind respecting me, they agreed to set apart the 26th of that month which was previous to the funeral for fasting and prayer; and they then called me to the ministry. From that time, I exercised from the pulpit. Being now devoted to the ministry, I took a review of the doctrine I should preach and spent pretty much of my time in reading and in making up my mind as to various things relative to the gospel. Impressed with the importance of the connections I should probably form in a few years, both as a man and as a minister, to my future happiness and usefulness, I earnestly besought the Lord to be my guide; and those words, in Prov 3:6 were very sweet to me, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”⁷⁵ In most of the important turns of my life, I have thought of that passage with renewed tenderness, as one would think of a friendly hint given him in early life and make it a rule of conduct. Settling in a town where I had lived from the age of six years, I could not expect to be much respected by the inhabitants. In this, however, I had no occasion to complain. I had, indeed, more respect shown me than I looked for; partly owing to the prevalence of an opinion, when I was at school, of my being more learned than my master; an opinion which, I am certain, was far from being true, but it indicated a partiality in my favour which, perhaps, was of some use in leading people to hear the word. With respect to the system of doctrine which I had been used to hear from my youth, it was in the High Calvinistic or, rather, Hyper Calvinistic strain,⁷⁶ admitting nothing spiritually good to be the duty of the unregenerate and nothing to be addressed to them, in a way of exhortation, excepting what related to external obedience. Outward services might be required, such as an

 Proverbs 3:6.  That is, going as far above, or beyond Calvinism, as Arminianism falls below it. See my Sermon at Bourton, at the Ordination of Mr. T. Coles, p. 15 and that at Mr. Morgan’s Ordination, at Birmingham, p. 22. [Ryland]. See John Ryland, The Difficulties and Supports of a Gospel Minister and The Duties Incumbent on a Christian Church (Bristol: Harris and Bryan, 1801); John Ryland, Andrew Fuller, and John Sutcliff, The Difficulties of Christian Ministry and the Means of Surmounting Them; With the Obedience of Churches to Their Pastors Explained and Reinforced, ed. Jonathan Edwards Ryland (Birmingham: J. Belcher, 1802).

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attendance on the means of grace, and abstinence from gross evils might be enforced; but nothing was said to them from the pulpit in the way of warning them to flee from the wrath to come or inviting them to apply to Christ for salvation. And, though our late disputes had furnished me with some few principles inconsistent with these notions, yet I did not perceive their hearings at first and durst not, for some years, address an invitation to the unconverted to come to Jesus. I began, however, to doubt whether I had got the truth respecting this subject. This view of things did not seem to comport with the ideas which I had imbibed concerning the power of man to do the will of God. I perceived that the will of God was not confined to mere outward actions but extended to the inmost thoughts and intents of the heart. The distinction of duties, therefore, into internal and external and making the latter only concern the unregenerate wore a suspicious appearance. But, as I perceived this reasoning would affect the whole tenor of my preaching, I moved on with slow and trembling steps and, having to feel my way out of a labyrinth, I was a long time ere I felt satisfied. My mind was also frequently diverted to other subjects of inquiry. In the first year of my ministry, books were put into my hands which led me to consider certain questions in divinity, which it might easily be thought were improper for me at the age of twenty. One was on the preexistence of Christ’s human soul, before he was born of the Virgin. Another was on the Sonship of Christ, or whether the character of the only begotten Son of God would ever have belonged to him if he had not been the son of Mary. These things would not have occupied my mind, had they not been suggested by others. Yet I have reason to thank God that they were the occasion of fixing my judgment and I have since perceived that everything pertaining to the person of Christ is of more than ordinary importance. Concerning the first, I was led to see that the notion of Christ’s human soul existing before the creation of the world was unfounded and tended to undermine his proper divinity. It is true, this notion was held by Dr. Watts; and I examined his reasoning, but without obtaining satisfaction.⁷⁷ In consequence of the examination I made at that time, I was enabled afterwards to repel an attack from a company of ministers who were warm for that opinion. When they put it to me, I offered to prove that it led to Atheism or relin-

 See Jonathan Edwards’ Miscellaneous Observations on Important Theological Subjects, pp. 469. [Ryland]. Isaac Watts’s The Glory of Christ as God–Man (1746) created a great deal of confusion over Trinitarian doctrine. Ryland directs the reader to the place in Edwards’s Miscellanies where Edwards gives a thirteen-point refutation of “Dr. Watt’s scheme.” See Edwards, The Miscellanies: Entry Nos. 1153 – 1360, ed. Douglas A. Sweeney (Works of Jonathan Edwards 23; New Haven: Yale University Press, 2004), 90.

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quish the argument. They accepted my offer. I began by saying, “You suppose the human soul of Christ to be a party in the everlasting councils of God?” “Yes: God could not take counsel with himself, for a council implies more than one; but God is one.” “Yet you do not suppose the soul of Christ to have always existed?” “No: it was created and, therefore, could not be eternal.” “Then you must suppose that, till the great God had a creature to take counsel with, he had no plan; that, prior to this act of creation, he was without counsel, without plan, without design! But a being without plan, purpose, or design, is not God!!! Thus, you are landed on Atheism. The truth is, God never was without his plan, purpose, or design. By applying, too, those passages of Scripture which express the preexistence of Christ (and thereby prove his divinity) to the preexistence of his human soul, you undermine his divinity and favour the Arian hypothesis.” Respecting the other question, I took considerable pains in searching the New Testament. The question was whether Christ was ever called the Son of God, in respect of his pre-incarnate person, as the second person in the Godhead. I found such proof that he was, as quite satisfied me, that he was the Son of God antecedently to his being born of a woman; and that, in calling God his own Father, he made himself equal with God. Had I not been initiated into these principles at an early period, I should not have been able to write the treatise against Socinianism, which I have no cause to regret having written. Besides these, I was much perplexed about the same time with the writings of Mr. John Johnson, of Liverpool, and for some time favoured his sentiments. My pastor had, indeed, been one of his admirers.⁷⁸ There were two things, in particular, for which he pleaded: that God did not and could not decree to permit evil, without being the author of it; and that he would have glorified his elect, though sin had never intervened. The way in which I obtained satisfaction as to the first was, I perceived that God had permitted evil; and that which he had done, it could not be wrong to decree or purpose to do, unless it were wrong to purpose to do what is right. And as to the second, I thought it was idle to speculate on what God could or would have done concerning his elect if sin had never intervened, when all his revealed counsels went on the supposition of its existence; even the incarnation of his Son was to “destroy the works of the devil.” Bunyan would have called these questions, “Nuts, which spoil the  John Johnson became the minister at Byrom Street Particular Baptist Chapel in Liverpool in 1741. Brought up as a General Baptist, his increasingly High Calvinist views provoked a schism resulting in an entirely new denomination—the Johnsonian Baptists—with congregations in the northwest of England and East Anglia. His views were so severe that they were even censured by John Brine.

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children’s teeth.” I have considered an attachment to them as resembling the chewing of certain narcotics, of which, though they are generally disagreeable at first, yet, by a little use of them, some persons become so fond as to prefer them to their bread. They were things, however, after which I did not seek; but they fell in my way and I am thankful now that they did. The next year, 1775, I visited London, where I met with a pamphlet, the contents of which revived all my doubts on what was called the High Calvinistic system, or the system of Dr. Gill, Mr. Brine, and others, as to the duty of sinners and of ministers in addressing them. It was written by Dr. Abraham Taylor of London.⁷⁹ It was not so much his reasoning, however, as the passages of Scripture which he brought forward which made so deep an impression on my mind that I could not forget them, nor help feeling that my preaching was anti-scriptural and defective in many respects. That summer I was ordained pastor of the church at Soham and became acquainted with Mr. Robert Hall of Arnsby,⁸⁰ who came seventy miles to my ordination and continued my father and friend till his death. In 1776, I became acquainted with Mr. Sutcliff who had lately come to Olney and, soon after, with Mr. John Ryland, jun., then of Northampton. In them I found familiar and faithful brethren; and who, partly by reflection and partly by reading the writings of Edwards, Bellamy, Brainerd, etc., had begun to doubt of the system of False Calvinism, to which they had been inclined when they first entered on the ministry, or rather, to be decided against it.⁸¹ But, as I lived sixty or seventy miles from them, I seldom saw them and did not correspond upon the subject. I therefore pursued my inquiries by myself and wrote out the substance of what I afterwards published under the title of The Gospel Worthy of All Acceptation; or, the Obligations of Men Cordially to Believe Whatever God Makes Known.

 Abraham Taylor (d. 1740) was an Independent minister at Little Moorfields, London and, from 1735 until his death, an Independent tutor and minister at Deptford. He received his D.D. from Marischal College, Aberdeen in 1736. In 1730 – 1731, Taylor and John Gill were selected for weekly lectures in defence of Calvinism at Lime Street in London. See Abraham Taylor, A Practical Treatise on Saving Faith in Three Parts (London: Hett, 1730).  Robert Hall, Sr.  Joseph Bellamy, a graduate of Yale (1735), was a Congregationalist minister who studied for several years under the New England theologian Jonathan Edwards. Along with Samuel Hopkins, Bellamy was one of the principal architects of “New Divinity,” a theological movement that arose out of Edwards’s writings. As mentioned elsewhere in this volume, Ryland was deeply shaped by Edwards’s thought, especially by the latter’s biography of the pastor and missionary David Brainerd. Ryland kept up frequent correspondence with New Divinity writers.

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My change of views on these subjects never abated my zeal for the doctrine of salvation by grace but, in some respects, increased it. I never had any predilection for Arminianism, which appeared to me to ascribe the difference between one sinner and another not to the grace of God, but to the good improvement made of grace given us in common with others. Yet, I saw those whom I thought to be godly men both among Arminians and High—or, as I now accounted them, Hyper—Calvinists. I perceived that men’s characters are not always formed by their avowed principles; that we may hold a sound faith, without its having that hold of us as to form our spirit and conduct; that we may profess an erroneous creed and yet, our spirit and conduct may be formed nearly irrespective of it; in short, that there is a difference between principles and opinions; the one are the actual moving causes, which lie at the root of action; the other often float in the mind, without being reduced to practice. I am, Yours, etc. A. F. Thus far, I have interwoven two different narratives together which were written some years apart to two of Mr. Fuller’s friends, but, finding several particulars more fully detailed in the latter part of one set of letters than in the former, I have added them as a fifth letter, omitting some sentences which were quite similar to the statement already given.⁸² Letter V Nov 13, 1809 My dear Friend, In the spring of 1775, I accepted the invitation of the church at Soham and was ordained their pastor. The pastors of the other churches, who attended the ordination, took that opportunity to inquire into the controversy which had divided us from our former minister, and requested me to state the difference. Mr. Hall, of Arnsby, who was one of them, expressed his satisfaction in the statement, but recommended Edwards on the Will to my careful perusal, as the most able performance on the power of man to do the will of God.  On Fuller’s initial religious impressions, Ryland had three separate accounts—one Fuller had written for Charles Stuart, one for The Evangelical Magazine, and one for Maria Hope. Hope was an especially important source for Fuller’s autobiographical narrative, and Ryland wrote to her in search of pieces he was still missing in December of 1815 (see Ryland to Hope, n.d.).

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Not being much acquainted with books, at that time, I confounded the work of Dr. John Edwards, of Cambridge, an Episcopalian Calvinist, entitled Veritas Redux, with that of Jonathan Edwards, of New England.⁸³ I read the former and thought it a good book, but it did not seem exactly to answer Mr. Hall’s recommendation. Nor was it till the year 1777, that I discovered my mistake. Meantime, however, I was greatly exercised upon the subject, and upon the work of the Christian ministry. The principal writings with which I was first acquainted were those of Bunyan, Gill, and Brine. I had read pretty much of Dr. Gill’s Body of Divinity, and from many parts of it had received considerable instruction.⁸⁴ I perceived, however, that the system of Bunyan was not the same with his; for that, while he maintained the doctrines of election and predestination, he nevertheless held with the free offer of salvation to sinners, without distinction. These were things which I then could not reconcile, and therefore supposed that Bunyan, though a great and good man, was not so clear in his views of the doctrines of the gospel, as the writers who succeeded him. I found, indeed, the same things in all the old writers, of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, that came in my way. They all dealt as Bunyan did, in free invitations to sinners to come to Christ and be saved; the consistency of which with personal election I could not understand. It is true, I perceived the Scriptures abounded with exhortations and invitations to sinners; but I supposed there must be two kinds of holiness––one of which was possessed by man in innocence, and was binding on all his posterity––the other derived from Christ, and binding only on his people. I had not yet learned, that the same things which are required by the precepts of the law are bestowed by the grace of the gospel. Those exhortations to repentance and faith, there-

 John Edwards studied at St. John’s College and became the pastor of Trinity Church, Cambridge in 1664, and later a tutor at St. Johns. Forced to resign both pulpit and post because of his Calvinist views, Edwards ministered to several other congregations until his retirement in 1687. He returned to Cambridge in 1697, apparently for use of the library, and completed several of his most important works in the latter years of his ministry. His Socinian’s Creed, or, a Brief Account of the Professed Tenents and Doctrines of the Foreign and English Socinians Wherein Is Shew’d the Tendency of Them to Irreligion and Atheism, with Proper Antidotes Against Them (London: J. Robinson, J. Wyat, Ann Arbor, 1697) was intended as an answer to John Locke (1632– 1704). In Veritas Redux: Evangelical Truths Restored (London: Jonathan Robinson, John Lawrence, and John Wyat, 1707), Edwards provides a compelling biblical exposition of reformed doctrine.  Gill’s Body of Divinity was first published as A Body of Doctrinal Divinity; Or, A System of Evangelical Truths, Deduced from the Sacred Scriptures. In Two Volumes (London: George Keith, 1769), and A Body of Practical Divinity; Or, A System of Practical Truths, Deduced from the Sacred Scriptures (London: George Keith, 1770). These three volumes were later published under the title: A Complete Body of Doctrinal and Practical Divinity; Or, A System of Evangelical Truths, Deduced from the Sacred Scriptures (London: W. Winterbotham, 1796).

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fore, which are addressed, in the New Testament, to the unconverted, I supposed to refer only to such external repentance and faith as were within their power, and might be complied with without the grace of God. The effect of these views was, that I had very little to say to the unconverted; at least, nothing in a way of exhortation to things spiritually good, or certainly connected with salvation. But in the autumn of 1775, being in London, I met with a pamphlet, by Dr. Abraham Taylor, concerning what was called The Modern Question. I had never seen anything relative to this controversy before, although the subject, as I have stated, had occupied my thoughts. I was but little impressed by his reasonings, till he came to the addresses of John the Baptist, Christ, and the Apostles; which he proved to be addressed to the ungodly, and to mean spiritual repentance and faith, inasmuch as they were connected with the remission of sins. This set me fast. I read and examined the Scripture passages; and the more I read and thought, the more I doubted the justice of my former views. About the same time, I met with a sermon, by Mr. John Martin, from Rom 10:3 on the Causes and Consequences of Not Submitting to the Righteousness of God. ⁸⁵ The drift of this discourse, as nearly as I can remember, was to show that submission to the righteousness of God was the same thing, for substance, as believing in Christ for righteousness: and that non-submission to it was owing to willful ignorance, pride, prejudice, and unbelief. I was equally unable to answer this reasoning as that of Dr. Taylor, and therefore began more and more to suspect that my views had been anti-scriptural. I was very unhappy. I read, thought, and prayed. Sometimes, I conversed on these subjects with my friend Joseph Diver and some others. He was nearly as much at a loss as myself. I made a point, however, of not introducing the question in the pulpit, till my judgment was fixed. I am, Yours, affectionately, A. F. The account of other controversies, which in the one set of letters comes last, was inserted in a different order in the other, which, being more full in some particulars, I will now annex with as little repetition as possible.  John Martin sat under the ministry of John Gill and soon became an itinerant pastor in Huntingdonshire and Leichestershire. In 1773, Martin was called to Grafton Street Chapel in London, where he served until 1814. Near the end of the century, Martin became known as an outspoken critic of the government.

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Soon after I entered on the ministry, I had several books put into my hands with a request that I would read them. One was written by Mr. Samuel Stockell in favour of the pre-existence of Christ’s human soul;⁸⁶ another, by a Mr. Allen,⁸⁷ on the same subject, and on the Sonship of Christ. Several pamphlets also, written by Mr. Johnson of Liverpool, fell in my way, containing sentiments different from those of the generality of writers to whom I had been accustomed to look up with respect.⁸⁸ Though I was not, at that time, competent to form a judgment on such subjects, yet, they being, in a manner, forced upon me, I was obliged to do as well as I could. As to the pre-existence of Christ’s human soul, it seemed to me in itself a strange conceit, and such as I should never have thought of in reading the Scriptures. The texts on which it was founded seemed to be forced into the service, especially the 8th [chapter] of Proverbs, and Psalm 139:15, 16, and though some who professed to believe in the divinity of Christ were partial to the notion, yet I suspected it was invented to undermine that important doctrine. I found one of the principal arguments alleged for it was, that as God was one, without a being of a different nature from himself there could have been no council of peace relative to the salvation of men. But this, I perceived, went to deny the eternity of the divine counsels; which would be nearly equal to denying a God: for a being without counsel, purpose, or design, were no God. Concerning the sonship of Christ, I had more hesitation. I conversed with my friend Diver upon it, who was favourable to Mr. Allen’s idea; namely, that Christ is called the Son God, not as a divine person, but assuming human nature, and being both God and man. He however very liberally, advised me to read the New Testament with an eye to the question, and to observe, as I went along, whether, in any instance where Christ is represented as the Son of God, it respected him as a divine person antecedent to his incarnation; and whether the Scripture name for Christ’s pre-incarnate person was not the Word, rather than the Son of God? In reading and thinking on the subject, I met with the following passages, which appeared to me to admit of no other fair interpretation than that

 Samuel Stockell (1704– 1753) was a member of Joseph Hussey’s congregation in London. Stockell pastored at Red Cross Street from 1728 until his death. See Samuel Stockell, Redeemer’s Glory Unveil’d, or the Excellency of Christ Vindicated in the Antiquity of His Person as God–Man before the World Began (London: J. H., 1733).  John Allen (fl. 1740s–1780s).  John Johnson (1706 – 1791) was pastor of the Byrom Street Baptist Chapel from 1741– 1748. Fuller refers to Johnson’s The Faith of God’s Elect (Liverpool: E. Owen, 1754).

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which I was invited to reject: John 5:18; Gal 4:4; Heb 1:8; 5:8, 9; and 1 John 3:8. By looking into my volume of Essays, p. 169, you will perceive these to be the principal grounds of my present sentiments on this subject. The peculiar opinions of Mr. Johnson laid faster hold of me. There was something imposing in his manner, by which a young and inexperienced reader is apt to be carried away. His denial of God’s having decreed to permit sin, and his notion of the purposes of grace being executed upon the elect, even though sin had never intervened, much entangled me. It seemed as if he were concerned to vindicate his Creator from being the author of sin; and in this view, I could not but approve: but, on the other hand, his scheme appeared to have no foundation in the Scriptures; as all the grace given us in Christ Jesus supposed the intervention of sin. And respecting the decree to permit sin, I was one day conversing with a friend upon it, who observed, “It is a fact, is it not, that God has permitted sin; and can it be a reproach to his character, that he should decree to do what he has done?” This remark carried conviction to my mind. I saw, that if there were anything inconsistent with the divine perfections in the affair, it must be in permitting evil, and not in the decree to permit it. If the one were right, the other could not be wrong, unless it were wrong to determine to do what is right. But to say that it is wrong for God to permit evil, is either to arraign the divine conduct, or to maintain that evil exists without being permitted. I perceived too that Mr. Johnson availed himself of the ambiguity of the word permit, and because, on some occasions it signifies, to give leave, would have it thought that God could not be said to permit it. After this, I thought but little more of it, but rested in this, The Judge of all the earth will do right. In reviewing some of these questions, which occupied my attention at so early a period, I have seen reason to bless God, for preserving me at a time when my judgment was so immature. When I have seen the zeal which has been expended in maintaining some such peculiarities, I have thought it a pity. They have appeared to me as a sort of spiritual narcotics, for which when a man once gets a taste, he will prefer them to the most wholesome food. It was in recollection of these things that I lately wrote, in an Essay on Truth, as follows: “A man who chews opium or tobacco, may prefer them to the most wholesome food, and may derive from them pleasure, and even vigour for a time; but his pale countenance and debili-

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tated constitution will soon bear witness to the folly of spending his money for that which is not bread.”⁸⁹ A. F.

 Andrew Fuller, “An Essay on Truth: Containing an Inquiry into its Nature and Importance, with the Causes of Error and the Reasons of Its Being Permitted,” in Works, 3:530.

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Chapter 3 Fuller’s Pastorate at Soham and Kettering In the preceding Chapter, I chose to give Mr. Fuller’s own account of his early and superficial religious impressions; his subsequent conversion; his joining the church; the pleasure he enjoyed, at first, after his public profession of religion; the dissensions which arose in the church, and issued in the removal of their pastor; his own entrance on the ministry and the doctrinal difficulties with which his mind was embarrassed at that early period. When Mr. Eve had removed to Wisbeach, in the Isle of Ely, in October 1771, the church-book notices that, after much confusion among themselves, they nevertheless assembled with each other, and spent the time in singing and prayer; “some brethren opening a word of Scripture, chiefly Brother Diver.” Again, in the year 1772, an entry is made in the book, in Mr. Fuller’s writing, who was then eighteen years old: Time, on Lord’s days; was now carried on in opening the Word, chiefly by two of the brethren, Brother Diver and Brother A. Fuller; and Oh! to our unexpected, unlooked for comfort, the Lord was pleased to make use of such weak means for the conversion of some souls. This was like life from the dead to us, and no small encouragement to the weak means made use of. We were now almost like people that had found a new world. New life, love, joy, peace, and harmony, spread almost throughout every soul; admiring the goodness of the Lord towards us, in our confused, forlorn condition; often, with thankfulness of heart, repeating the language of the church, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.”⁹⁰ Evening meetings, which before had been dropped, were now revived. In 1773, it is mentioned, that two brethren were employed in opening the Word on the Lord’s day, chiefly Brother Andrew Fuller. October 1773—A day was set apart for public fasting and prayer to the Lord. The work of opening the Word on Lord’s days was wholly committed to Brother Fuller, though not yet publicly sent into the ministry. January 26, 1774—The church met for solemn fasting and prayer, and called Brother Fuller publicly to preach the gospel. February 22, 1774—He baptized two persons. Conversion-work now went forward. July 17, 1774—The church requested Brother Fuller to take the pastoral care of them, which was repeated four times; when, on Feb 19, 1775, the invitation of the church was accepted by Brother Fuller.

 Lamentations 3:22.

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May 3, 1775—Was appointed for the Ordination; when the Rev. Robert Hall, of Arnsby, gave the charge, from Acts 20:28, and the Rev. John Emery, of Little Staughton,⁹¹ in Bedfordshire, addressed the church, from Gal 5:13, “By love, serve one another.”⁹² June 8, 1775—The church, by unanimous consent, applied for reception into the Northamptonshire Association, and were readily accepted. Mr. R. Fuller,⁹³ deacon of the church at Isleham, who sent these extracts from the records of the church at Soham, mentioned a brief anecdote of what once occurred at a conference meeting there. A friend, of slender abilities, being asked to pray, knelt down, and Mr. Fuller and the other friends with him; when he found himself so embarrassed, that, whispering to Mr. Fuller he said, “I do not know how to go on.” Mr. Fuller replied, in a whisper, “Tell the Lord so.” The man, taking Mr. Fuller’s advice, began to confess his not knowing how to pray as he ought, begging to be taught to pray; and so proceeded, without anyone having heard what passed between them. Mr. Fuller continued pastor of the church at Soham for more than seven years, and, considering the size of the congregation, had as much success as could well be expected, but attended with many painful trials, as the case often is, when God is preparing a man for future usefulness. In the midst of them, however, he found more leisure for the investigation of theological difficulties than he could easily have found in a less retired situation. Perhaps, he had fewer means of assistance from men and books than he might have had elsewhere; but he was obliged to think, and pray, and study the Scriptures, and thus make his ground good, as he went on.⁹⁴ With respect to his removal from Soham, I have been at a loss what to select, and what to omit, out of the plentiful materials which have been submitted to my inspection. On reflecting upon what I knew, in early life, of our ministers and churches, I have been ready to suspect, that some of our best ministers carried their scruples to an extreme, and were more averse to leaving a people with whom they had once been settled, than the general good of the church required. Yet I have been ready to fear that our young ministers are in danger of verging too far the contrary way and of deserting stations of importance as soon as they meet with any unpleasant occurrence. I have had occasion, within these few years, to remind some that the

 John Emery (1739 – 1799) was born at Bolnhurst, Bedfordshire, and was a member at Carlton. On October 18, 1766, Emery became the pastor of the newly formed church at Little Staughton and served there until his death. On Emery’s life, see Anonymous, “Memoir of the Rev. John Emery, Pastor of the Particular Baptist Church at Little Staughton, Bedfordshire,” Baptist Magazine 16 (October 1824): 413 – 18; George E. Page, “Some Baptist Churches on the Borders of Bedfordshire and Huntingdonshire,” Baptist Quarterly 11, no. 8 – 9 (1944): 225 – 32.  Galatians 5:13.  His brother Robert (see Ryland [1816], 68).  Ryland adds “on” (see Ryland [1816], 69).

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British army in Spain would soon have been driven out of the Peninsula, if every officer had deserted his post, as soon as the French were so uncivil as to fire at him. Not that I would determine too positively for others, but I would guard them against a cowardly abandoning of important but difficult stations or aspiring after posts of honour and ease, when God is blessing them with usefulness in the midst of many privations and hardships. “He that findeth his life shall lose it: but he that loseth his life for my sake and the gospel’s shall find it” is a maxim of the highest authority and of very extensive application.⁹⁵ But, as to Mr. Fuller’s removal, every serious Christian must admire the conscientious manner in which he acted: the self-denying scrupulosity which kept him so long in suspense, the modest manner in which he asked counsel of his senior brethren, and the importunity with which he implored divine direction. Nevertheless, if all the correspondence which passed on this occasion were published, it would, perhaps, be tedious to many readers and, to some, his scruples would appear excessive or even ridiculous. Men who fear not God would risk the welfare of a nation with fewer searchings of heart than it cost him to determine whether he should leave a little Dissenting church, scarcely containing forty members besides himself and his wife. Among these people he met with various trials and discouragements—partly through the unkindness of a few who were not satisfied with his ministry, and partly through the smallness of his income, which was far from being adequate to the support of his family. And though he endeavoured to find a remedy to the latter inconvenience, first by opening a small shop and, afterwards, by keeping a school, yet neither attempt succeeded so far as to prevent his annually sinking the little property he possessed. The people were few in number and poor in circumstances so that they could raise him but thirteen pounds a year, besides five from the Baptist Fund in London.⁹⁶ He had also three pounds for preaching four sermons in a year at a neighbouring village. In less than four years after his marriage, he had four children—though they mostly died young. A tinge of False Calvinism infected some of the people who were inclined to find fault with his ministry as it became more searching and practical and as he freely enforced the indefinite calls of the gospel. This spirit first discovered itself in December 1799. The unwillingness also of his people to exert themselves to get a more convenient place of worship when their rent was raised and that, when there appeared an increasing disposition in the inhabitants of the town to attend his ministry, was an additional cause of his dissatisfaction.

 Mark 8:35.  The Particular Baptist Fund was formed on June 4, 1717, when six London churches subscribed a total of £910. The fund was designed with the following objects in mind: “correspondence among Baptists, maintenance of worship, supply of ministers and augmentation of maintenance” (Theo. F. Valentine, Concern for the Ministry: The Story of the Particular Baptist Fund 1717 – 1967 [Teddington: Particular Baptist Fund, 1967], 6). See also Tim Grass, The Particular Baptist Fund 1717 – 2017: Money, Mission and Ministry (Needham Market: Gipping, 2017).

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Mr. Robert Hall of Arnsby (who was venerated by all who knew him for his eminent piety and wisdom), estimating the talents of his young friend and having some intimation of his difficulties, first encouraged the church at Kettering to inquire if Mr. Fuller were not moveable. No man could be more cautious than Mr. Hall not to excite a minister to leave his people without justifiable grounds for so doing, and I believe the church at Kettering, though they had been long and sorely tried through their minister’s being laid aside by a tedious attack of affliction, were yet conscientiously scrupulous in all their conduct towards the church at Soham. They had waited long in hope of their former pastor’s recovery and when it was decided that he must totally give up the ministry, having an expectation that the increase of Mr. Fuller’s family, if nothing else should cooperate, would render his removal unavoidable, they waited still longer for him to see clearly the path of duty. Eight and twenty letters lie before me, the first of which is dated November 1, 1779 and the last (which is the dismission of Mr. and Mrs. Fuller from the church at Soham to the church at Kettering) is dated August 10, 1783—all of which evince the cautious and conscientious manner in which both Mr. Fuller and his friends at Kettering acted on this occasion.⁹⁷ I have also in my possession a diary of Mr. Fuller’s from June 3, 1780, to January 10, 1782, in which are many allusions to the exercises of his mind on this subject. I suspect, some things written in short hand may relate to the same business; but, as he certainly intended these to be concealed, I have not wished to have them deciphered. The first that is legible is dated, June 30, 1780—My heart has been much affected, in thinking on my situation. I prayed to the Lord earnestly, that if there were anything in this world which might direct me, he would lead my mind to it. Here I must wait. The Lord may have designed to lead me in a way that I have not known. October 13, 1780—Much concerned with the state of things among us, and with my own state. Went to the Lord in prayer: found a solemnity of spirit. The Lord direct me to the land of uprightness! October 27, 1780—My heart often aches in thinking of my situation. Lord, what is duty? O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! November 9, 1780—Found my heart disposed to ask counsel of God, and to leave him to guide me in his own way. November 10, 1780—O that I might be guided some way! My heart is much perplexed; but found liberty in prayer.

 Sarah Gardiner, Fuller’s first wife.

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November 28, 1780—For some days past, have been tenderly concerned about my situation. O that the Lord would bestow upon me his counsels and his care! I am afraid of pride being in my motives, both ways. O that God would hear and help me. The parable of the talents has been something to me. I am frequently told, that my talents are buried—but I do not know. O that I may not have to go upon this principle! O that some plainer path might appear, if I must go! December 22, 1780—I am far from happy. I cannot feel settled where I am; yet I cannot remove. Lord, let not duty hang thus in doubt! January 15, 1781—Much disheartened, in seeing the coolness of some in providing for the future welfare of the church. In February, his mind was much exercised on the subject; he afterwards writes thus: March 5, 1781—Tonight it seems as if it would break my heart to remove. The seal and fruits of my ministry are dear to me. Yet how it can be otherwise I cannot see. March 6, 1781—A continual heaviness lies upon me. O that I could say, one way or other, upon solid grounds, “I have the mind of Christ!” April 1, 1781—It seems as if the church and I should break each other’s hearts! Tonight, I have been but truly charged with “an irregular mind.” How heartily could I embrace death, if it pleased God to send it! How far are peace and happiness from me! April 2, 1781—Affected in prayer. O for an unerring guide! O that I knew the Lord’s will! Verily, if I know mine own heart, I would do it. I had rather, I think, much rather, walk all my days in the most miserable condition, than offend the Lord, by trying to get out of it. April 10, 1781—The thoughts of my situation now return, and overpower me. Tonight, I was exceedingly affected in prayer, earnestly longing that I might know the will of God. I have entered, tonight, into a solemn vow, which I desire it may please God to accept at my worthless hands. With all the powers of my soul, with the utmost effusion of feelings, I have vowed to this effect, before the Lord: “O Lord! If thou wilt give me so much light, as plainly to see what is my duty in this case; then, if I do not obey the dictates of conscience, let my tongue forever cleave to the roof of my mouth! Let my ministry be at an end! Let me be made an example of thy displeasure against falsehood!” The case of those who asked counsel of Jeremiah (chap. 42) seemed to excite

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in me a jealousy of my own heart; but, so far as I know anything of myself, I am resolved to stay or go, as it should please God, did I but know his will. April 18, 1781—Earnest outgoings to God, in prayer. Tomorrow seems a day of great importance. Then I must give my reasons to the church, for what I have intimated concerning my removal. The Lord guide and bless them and me! April 19, 1781—I went to the meeting, today, with very little premeditation, thinking an upright heart would be prepared. I assigned two reasons for my removal—the complaints some have made of non-edification, and my wasting my property every year. Neither of these objections being answered, the church despairs. All is in confusion! Ah! What can I do? What can they do? My heart would say, Stay; would freely go and gather them together, and pour oil into their wounds. My judgment only forbids me. No … No! Surely I cannot go! My heart is overwhelmed! Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I! I have been pouring out my heart to the Lord, since I came from the meeting. Think I could rather choose death than departure! My heart is as if it would dissolve! It is like wax—it is melted in the midst of my bowels! April 21, 1781—“Vast are the trials tied to time, And all my thoughts confusion still!” My spirit is overwhelmed within me: my heart within me is desolate. Now my mind seems to lean as if I must stay, even though it terminate in my temporal ruin. O fluctuating soul! May 1, 1781—Have been praying to the Lord, that I may keep to that direction which was so much to me ten or eleven years ago––“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”⁹⁸ This passage has been, several times, like a present help in time of need. O that it may be such now! May 2, 1781—Affliction returns. How heavy! My heart and flesh faileth! O that God may be the strength of my heart, and my portion forever! May 3, 1781—A painful melancholy lies heavy upon me all this day. Have been trying to pray, but can get no manner of ease. “Withhold not thou thy tender love,” has been my plea.⁹⁹ May 4, 1781—All my powers of body and mind are absorbed in my extreme affliction. I thought, towards night, that as these limbs had been ingloriously employed in the service of sin, how reasonable, though pardoning mercy be

 Proverbs 3:6.  Psalm 40:11.

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extended, that they should be blasted, confined by a series of affliction, and, at last, ingloriously reduced to dust. I can think of little else now, but that I must leave Soham: yet it seems an affair of so much importance, I dread it. May 5, 1781—I am as if I thought death would soon take me out of the world: but God knows what is his will concerning me. May 6, 1781—Confined, by bodily affliction, from public worship, this Lord’s day. Tonight, my heart melts with compassion towards the church. I think, after all, if I go from them, it is as if it must be in a coffin! May 7, 1781—Tender thoughts towards the church. Several verses of the onehundred and twenty-second Psalm, towards the latter part, exceedingly move me. The welfare of this part of Zion lies exceedingly near me. Earnest, very earnest longings for it, and for direction to myself, in prayer. The second chapter of Proverbs has been somewhat to me, tonight, on the subject of divine direction. The first nine verses seem to point out the way of obtaining it; and from thence to the end of the chapter, its manner of operation and effects are described. I have been trying to find out wisdom and the fear of the Lord, as there directed. O that I may search for it, as for hid treasure! May 10, 1781—I seem now, in general, to think of nothing but departing from Soham. There are, however, many devices in man’s heart; but the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand. It seems to me now, as far as I can see, right that I should go; but perhaps, in a few days I may think otherwise. O that I might arrive at a greater degree of satisfaction. Earnest longings for this, tonight, in prayer. May 14, 1781—Oh my heart! It is as if it must break! Thought, this morning, “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof is death.”¹⁰⁰ This makes me jealous, lest specious appearances should beguile me. My load seems heavier than I can bear! O Lord, for thine own sake, suffer me not to act contrary to thy will. O for an unerring guide! May 20, 1781—Tonight, I stopped the church, and asked them, if they could prove it wrong for me to leave them. I assured them, if they could, I would abide with them, whatever was the consequence.

 Proverbs 14:12; 16:25.

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May 22, 1781—One thing I desire of the Lord: whatever be my portion here—if it be to wear out my years in pining sadness—let me so walk, as to enjoy his approbation. Into thy hands I commit my spirit. On the 24th of May, Mr. Fuller visited Kettering, previous to the Association which was held there on the 5th, 6th, and 7th of June. He then conversed with Mr. Beeby Wallis (an excellent deacon of the church there) and admitted that it was his real opinion— he must remove.¹⁰¹ He mentions also conversing with Mr. Hall and says: “I found much tenderness in telling him the whole affair, as it is.” At the Association, he had much pleasure in hearing Mr. (now Dr.) Rippon in prayer, and in hearing Mr. Ryland, senior, preach from Rev 3:2 which he applied to experience, doctrine, and practice. After the public services, he consulted nine of the ministers on his case (Messrs. Booth, Evans, Gill, Guy, Hall, Hopper, Ryland, Ryland, jun. and Sutcliff) who all advised his removal. On his return, he again found his mind in a strait betwixt the two courses proposed: “Oh my soul! What shall I do? O for an unerring guide!”¹⁰² July 12, 1781—Have been trying to examine my heart, by putting to myself such questions as these: “Would it be most agreeable to my conscience to continue after all, with my people? Is it likely, in so doing, I should please God, and contribute to the welfare of his cause on the whole?” To these questions, I could not see how I could in any degree answer in the affirmative. But God knows my heart. I have been trying to pray; and sure it is my sincere desire, if I am wrong, to be set right. I am now going to the churchmeeting. O for wisdom, and a quick understanding in the fear of the Lord!

 The church at Kettering was founded by William Wallis, great-grandfather of Beeby Wallis (1735 – 1792), in 1696. Both John Gill and John Brine were called to ministry under Beeby’s father, Thomas Wallis. Beeby became a member of the congregation in 1763 and a deacon in 1768, and was instrumental in Fuller’s call to the congregation. Months after his death, Fuller, Ryland, Sutcliff, and others would gather in Wallis’s home to form the Baptist Missionary Society.  Ryland switches the order of the last two sentences of this paragraph (see Ryland [1816], 80). After graduating from the Bristol Academy, John Rippon was called to pastor Carter Lane Baptist Church in Southwark, to succeed John Gill. Rippon was an articulate advocate of Ryland and Fuller’s evangelical Calvinism and was the leading Baptist minister in London. Rippon would edit the Baptist Annual Register from 1790 – 1802, through which he was able to influence the identity and mission of Particular Baptist churches. Of the pastors Fuller mentions, at this time Abraham Booth was pastoring at Little Prescot Street in London; Hugh Evans (1713 – 1781) at Broadmead Baptist in Bristol; William Guy at Sheepshead Baptist church in Leicestershire; Robert Hall, Sr. at Arnesby in Leicestershire; Richard Hopper (d. 1826) at the Baptist Chapel on Park Street in Nottingham; John Collett Ryland and John Ryland, Jr. both at the Baptist church in Northampton; and John Sutcliff at the Baptist congregation in Olney.

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The meeting-house has been a Bochim today—a place of weeping!¹⁰³ I have told the church to expect my removal, in a quarter of a year. Oh my soul! I seem unable to endure such attacks on my feelings! July 14, 1781—Waked this morning with great heaviness of heart. Have been trying to pray, “O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me,” etc. My soul seems at a distance from God. O Lord, if I have done aught amiss, teach me but the right way, and I am willing to follow it. Have been reading Hos 12:8, 9.¹⁰⁴ I think I can answer from my heart, “Well, Lord, if it be so, show me it, and I am willing to retract, willing to be anything thou wouldest have me to be.” July 15, 1781—An affecting forenoon, in preaching from Ezek 10:13. An equally affecting afternoon from Ps 125:1. It seemed needful to me, to contrast immoveableness with moveableness. Exceedingly affected tonight in a conversation with the church, on my going away. My heart, how it melts! A good spirit seemed to take place. At length, it was proposed to refer the question to the arbitration of three ministers who should consider the case, as stated in writing both by Mr. Fuller and the church. On this step being taken, he writes as follows: September 21, 1781—Earnestly affected in prayer, that if it would be most pleasing to God for me to stay, I might do so after all. I should not be sorry if the arbitrators should judge this to be my duty. My soul trembles for the ark of God. What will betide the interest of Christ here? “Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.”¹⁰⁵ September 22, 1781—My heart much moved this morning. Ps 123:1– 2 was somewhat to me. Overcome in prayer, that God would shine upon my path. O God, thou knowest that I am willing to be anything. It is my unfeigned desire, that not my will but thine be done. Let not my ease, but thine honour be consulted. Yes, O thou Searcher of hearts! I humbly, earnestly, and unfeignedly desire of thee, that if my departure would issue in the failure of thine interest here, never let me depart. Let me rather go mourning all my days, in the bitterness of my soul.

 See Judges 2:1– 5.  Hosea 12:8 – 9.  Psalm 123:1.

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In a letter to the church at Kettering (not dated, but marked by Mr. Beeby Wallis as received October 21, 1781), Mr. Fuller relates the issue of this arbitration. One minister seemed to justify his removal, yet added, “But if he can be provided for at Soham, without oppressing the poor, I wish he would continue at least a little longer, and see what the Lord will do for and by him.” Another condemned it and a third declared he could not tell what was duty in this case. “We then agreed,” says Mr. Fuller, that I and an officer of the church should take the letters from all parties, on the subject, and lay them before Mr. Robinson, of Cambridge; and that which he should judge duty in the case, we would follow, unless it should appear, to both parties, that he was wrong.¹⁰⁶ We waited on Mr. R. yesterday, and, after an investigation of the affair, for three or four hours, he gave it as his opinion: “That Mr. Fuller ought to continue pastor of the said church, for one whole year from this day, and after that time, if it should appear that he can live on his income; and that the people ought to abide by their proposal to raise Mr. Fuller’s income to a year, clear of all deductions, as they had proposed.” On the 3rd of October, I received a note from Mr. Hall (who was in London), wherein he wishes me not to enter into an engagement to be governed by the arbitration; and suggests that, if my continuance at Soham should be thus determined, it would be a reflection either on the wisdom or integrity of the nine ministers whom I consulted at Kettering, or else on myself, for having related a partial tale, tending to lead them into a deception. As to the former, I have only to say, however it may look, I have certainly no inferior opinion of the wisdom or integrity of the nine ministers to that of the arbitrators. I impute it wholly to their hearing the matter but from one party; and as to the partiality of my tale, I refer you to what I said in my last to you. I dare not, indeed I dare not go contrary to the above decision. I think it would be mocking God and the arbitrators to be previously resolved what way to take. Would it not be like Ahab’s asking counsel of Micaiah?¹⁰⁷ Or the Jews of Jeremiah Chap. 42? I therefore must not comply with your invitation. Mr. Robinson referred me to what it is that approves a minister of God, in 2 Cor 6:4– 8, and such things have no small impression on my heart. I am at this time, a compound of feelings. I feel, dear brethren, I painfully feel for you. I am distressed that a church whose troubles were many before,  Robert Robinson became a lecturer at Stoneyard Baptist Church, Cambridge (later St. Andrew’s Street Baptist Church) in 1759, and then its pastor in 1762. In addition to being an influential preacher, Robinson was a careful biblical scholar with a particular interest in ecclesiology.  See 1 Kings 22:1– 12.

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should have them increased through me. I feel myself unhappy lest my worthy brethren and fathers in the ministry should think themselves slighted, of which there is nothing that I am less conscious: and should they, on this account slight me, it will very much grieve me; but I cannot help it. I hope they will consider what must necessarily be my motives in this matter and excuse me. I am not without feelings, on my own account; but these are not so great as those for you. Blessed be God, I feel peace within, let things issue as they will. I enjoy a consciousness of having done everything in this matter, as in the sight of Christ; at least, to the best of my knowledge. A passage in Mr. Hall’s letter to me, of April 28, 1780 has, both yesterday and today, been sweet to me: “How awfully mysterious are divine providences! The Lord help us to approve and adore, with cordial affections, the dispensations of God! We shall, one day, see we could not have been so well in any other condition as in that in which the Lord has placed us, nor without the various afflictions we meet with by the way. I have lately thought, that religion is not designed to please us now, but to profit us, to teach and dispose us to please God. And those who please him, he will please them hereafter.” I am not without some fears that, as the time of trial is limited to one year, you should some of you be hankering still in your minds after me; which if you should, it would make me exceedingly unhappy. I do not mean to spend what I have, but if possible, to live according to what I shall have coming in, and to bow my shoulder to the yoke with contentment. It is therefore likely I shall stay longer, perhaps all my life. I therefore humbly and most earnestly beseech you, by all that belongs to your own welfare and my future peace, to drop all thoughts whatever of my removal, and to look up and look out for some other person to be your pastor. The great Head of the church direct your choice. Great happiness is what I do not look for now; but it would serve to increase the little I have remaining, to receive one more letter from the church at Kettering; or if that is too much trouble, from Mr. Wallis, by the church’s consent, expressing these two things—That you entertain no hard thoughts of me, as if I had in any respect used you ill—and that you give up all thoughts of my removal, and intend to look out elsewhere. Give my love to any of the ministers whose judgment I consulted, and tell them what I say. Accept the same to yourselves. That Jehovah-jireh may see and provide for you¹⁰⁸ is, my dear Brethren, the prayer of Yours, very affectionately,

 Genesis 22:14.

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A. F. This was indeed a grievous disappointment to the church at Kettering, whose expectations of enjoying the blessing of Mr. Fuller’s ministry had been raised to a high degree and were now so unexpectedly disappointed. But, though his best friends in the ministry were ready to disapprove of the mode adopted for settling the business and, especially, of referring at last to Mr. Robinson (who might have been suspected of a sinister design had he given different advice, as some of Mr. Fuller’s ablest friends lay just between Soham and Cambridge and might prefer attending his ministry if their present pastor should be removed), yet they had no doubt of Mr. Fuller’s being actuated by self-denying principles in continuing in his present station. The church at Kettering also acquitted him of all blame and engaged Mr. Hall to apply to Bristol for a young minister—but were assured by Dr. Evans, that he knew of no suitable person.¹⁰⁹ Their exemplary deacon, Mr. Wallis, laid it still more deeply to heart. A constitutional tendency to dejection led him to suspect that Mr. Fuller had perceived some defect in him that prevented his acceptance of their call; or that God himself suffered the church to meet with this disappointment, on his account. Mr. Fuller, who had the highest esteem for his character, soon removed the former suspicion and endeavoured by letter to counterwork the latter. Their former minister visited his friends at Kettering towards the close of 1781, but, though he spoke for about half an hour twice on the Lord’s day, there seemed to be no prospect of his being able to resume his work, nor could they hear of anyone likely to suit them. In a letter to Mr. Wallis, dated March 13, 1782, Mr. Fuller observes: I am glad to hear Mr. [Moreton]¹¹⁰ has visited you, but sorry that his affliction disables him from resuming the work of the ministry. It would have rejoiced my heart both on his and your account, to have heard of his being happily restored to you again: but providence is a great deep. Our work seems to be, not to scan, but to wonder and submit. These afflictions with many other things we meet with here, are suited to a state of trial, to discover to us our depravity, and bring our graces, our love, patience, and submission to the proof. Read that golden passage from Dr. Bellamy, in Mr. Ryland, jun.’s sermon, On God’s Experimental Probation of Intelligent Agents, p. 45.¹¹¹  Until the death of his father, Hugh Evans, in 1781, Caleb Evans (1737– 1791) served as a tutor at the Bristol Academy and assisted at Broadmead Baptist Church. Upon his father’s decease, Caleb became the principal of the former and the pastor of the latter.  George Moreton, a member of the church at Kettering, was ordained on November 20, 1771 to take the place of John Brown (ordained July 9, 1752), who had died in April. Moreton resigned in August of 1779 due to ill health. See Ryland’s Appendix, “A Brief History of the Baptist Church at Kettering,” pp. 419 – 420 below.  “It is reasonable and fit, and a thing becoming and beautiful, that beings in a state of probation should be tried: and God looks upon the present outward ease and comfort, even of his own people, as a matter of no importance, compared with things spiritual and eternal. Eternity, with all its impor-

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At the Association held at Olney in 1782, Mr. Fuller was one of the preachers (on June 5), but I believe he was prevented from visiting Kettering by the small-pox being in the town. After his return, in a letter to Mr. Wallis, dated July 3, he remarks: We have had a day of fasting and prayer since my return: but nothing was said to me. It was a time of much tenderness, with others and myself too; however, I believe no feelings will induce me to act, one way or other, contrary to what I think is right in the sight of God. That is what I am determined to do. A. F. On the 19th of July, in a letter to Mr. Wallis, he writes thus: You ask in yours, “Will the Lord raise desires in his own people, merely to disappoint them?” You think not; seeing that God hath said, “The desire of the righteous shall be granted.”¹¹² Certainly, if God does excite desires, and then disappoint them, it is for some higher end than merely their disappointment. You will not think, dear Sir, that I mean to discourage you, if I should say, the above explanation of the text in Proverbs is inconsistent with truth. I once heard a sermon,¹¹³ from Ps 145:19. The minister proposed first to explain his subject, and, in so doing, he delivered something like this: “God will not grant us every desire. That is our mercy: for (1) Some of them are sinful. David desired to be revenged on Nabal, and his innocent family.¹¹⁴ Jonah desired Nineveh’s ruin.¹¹⁵ (2) Others would not be for our good. David desired the life of the child he had by Bath-sheba;¹¹⁶ David

tance, lies open to his view; and time appears as a point, and all its concerns as comparatively of no worth. If the wicked are in prosperity, and the righteous in adversity, or all things come alike to all, God is well pleased; because things of time are of so little importance, and because such an administration of things is suited to a state of trial. There will be time enough hereafter for the righteous to be rewarded, and the wicked punished. In this view of things, we may, in a measure, understand the darkest, and account for the most mysterious dispensations of providence, and discern the wisdom of the divine government.” Preface to Bellamy’s True Religion Delineated, p. iii. This admirable book has been reprinted, recommended by Mr. Fuller. [Ryland]. See Jonathan Edwards, “Preface,” in Joseph Bellamy, True Religion Delineated: Or, Experimental Religion, as Distinguished from Formality on the One Hand, and Enthusiasm on the Other, Set in a Scriptural and Rational Light (Boston: S. Kneeland, 1750), iii. See also John Ryland, Jr., God’s Experimental Probation of Intelligent Agents. A Sermon, Preached at a Meeting of Ministers, at Kettering, in Northamptonshire, October 3, 1780 (Northampton: Thomas Dicey, 1780), 45.  Proverbs 10:24.  When I transcribed this sermon, I suspected it was his own, and have since ascertained it to have been so. [Ryland].  See 1 Samuel 25.  See Jonah 4:1– 4.  See 2 Samuel 12.

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also desired the life of Jonathan:¹¹⁷ neither of which would have been for his good. (3) Nay, not every righteous desire. It is a righteous desire, for a minister to desire the salvation of those that hear him. So Paul declared, “I would to God that all that are here present were altogether such as I am” (Acts 26:29). So again, “I could wish myself accursed from Christ, for my brethren’s sake, my kinsmen according to the flesh!” (Rom 9:1). David desired to build an house for God, and it was a righteous desire; for God took it well at his hands: yet he did not grant it. Kings and prophets desired to see the Lord’s Messiah, and yet did not see him. How then are we to understand it? Answer: The sum, or substance of their desires shall be fulfilled. What is the main desire of a seaman?—that he may arrive at the haven. So saints will be brought to their desired haven. What of a pilgrim? See Heb 11:16.¹¹⁸ So all the desires of a Christian are summed up in this—That he may eternally enjoy God, and be like him (See 2 Sam 23:5). Doubtless, there is great mystery in these things: however, I think it is certain that when God raises a spiritual desire in a person, it is often, though not always, with an intention to bestow the object desired. On the 20th of August 1782, he writes thus to Mr. Wallis: Since I saw you, though it is but a little time, yet I have had great exercises. The day I parted with you, calling in the evening on one of my friends, my feelings were tried by what you know is the most effectual battery on my heart of anything; I mean bitter weeping. The Lord’s day following, the meeting-house, to say all in one word, was a Bochim! ¹¹⁹ The most unfeigned sorrow, I believe prevailed almost in every heart. For my own part, I found it exceedingly difficult to go on in preaching, and to keep from weeping quite out! I hastened, as soon as worship was over, to get alone, and there gave full vent to all my sorrow. We had a private evening meeting, which was more trying to me than the day. I saw such a spirit in the church in general, which had I seen half a year ago, I could never had left them, come what would, whatever I do now! I went home to my house, with a heart full of distress, and my strength nearly exhausted with the work and weeping of the day. The next day, August 12, I devoted to fasting and prayer: found special outgoings of heart, and encouragements to pray, from many Scriptures. I scarcely remember such a day, for tenderness and importunity in prayer, in my life.  See 1 Samuel 18; 2 Samuel 1:23 – 27.  “But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city” (Hebrews 11:16, KJV).  See Judges 2:1– 5.

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Two days after, I felt my spirits all the morning exceedingly depressed: got alone and found a heart to pray, with, I think, greater importunity than I had done before. Oh! it seemed as if I must have my petitions granted, or I could not live! This last Lord’s day was a tender day; but not like the Lord’s day preceding. Truly Sir, nothing but the thoughts of an open door for greater usefulness in Christ’s cause (Surely this is not an illusion!), and my having been so engaged to pray for the coming of Christ’s kingdom, could have kept me from dropping all opposition, and yielding to the church’s desire. All their former treatment towards me I cannot remember. I am constrained, not only to forgive it, but to forget it. And as to profit or reputation, things at which I have been charged with aiming, these seemed no more that the mire in the streets. I cannot say what I shall do. I desire to be governed by judgment, and mean to be so: but these things influence my judgment; and that which appeared clear before, has appeared doubtful since. Some of my friends also, who thought my way clear before, think it doubtful now. Oh! it pains me to the heart, to put you and my dear friends to so much pain. I have often of late lamented before the Lord my unhappy situation—that it should be my lot to be reduced to the painful necessity, to say the least, of injuring, at one place or the other, that cause which of all things in the world I most dearly love. My dear friend, I must beg of you not to have your expectations raised too much. Indeed I am ashamed to mention their being raised at all; only I know how you are. Truly, I am not without a dread of being made a curse to you, if I come. I feel such barrenness and carnal-mindedness habitually prevail, as often has made me think my labours would be blasted, be where I might. I know not but such is your partial opinion of me, that you will be apt to impute this to a peculiar sensibility of the plague of my own heart: but verily this is not the case. My soul is indeed like the lands of Jericho, barren, and almost all my services, like its waters, naught: ¹²⁰ and, unless something extraordinary be done to the spring-head of all, to heal the waters, like what was done by the prophet Elisha, my barrenness will be my plague, and the plague of those about me.¹²¹ I must further beg of you not to move it to the church to give me any further call. If I leave Soham, I shall come, not doubting their willingness to receive me: and if not, the more there is done by the church, as a church, towards it, the greater will be their disappointment. For my own part, the language of

 See 2 Kings 2:19.  See 2 Kings 2:20 – 22.

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my heart is, “Here I am: let him do with me as seemeth good to him.”¹²² I do not expect nor wait for extraordinary directions. All I look for is, to have my way plain, my judgment clear, and my conscience satisfied. Pray to the Lord, my dear Sir, earnestly, yet submissively. I thought it right to give you an honest account of things as above; and I think it but right as honestly to say on the other hand, that all things considered, notwithstanding the check I have lately met with, the evidence for removing rather preponderates, than that for continuing. Meanwhile, till we see the issue of things, may we each become dead to all created good, any further than as it may subserve the glory of God! So desires Your affectionate, but distressed friend, A. F. The church at Kettering, however, did send him another invitation and the following is Mr. Fuller’s reply: To the church of Christ at Kettering. Soham, September 22, 1782 Dear Brethren, Yours I received, and quite approve of your devoting a day to fast and pray to the Lord, on such a solemn occasion. I thank you for your remembrance of me and the church at Soham, on that day, as well as for your kind and repeated invitation; to which I can only say, that if I should leave Soham at the time you expect, I have no other thoughts than to comply. God only knows how it will be with me, when the time comes. True it is, I give the church here no reason to expect anything but my removal: but such a spirit of tenderness now takes place among them, that it shakes my confidence and threatens to destroy my happiness, if I remove. It is true, I do habitually think of removing; but do not you expect it too much. Hold Christ and your religion with a close hand, but me and every other creature with a loose one. God can bless you without me, and blast you with me. If I come, O that the Spirit of God may come with me! Surely it is my habitual prayer—“If thy presence go not with me, carry me not up hence.”¹²³ With great respect and esteem,

 2 Samuel 15:26.  Exodus 33:15.

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I remain, dear Brethren, Yours in the gospel, A. F. This painful conflict was at length brought to a close and Mr. Fuller removed to Kettering in October 1782.¹²⁴ Yet still the welfare of the people he had left lay near his heart, as is evident from the following letter addressed to one of them: Kettering, December 4, 1782 Dear Brother, How deep are the designs of Providence! “Too deep to sound with mortal lines,” etc.¹²⁵ Since I have been here, I have had various exercises of mind; but the state of the church at Soham has laid nearest of anything! Such has been the union of affection between them and me, that I suppose no events in time, and I hope none in eternity, will ever dissolve it. This, I know, some would think to be scarcely reconcilable with my conduct in leaving them; but however it may appear, so it is. I can truly say, “Who among them is afflicted, and I burn not?” My earnest prayers have been in their calamity. I have not yet seen any reason to repent of what I have done. The Lord, I think, has been with me hitherto, in my work, and in my private retirements. But alas, poor people! They are destitute! Oh! This after all wounds me. O may He whose name is Jehovah-jireh, see and provide for them! I trust in God they will be provided for. I hear that they keep together, and are in a good spirit. The Lord who loves his cause better than we can, will not suffer, I think, people of such a spirit to fall to the ground. I have many other things to say to you; but I trust shortly to see you. Meanwhile, farewell. The Lord be with you! Your affectionate Brother, A. F.

 Ryland omits “and his friend Mr. West (now pastor of the Baptist church in Swift’s Alley, Dublin), then a deacon of the church at Soham, was called by that church to labour among them” (see Ryland [1816]).  “Lord, we adore thy vast Designs / Th’ obscure Abyss of Providence / Too deep to found with moral Lines / Too dark to view with feeble Sense” (Isaac Watts, “CIX. The Darkness of Providence,” Hymns and Spiritual Songs [12th ed.; London: Richard Ford, 1734], 229).

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Long, however, as the people at Kettering had been waiting for him, Mr. F. was not settled as their pastor till he had been with them about twelve months. He was previously received as a member on the following letter of dismission from the church to which he originally belonged: The church of Christ at Soham, of the Baptist denomination, to the church of Christ at Kettering of the same denomination, sendeth Christian salutations. Dear Brethren, Inasmuch as you have requested, that our Brother and former pastor, Mr. Andrew Fuller, should be dismissed to you, we accordingly comply therewith; though it pains our hearts, and renews our former grief. On the thoughts of such a request, we are ready to give ear to the voice that cried in Ezekiel’s hearing, “O wheel!”¹²⁶ His ways are in the great deep, and his footsteps past finding out. O that Peter’s wish may be accomplished in us, “That the trial of our faith, being much more precious than that of gold which perisheth, might be found to praise and glory, at the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ!”¹²⁷ With regard to Mr. Fuller’s conduct, as a Christian, while he was with us, we have nothing to lay to his charge. It was, in many respects, very amiable. Relative to his ministerial character—his faithfulness, wisdom, tenderness, and freeness with his friends, were the things which captivated our hearts, and united our affections to him, which make our parting the more trying. But we wish that our loss may be your gain. We therefore consent to grant your request; and hereby dismiss him to you, as a church of the living God, of the same faith and order with ourselves. Now, upon your reading and approving of this his dismission to you and your formal receiving of him, we thereupon (and not till then) pronounce his open communion with us to cease, and immediately with you to commence. And that it may be to the increase of the Redeemer’s kingdom with you, and the promotion of his interest at large, is the desire of

 Ezekiel 10:13.  1 Peter 1:7.

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Yours, in the bonds of Christian love, Wm. Barret, John West, John Fuller, P. K. Staples, John Lofts. Signed, in behalf of the whole Church, August 10, 1783. At Mr. Fuller’s settlement, which did not take place till October 7, 1783, the work of the day was introduced by Mr. John Evans of Foxton.¹²⁸ The account of the leadings of Providence given by the church was very affecting and so was Mr. Fuller’s narration of his exercises of mind and his Confession of Faith. One of the ministers present, I know, was much moved by it, and made ashamed of his own defects. Mr. Hall’s discourse was very instructive, though his excess of modesty and his high respect for his younger brother induced him not to give him a charge, but only express a wish—“The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit” (2 Tim 4:22).¹²⁹ Mr. Ryland, junior preached to the people from Acts 20:31.¹³⁰ The Rev. Messrs. David Evans, of Thorne; Sutcliff, of Olney; Symmonds, of Bedford; and Coles, of Long Buckby; engaged in prayer.¹³¹ Mr. David Evans preached in the evening from Ps 25:33: “Let them be ashamed that transgress without cause.” A solid, judicious discourse. It was altogether a day long to be remembered.

 John Evans (fl. 1751– 1781) was one of the founders of the Northamptonshire Baptist Association and composed the first circular letter for the association in 1765 and another in 1774.  Ryland omits the summary of Hall’s charge that he included in the 1816 edition: “(1) Be with you actively—to attract you to himself; to instruct and enlighten you; to animate and quicken you; to communicate all grace to you; and to comfort you. (2) May he be with you as an example. An example of meekness; ‘A soft word breaketh the bones;’ of fidelity, affection, caution, zeal; in your general conduct and in your ministry. (3) When do I wish him to be with you? In reading the bible, and other books, good and bad; in supplication; in your ministrations; in your constant dependence on him; as the end of all ordinances; in all your conversation; in all temptations; and in all afflictions; to sympathize with you and succor you; in the hour of your dissolution. Remember him as the Lord, who is possessed of all authority. Stand by what he has enjoined. Jesus, with all his saving benefits. Christ, with all his gracious influence” (see Ryland [1816], 98).  My father was in London at this time. Neither Mr. Martin, nor Mr. Booth was at Kettering. If they had come from London on purpose to be present, I am persuaded they would have been employed in some part of the service. [Ryland].  David Evans pastored at Great Sansden between 1749 and 1751, and was pastor of the congregation at Thorne, Bedfordshire prior to 1787; Joshua Symonds (1739 – 1788); William Cole (1718 – 1794).

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A copy of Mr. Fuller’s¹³² statement of the circumstances which induced his removal and of his Confession of Faith, having been found among his papers, will be here inserted. The following is his statement of the circumstances which induced his removal and of the exercises of his mind on that occasion: For me to enter minutely into this affair, might perhaps, be attended with too great a revival of feelings for me, at this time and place, to sustain; and, as the affair is so well known by many here present, I must beg to be indulged in being short. It seems a strange thing that is come upon me! I seem, still, at times, as if I could scarcely believe it to be true! I was always averse to removals, and had inured myself to look upon them with a jealous eye. I do not, therefore, wonder that others have done the same by mine. I suppose, there was a time when, if anyone had suggested the idea of my removal, it would have seemed, to me, a strange, unlikely thing. But however, it was so—it is come to pass! I imagine, it will not be expected that I should enter upon a vindication of my conduct in that affair. I only say this: There were several things concurred together, to make me, first, hesitate whether it was my duty to abide where I was, and afterwards, to think it was not. Desirous, however, of doing nothing rashly, I was determined to wait a considerable time, before I did anything. My chief desire, I think, was to preserve a conscience void of offence, towards God and towards man. I had, all along, much jealousy of my own heart, and many fears. I frequently laid my case before God, in prayer, with much more importunity than I usually feel. I sometimes devoted days on purpose for fasting and prayer, on the occasion. On some of those days, partly for the church at Soham, and partly for myself, I had, I think, the most earnest outgoings of heart to the Lord, that ever I felt in my life. I consulted many friends, ministers upon the spot (who knew the case), and ministers at a distance. I think, to nine of them, some of whom are here present, I told the case as impartially as I was able, and asked their advice. Still my heart felt reluctant at the thoughts of a removal. I submitted the case to three or four indifferent persons, who heard the particulars on both sides. The issue was, I stayed another year. At that time, it was my purpose to remain for life. I told the church at Kettering, in a letter, to that effect. But I soon found, that reproach—reproach unlamented—had broken my heart! The bond of my affection was dissolved. I could not feel a union of spirit;

 The 1816 edition only includes Fuller’s “Confession of Faith.” Ryland here adds “statement of the circumstances which induced his removal” (see Ryland [1816], 99).

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without which, I could not continue. In proportion as I despaired of this, I felt my heart incline towards the church at Kettering. At length, impelled by several motives (of some of which, especially, I think I shall not be ashamed at the day of judgment), I removed!— a painful event to me. I have, however, one consolation remaining—that, as far as I know, I acted herein to the best of my judgment and conscience. Yet, after all, I have had many relentings, and many reflections upon some parts of my conduct; as well as fears lest the Lord should blast me in the future part of my life: for, though I have never, to this day, thought the thing itself to be wrong; yet I have, upon reviews, seen a great deal of vanity mixing itself in my motives, and a great deal of folly in some parts of my conduct, for all which I desire to be ashamed. Since my removal hither, I have found much outgoing of heart for the welfare of Christ’s kingdom, particularly in this part of Zion. When repeatedly requested to take this office upon me, I have not been without my fears; and, might I have indulged that sort of feeling, I suppose I should not have accepted their invitation for the present. But I wish to attend to the voice of duty. Duty seemed to call for my compliance. I, therefore, applied for, and received, a dismission from the church at Soham to the church at Kettering; and have resigned myself up, to serve them in the Lord. I wish it may be for the glory of Christ, and their good: though, I must own, the pleasure of this day is marred to me, because a union with the one church cannot be effected but by a disunion with the other. The following is a copy of Mr. Fuller’s statement of his religious principles: I. When I consider the heavens and the earth, with their vast variety, it gives me reason to believe the existence of a God of infinite wisdom, power, and goodness, that made and upholds them all. Had there been no written revelation of God given to us, I should have been without excuse, if I had denied a God, or refused to glorify him as God. II. Yet, considering the present state of mankind, I believe we needed a revelation of the mind of God, to inform us more fully of his and our own character, of his designs towards us, and will concerning us: and such a revelation I believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be, without excepting any one of its books; and a perfect rule of faith and practice. When I acknowledge it as a perfect rule of faith and practice, I mean to disclaim all other rules, as binding on my conscience; and as well, to acknowledge, that if I err, either in faith or practice, from this rule, it will be my crime; for I have ever considered all deviations from divine rules to be criminal.

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III. In this divine volume, I learn many things concerning God, which I could not have learned from the works of nature, and the same things in a more convincing light. Here I learn, especially, the infinitely amiable moral character of God. His holiness, justice, faithfulness, and goodness, are here exhibited in such a light, by his holy law and glorious gospel, as is nowhere else to be seen. Here also I learn, that, though God is One, yet he also is Three—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The idea which I think the Scriptures give us of each of the Sacred Three, is that of person. I believe the Son of God to be truly and properly God, equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Everything I see in this sacred mystery, appears to me above reason, but nothing contrary to it. IV. I believe, from the same authority, that God created man in the image of his own glorious moral character, a proper subject of his moral government, with dispositions exactly suited to the law he was under, and capacity equal to obey it to the uttermost, against all temptations to the contrary. I believe, if Adam, or any holy being, had had the making of a law for himself, he would have made just such an one as God’s law is; for it would be the greatest of hardships to a holy being, not to be allowed to love God with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his mind. V. I believe, the conduct of man, in breaking the law of God, was most unreasonable and wicked in itself, as well as fatal in its consequences to the transgressor; and that sin is of such a nature, that it deserves all that wrath and misery with which it is threatened, in this world and in that which is to come. VI. I believe, the first sin of Adam was not merely personal, but that he stood as our representative; so that, when he fell, we fell in him, and became liable to condemnation and death; and, what is more, are all born into the world with a vile propensity to sin against God. I own, there are some things in these subjects, which appear to me profound and awful: but, seeing God hath so plainly revealed them in his word, especially in the 5th chapter of the Epistle to the Romans, I dare not but bow my shallow conceptions to the unerring testimony of God; not doubting but that he will clear his own character sufficiently at the last day. At the same time, I

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know of no other system that represents these subjects in a more rational light. VII. I believe, as I before stated, that men are now born and grow up with a vile propensity to moral evil, and that herein lies their inability to keep God’s law; and, as such, it is a moral and a criminal inability. Were they but of a right disposition of mind, there is nothing now in the law of God but what they could perform; but, being wholly under the dominion of sin, they have no heart remaining for God, but are full of wicked aversion to him. Their very mind and conscience are defiled. Their ideas of the excellence of good, and of the evil of sin, are, as it were, obliterated. These are subjects which seem to me, of very great importance. I conceive, that the whole Arminian, Socinian, and Antinomian systems, so far as I understand them, rest upon the supposition of these principles being false. So that, if it should be found, at last, that God is an infinitely excellent being, worthy of being loved with all that love which his law requires; that, as such, his law is entirely fair and equitable, and that for God to have required less, would have been denying himself to be what he is; and if it should appear, at last, that man is utterly lost, and lies absolutely at the discretion of God— then, I think it is easy to prove, the whole of these systems must fall to the ground. If men, on account of sin, lie at the discretion of God, the equity, and even necessity, of predestination cannot be denied; and so the Arminian system falls. If the law of God is right and good, and arises from the very nature of God, Antinomianism cannot stand. And if we are such great sinners, we need a great Saviour, infinitely greater than the Socinian Saviour. VIII. From what I have said, it must be supposed, that I believe the doctrine of eternal personal election and predestination. However, I believe that, though in the choice of the elect God had no motive out of himself, yet it was not so in respect to punishing the rest. What has been usually, but perhaps improperly, called the decree of reprobation, I consider as nothing more than the divine determination to punish sin, in certain cases, in the person of the sinner. IX. I believe, that the fall of man did not at all disconcert the Great Eternal; but that he had from eternity formed a plan upon the supposition of that event (as well knowing that so it would be) and that, in this everlasting covenant, as it is called, the Sacred Three (speaking after the manner of men) stipulated with each other for the bringing about their vast and glorious design.

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X. The unfolding of this glorious plan to view, I believe, has been a gradual work from the beginning. First, it was hinted to our first parents, in the promise of the woman’s seed; then, by the institution of sacrifices, by types, prophecies, and promises, it was carried on, throughout the Mosaic dispensation; at length, the Son of God appeared, took our nature, obeyed the law, and endured the curse, and hereby made full and proper atonement for the sins of his own elect; rose again from the dead, commissioned his apostles to go into all the world and preach his gospel, and then triumphantly ascended above all heavens, where he sitteth at the right hand of God, interceding for his people, and governing the world in subserviency to their welfare, till he shall come a second time to judge the world. I cannot reflect upon this glorious procedure, with its all-glorious Author, without emotions of wonder and gratitude. As a workman, he might be truly said to have his work before him! At once he glorified the injured character of God, and confounded the devil—destroyed sin, and saved the sinner! XI. I believe, that such is the excellence of this way of salvation, that everyone who hears, or has opportunity to hear it proclaimed in the gospel, is bound to repent of his sin, believe, approve, and embrace it with all his heart; to consider himself, as he really is, a vile, lost sinner; to reject all pretensions to life in any other way; and to cast himself upon Christ, that he may be saved in this way of God’s devising. This I think to be true faith, which whoever have, I believe, will certainly be saved. XII. But, though the way of salvation is in itself so glorious, that a man must be an enemy to God, to mankind, and to himself, not to approve it; yet I believe, the pride, ignorance, enmity, and love to sin in men, is such that they will not come to Christ for life; but, in spite of all the calls or threatenings of God, will go on, till they sink into eternal perdition. Hence, I believe, arises the necessity of an almighty work of God the Spirit, to new-model the whole soul, to form in us new principles or dispositions; or, as the Scriptures call it, to give us a new heart and a new spirit. I think, had we not first degenerated, we had stood in no need of being regenerated; but as we are, by nature, depraved, we must be born again. The influence of the Spirit of God, in this work, I believe to be always effectual. XIII. I believe, the change that takes place in a person at the time of his believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, is not only real, but relative. Before our believing in Christ, we are considered and treated by God, as a lawgiver, as under condemnation; but, having fled to him for refuge, the law, as to its condemning power, hath no more dominion over us, but we are treated, even by God the judge, as in a state of justification. The subject-matter of jus-

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tification, I believe to be nothing of our own moral excellence; but the righteousness of Christ, alone, imputed to us, and received by faith. Also I believe that, before we believe in Christ, notwithstanding the secret purpose of God in our favour, we are considered, by the moral Governor of the world, as aliens, as children of wrath, even as others; but that, on our believing on his Son, we are considered as no more strangers and foreigners, but are admitted into his family, and have power, or privilege, to become the sons of God! XIV. I believe, all those who are effectually called of God never fall away, so as to perish everlastingly; but persevere in holiness, till they arrive at endless happiness. XV. I believe, it is the duty of every minister of Christ plainly and faithfully to preach the gospel to all who will hear it; and, as I believe the inability of men to spiritual things to be wholly of the moral, and therefore, of the criminal kind—and that it is their duty to love the Lord Jesus Christ, and trust in him for salvation, though they do not; I therefore believe free and solemn addresses, invitations, calls, and warnings to them, to be not only consistent, but directly adapted, as means, in the hand of the Spirit of God, to bring them to Christ. I consider it as a part of my duty, which I could not omit without being guilty of the blood of souls. XVI. I believe, the ordinances which Christ, as King of Zion, has instituted for his church to be found in, throughout the gospel day, are especially two; namely, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. I believe the subjects of both to be those who profess repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ; and on such I consider them as incumbent duties. I believe it essential to Christian Baptism, that it be by immersion, or burying the person in water, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. I likewise believe Baptism, as administered by the primitive church, to be prerequisite to church communion; hence I judge what is called strict communion to be consistent with the word of God. XVII. Although I disclaim personal holiness as having any share in our justification, I consider it absolutely necessary to salvation; for without it “no man shall see the Lord.” XVIII. I believe, the soul of man is created immortal; and that, when the body dies, the soul returns to God who gave it, and there receives an immediate sentence, either to a state of happiness or misery, there to remain till the resurrection of the dead.

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XIX. As I said that the development of God’s plan has been gradual from the beginning, so I believe this gradation will be beautifully and gloriously carried on. I firmly and joyfully believe, that the kingdom of Christ will yet be gloriously extended, by the pouring out of God’s Spirit upon the ministry of the word: and I consider this as an event, for the arrival of which it becomes all God’s servants and churches most ardently to pray! It is one of the chief springs of my joy in this day of small things, that it will not be so always. XX. Finally, I believe that Christ will come a second time, not as before, to save the world, but to judge the world. There, in the presence of an assembled universe, every son and daughter of Adam shall appear at God’s tremendous bar, and give account of the things done in the body; there sinners, especially those who have rejected Christ (God’s way of salvation), will be convicted, confounded, and righteously condemned! These shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous, who through grace have embraced Christ, and followed him whithersoever he went, shall follow him there likewise, and enter with him into the eternal joy of their Lord. This solemn event, I own, on some accounts, strikes me with trembling; yet on others, I cannot but look on it with a mixture of joy. When I consider it as the period when God will be vindicated from all the hard thoughts which ungodly sinners have indulged, and the hard speeches which they have spoken against him; when all wrongs shall be righted, truth brought to light, and justice done where none here could be obtained; when the whole empire of sin, misery, and death, shall sink, like a millstone, into the sea of eternal oblivion, and never arise more; when God’s whole plan shall be exposed to the view of admiring millions—when, I say, I consider it in this view, I cannot but look upon it as an object of joy, and wish my time may be spent in this world, in “looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God.”

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Chapter 4 Extracts from Fuller’s Diary—1780 to 1782 Considerable use has already been made of this manuscript in the preceding Chapter, wherein many extracts were inserted from it indicating his tender regard for the people with whom he was first united and his conscientious concern, when he found it necessary to think of leaving them, to do nothing contrary to the divine will. I shall now make a more general use of it to show in how remarkable a degree he watched over his own heart and constantly maintained a conflict with indwelling sin; and also, how anxiously he was concerned for the success of his ministry and the spiritual welfare of his people. I will transcribe the substance of what is recorded in the first two months, just in the order of time. June 14, 1780—Went out to visit some fallen brethren. Convinced that no art was necessary in religion, resolved to proceed with all plainness and openness. Did so, and hope for good effects. Left each party with weeping eyes … But oh! how liable to sin myself! June 16, 1780—Felt the importance of religion, and a desire of seeing the glory of Christ, and being conformed to his image. Saw a beauty in Eccl 12:13—“Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole of man.” June 17, 1780—Some light, but little life. A great part of the day, how dull! O that what little light I have had, had been more transforming! Have been thinking on 1 Cor 3:18—but, oh! how little changed! I think I have seen one thing—That speaking ostentatiously of anything laudable in ourselves, is the way to mar all the peace or pleasure that we enjoy in it. I think I see that this is a sin which easily besets me, and which needs being guarded against. June 18, 1780—I found a solid satisfaction, in preaching in a searching manner, from 1 Cor 11:31—“If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged,” but wish to feel it more. June 20, 1780—O how my days are spent! Grace, how inactive! Sin, how active! Surely, exaggeration is a sin that easily besets me! May I be more upon my watch against it! June 21, 1780—What! have the powers of grace and sin concluded a truce? I feel, as if both lay nearly still; as if I were strangely destitute of all thought; devoid of pleasure, carnal or spiritual; of sorrow, whether godly or worldly.

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June 22, 1780—O that I might feel more of the power of religion, and know more of the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge! I think I see divine excellence in such a life. O that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast! I am going, God willing, to visit a friend. O that a spirit of watchfulness, savour, and fellowship with Christ, may attend me! June 24, 1780—I see what a strait course it is, to steer between legality and libertinism. I have been for some time, trying to walk more closely with God; and now I find the sparks of self-righteous pride begin to kindle. I have been thinking of Isa 2:11. I have reason to be humbled, for having so little humility: yet I think I have tasted a sweetness in that plan of redemption which stains the pride of all flesh. June 25, 1780 (Lord’s day)—Felt satisfaction in preaching, and in hearing J. F. relate his experience. O that I may feel more of the haughtiness of my heart brought down! June 26, 1780—Dull and unaffected. How soon do I sink from the spirit of the gospel! I have need of thine intercession, O Lord Jesus, that my faith fail not. June 27, 1780—O how difficult is my situation! Providence seems to go against me, yet I am in a strait what to do. Lord, and what shall I do? O that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! June 28, 1780—Have found my heart tenderly affected several times, especially tonight, in prayer respecting my critical situation. Oh! Providence, how intricate! If rough roads are marked out for me, may my shoes be iron and brass! I found a peculiar sympathy towards poor people under trying providences; thinking I may have to go that road. “Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God: thy Spirit is good, lead me into the land of uprightness!” June 29, 1780—It is good to visit the poor, that we may know their cases, exercise sympathy and charity towards them, and learn gratitude, and many a lesson in the doctrine of providence. O what a horrid depth of pride and hypocrisy do I find in my heart! Surely I am unfit for any company. If I am with a superior, how will my heart court his praise, by speaking diminutively of myself, not forgetting to urge the disadvantages under which I have laboured, to excuse my inferiority; and here is a large vacancy left, in hope he will fill it up with something like this— “Well, you must have made good improvement of what advantages you

Chapter 4. Extracts from Fuller’s Diary—1780 to 1782

have enjoyed.” On the other hand, when in company with an inferior, how full of self am I! While I seem to be instructing him by communicating my observations, how prone to lose sight of his edification, and everything but my own self-importance; aiming more to discover my own knowledge, than to increase his! While I make these observations, I feel the truth of them. A thought has been suggested to write them, not as having been working in my heart, but only as discovered. Oh horridly deceitful and desperately wicked heart! Surely I have little else in my religious exercises, but these workings. I am afraid of being deceived at last. If I am saved, what must the Son of God have endured! July 1, 1780—My soul has been dejected, in thinking on the plague of the human heart; but I have been sweetly refreshed tonight, by a hymn of Dr. Watts (85th, Second Book), “Why does your face, ye humble souls,” etc. This was my dear Brother Diver’s funeral hymn. I had a sweet time in prayer, tonight. Through the glass of my depravity, I see, O, I see the preciousness of that blood which flowed on Calvary! O that the ideas I have had tonight were written indelibly on my heart! But, alas! One hour of sin will, I fear, efface them all. July 2, 1780—Surely my views of myself, of divine love, and of the blood of Christ, never were clearer, nor yielded me greater satisfaction, than last night and I retained the savour throughout this forenoon, though it seems abated this afternoon. Well, it has been a time of refreshment to my soul. But, perhaps I may have somewhat at hand to balance it. O that I could retain the ideas I have had! I thought God was such an infinitely lovely being, that it was a great sin not to love him with our whole hearts. I thought one perpetual flame of supreme love was his natural due from every intelligent creature, and that the want of such love merits damnation. And I am under peculiar obligations to love him. July 4, 1780—Alas! How strange it is! Those things, of which, a day or two ago, I could not think without a flood of tears, I now feel make little impression on my mind, which seems in a sluggish, jaded, and almost sceptical frame. Ah! How soon are those ideas effaced! When shall my love be one eternal flame? I fear some trial is at hand. O may the Lord keep me! July 5, 1780—I found some pleasure in preaching from Hos 13:9, “O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself,” etc. I love to open the purity and extent of God’s righteous law, and thereby the depravity of human nature. Here I see the greatness of grace.

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July 6, 1780—Dull and unaffected. I sometimes feel a spirit of idle, sceptical despair; as if the difficulties that attend the finding out what is truth and duty were insurmountable, O Lord, keep up in me a spirit of activity, and teach me to know and do thy will. May I know what is that good, perfect, and acceptable will of God! July 7, 1780—Heaviness of heart makes me stoop. O time, how clogg’d with cares! How pregnant life with ills! Sin, like some poisonous spring, my cup With dregs of sorrow fills. But why do I cry by reason of my affliction? On account of mine iniquities do these things come upon me. O Lord, how justly mightest thou open ten thousand springs of woe, ten thousand floodgates of sorrow, and let them all in upon me. Yet thy mercies are new every morning: it is of the Lord’s mercies that I am not consumed. July 10, 1780—I had an affecting time tonight, in going a road where, about twelve or thirteen years ago, I had many a season of sorrow and joy. O here I saw myself lost, there I had a sight of the Saviour; here I went bowed down with fear and despair, there I was sweetly cheered with a view of the faithfulness of God; in this place I mourned my desolate state, in that the state of the church lay heavily upon me; yonder my hopes respecting the church were excited, by thinking of Ps 122:1, 2, 8, 9. O what strange events since! By the help of God I have continued to this day. When my soul is cast down within me, may I “remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites from the hill Mizar!” July 12, 1780—O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? O mine iniquity! Surely I had rather die than feel again what I have felt of the odious risings of this unholy heart. O the wormwood and the gall! Tremble my soul, at the rising of that which has so often filled thy cup with bitterness; that which made thy Lord, as it were, shrink back from suffering! O may the remembrance of this make thee shrink back from sinning! Surely the renewal of a fresh conflict with old corruptions is not the trial I feared? Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil, O Lord! July 15, 1780—Alas! with what can I go forth tomorrow? My powers are all shackled, my thoughts contracted. Yesterday and this morning, I seemed to feel some savour; but now, all is gone, like the seed by the wayside, which the fowls of the air devoured.

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Bless the Lord! Tonight, I have felt a melting sense of the heinous nature of backsliding from the Lord, while thinking on Jer 2:5, 31– 33. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name. He maketh me to renew my strength like the eagle, dissolves my hardness, disappoints my fears, and touches my lips as with a live coal from his altar. Bless the Lord, O my soul! July 16, 1780—Last night, I thought I looked upon the approaching Lord’s day as wearing this motto—“Holiness to the Lord;” but how have I been teased with vain thoughts that lodge within me. Yet, I was helped through the day, and found it, on the whole, “a good day,” though not so savoury as I could have wished. July 18, 1780—Great part of this day sadly misspent: but have had a sweet evening, in views of the latter-day glory, from reading Isaiah 11– 12¹³³ How dark the day in which I live! “Watchmen, what of the night? Watchmen, what of the night?” July 19, 1780—I have this day had a proof of my weakness. Being engaged in a controversy, I found my spirit too much stirred. O how unfit am I for controversy!¹³⁴ July 20, 1780—O peace! Thou inestimable jewel! The Lord grant I may never enter the polemical lists! July 21, 1780—Dejected, through worldly and church concerns; but had some relief, tonight, in casting all my care upon the Lord, hoping that he careth for me. The Lord undertake for me! O thou that managest worlds unknown, without one disappointment, take my case into thy hand, and fit me for thy pleasure. If poverty must be my portion, add thereto contentment.

 Little did he then think that in twelve years more, he should assist in the first formation of one Missionary Society, which for twenty-three years, should call forth all his energies, as their Secretary; and which would send forth to the East Indies, laborious and faithful Missionaries, who (besides turning many from the worship of idols, to serve the living and the true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, even Jesus, who saveth us from the wrath to come), would also, before the time of his death, have made great progress in translating the Scriptures into twenty-seven languages; while many other Societies would be formed, both in Britain and America, for the same purpose of opening the door of faith to the Gentiles. [Ryland].  As little also did he imagine, how much of this sort of work he must do for God; who intended to make him “valiant for the truth on the earth,” and to render him one of the most able, temperate, cautious, and useful controversial writers of his time; a strenuous defender of evangelical truth, against False Calvinism and Antinomianism, and likewise against the Arminians, Socinians, Deists, Universalists, and Sandemanians. [Ryland].

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July 22, 1780—Ah! how heavily do I drag on without the Lord! I can neither think, nor do anything to purpose. Lord, help me! Sin, how deceitful! While we may obtain an apparent victory over one sin, we may be insensibly enslaved to another: it may seem to flee before us, like the men of Israel before the Benjamites, and yet retain an ambushment, to fall upon our rear. July 27, 1780—O what an ocean of impurity have I still within me! What vain desires lodge in my sinful heart! Rich must be the blood that can atone, infinitely efficacious the grace that can purify, and inconceivable the love that can remain without the shadow of turning, amidst all this vileness! O! had every creature in heaven and earth joined in assuring me of God’s love to me, surely I could never have believed it, but for the assurances grounded on his own word! July 29, 1780—Surely I do not sufficiently study the cases of the people, in my preaching! I find, by conversation, with one seemingly in dying circumstances, that but little of my preaching has been suited to her case. Visiting the sick, and conversing sometimes even with the unconverted part of my hearers, about their souls, and especially with the godly, would have a tendency to make my preaching more experimental. Am not I a fool, and slow of heart to believe? Notwithstanding all the Scripture says of my impotency, all the experience I have had of it, and all my settled and avowed principles, how hard is it for me to believe that I am nothing! Ah! Can I live near to God, set or keep the springs of godliness agoing in my soul, or investigate the things of God to any purpose? No, I cannot. When I am weak, then, and then only, am I strong. When Ephraim spake tremblingly, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died. Omitting the frequent repetition of such exercises as are common to all Christians, I shall no longer follow the order of time, but select such extracts as seem most important and arrange them under five or six different heads.

1. Personal Religion exemplified in both the painful and the pleasant exercises of his mind. I begin with the former, but cautioning my readers against being in any degree reconciled to the workings of evil, because the same defects and defilements have been acknowledged by other good men. My soul has long nauseated the thought of taking comfort from the hope that, if I knew all of the best of men, I should find they were nearly as poor creatures as myself. All have doubtless to maintain a daily conflict,

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but God forbid I should please myself with the idea that they do not more frequently get the victory than I. I never wish to think otherwise than that thousands of saints on earth have lived nearer to God than I ever did, though I am sure they will give all the praise to Him that worketh in them to will and to do of his good pleasure.¹³⁵ I have no wish, however, to conceal the humiliating complaints of my dear Brother—who will no more complain again, as he did in the following extracts: September 12, 1780—Very much in doubt, respecting my being in a state of grace. I cannot see that I have, or ever had, for any constancy, such an idea of myself as must be implied in true humility. The Lord have mercy upon me, for I know not how it is with me! One thing I know—that, if I be a Christian at all, real Christianity in me is inexpressibly small in degree. Oh! what a vast distance is there, between what I ought to be and what I am! If I am a saint at all, I know I am one of the least of all saints: I mean, that the workings of real grace in my soul are so feeble, that I hardly think they can be feebler in any true Christian. There is not only an inexpressible distance between what I ought to be and what I am; but between what primitive believers, yea, the scripture saints in all ages, seem to have been, and what I am. I think, of late, I cannot, in prayer, consider myself as a Christian, but as a sinner, casting myself at Christ’s feet for mercy. October 11, 1780—Surely my soul is in general, like the earth when it was a confused chaos,—“without form, and void,” and as when “darkness covered the face of the deep.” I think, I know but little of the power of religion. Surely I am a novice in experience! I find my heart somewhat tender, tonight; but feel myself full of darkness, deadness, and pollution. The Lord have mercy upon me! What an emptiness in all earthly enjoyments! Nothing therein is suited to my immortal thirst. I must go in quest of a better country, even an heavenly one: there I shall be satisfied. October 12, 1780—O what a world is this; and what a life do I live! I feel myself the subject of much evil. Real religion seems to be something at which I aim, but cannot attain. I may say of it, as Solomon said of wisdom—I thought to be religious, but it was far from me. November 7, 1780—Somewhat affected, in thinking on the annoyances of the spiritual life: stupidity, coldness, confusion, sin of all kinds—O what annoyances!

 See Philippians 2:13.

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Affected also, tonight, with the goodness of God to me, as a God of providence. I enjoy what the holy apostles, and what even the King of the universe, when an inhabitant here, did not enjoy … yet, O how ungrateful! But he records also many mental exercises of a more pleasing kind; such are the following: August 16, 1780—I had pleasure in reading Josh 21:43 – 45 and in thinking of Ps 16:11. How great is his faithfulness! How great will be our joy to see every promise fulfilled! Thought I saw a divine beauty in doing as Enoch did, who “walked with God.” O that I may, till God shall take me! September 22, 1780—I was somewhat moved, this morning, in thinking of the mercy of God—how it was a hedge about us, preserving us from the ravages of the very beasts and birds; nay, from the very stones. The whole creation groans and suffers through us, and would retaliate the injuries we have done them, were not a covenant made, on our behalf, with them. See Hos 2:18; Job 5:13. September 23, 1780—[In the morning of this day, he made the heaviest complaints of dullness, and want of spiritual life and savour, fearing it must render his ministry utterly useless. Yet in the evening he adds—] O blessed be God, he has appeared once again. Tonight, while I prayed to him, how sweet was Col 1:19 to me. That which has pleased the Father pleases me. I am glad that all fulness dwells in Him. It is not fit it should dwell in me, nor that I should have the keeping of my own stock. Expand thy powers, enlarge thy breast; For boundless fulness dwells in Christ. O for some heavenly clue, to guide me to the fulness of Christ! O for an overcoming faith! October 3, 1780—[He notices his spiritual enjoyment under a sermon at the Minister’s Meeting at Kettering on Prov 17:3, which was afterwards printed at his desire and that of the other ministers present, entitled, God’s Experimental Probation of Intelligent Agents].¹³⁶

 Ryland has added square brackets to the 1818 edition to make clear that this is his summary of Fuller’s entry (see Ryland, Work of Faith [1816], 125). The sermon is Ryland’s: God’s Experimental Probation of Intelligent Agents. A Sermon, Preached at a Meeting of Ministers, at Kettering, in Northamptonshire, October 3, 1780 (Northampton: Thomas Dicey, 1780).

Chapter 4. Extracts from Fuller’s Diary—1780 to 1782

October 8, 1780 (Lord’s day)—Bless the Lord, I have had a better day than for some time. The “great things God hath done for us” have been sweet things to me. October 14, 1780—Solemn thoughts, on the holiness, justness, and goodness of the law of God. Desirous of God’s presence tomorrow. October 23, 1780—I was strengthened in reflecting on what I delivered last night, from Ps 29:2—“Give to the Lord the glory due to his name.” Jude 15 and 1 Cor 16:22 were somewhat to me, on the same subject. October 30, 1780—Had some view, tonight, of the hardships of poverty. What mercies do I enjoy; yet how ungrateful am I! What a world of self-sufficiency is there in our hearts! Whence springs our desire of riches, dominion, etc. but from an idea of our sufficiency to manage each as we ought? At least, this is implied in those desires. Were we truly emptied of self-sufficiency, we should be, like Agur, afraid of these. November 9, 1780—Found an heart to pray, “Into thine hands I commit my spirit.” Enlighten my judgment, guide my choice, direct my conscience, and keep it tender. Found my heart disposed to ask counsel of God, and leave him to guide me in his own way. November 10, 1780—O that I might be guided some way! My heart is much perplexed, but found liberty in prayer. Towards night, was affected in reading the 23rd and 24th chapters of Jeremiah, and earnest in prayer. March 3, 1781—A very affecting time, in thinking on the growth of a Christian —that those who grow most in grace, are far from thinking themselves to be eminent Christians. March 26, 1781—My soul is discouraged, because of the way. I am full of confusion: see thou mine affliction! O that I knew what was my duty! Let me not err for want of knowledge, and pierce myself through with many sorrows! I think my soul is like the body of an aged man: even a grasshopper becomes a burden! I seem unable to endure anything more! I had an affecting time in prayer on these subjects. I thought, what an immense fulness of light and happiness dwelt in God; how easily could he inform my mind, and comfort my heart: what fulness in the Holy Scriptures, enough to furnish the man of God thoroughly, for every good work. All I want is to find something that suits my case.

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March 29, 1781—Thoughts on the advocateship of Christ, from John 16:7 and 14:2 have been precious to me: and of his prophetic office, from Matt 17:5, “This is my beloved Son—hear him.” What a wonder am I to myself! Compared with what I deserve to be, how happy my condition; compared with what I desire to be, how miserable! March 30, 1781—Much melancholy gloom; yet some melting thoughts on the astonishing profusion of divine love. Several passages seemed sweet to me: “God is willing the heirs of promise should have strong consolation,” “If anyone sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,” “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?,” “What have I done to thee, O my people? Wherein have I wearied thee? Testify against me.”¹³⁷ June 29, 1781—The conduct and condition of some wicked people make me bless God, tonight, for conscious integrity. Christ’s yoke is truly easy. Purity carries its own reward with it. O the guilt, the misery, that results from a submission to the yoke of Satan! Well—it is by the grace of God I am what I am: nor is any sin so black or so detestable, but I am liable to fall into it. Lord, keep me! August 11, 1781—Have been ravished, as it were in reading the account of the council held by the apostles and elders, Acts 15. O the beauty and simplicity of primitive Christianity! August 12, 1781—Had a sweet forenoon, in thinking on the mediation of Christ, and in preaching upon that subject, from Eph 2:13. August 16, 1781—Serious, and somewhat pleasant. Wrote some thoughts on the holy angels taking pleasure in looking into our redemption. August 27, 1781—I had pleasure in conversing on Rom 8:33. Methought, it indicated the fulness of the Redeemer’s righteousness; partly, from the character of the justified; and partly, from the character of the justifier—God, the all-scrutinizing, impartial Judge. September 2, 1781—A sweet savour of spirit, at night, in talking with Brother West, on God’s justice and faithfulness, as discovered in the plan of redemption; and in repeating to him the substance of the afternoon’s discourse, on Rom 8:33, 34.

 Heb 6:17. 1 John 2:1. Acts 9:4. Micah 6:3. [Ryland].

Chapter 4. Extracts from Fuller’s Diary—1780 to 1782

September 15, 1781—What a difference between the book which I keep and that which God keeps! O what an awful, black diary could he produce against me in judgment! September 29, 1781—I seem very desirous to go more than I have done in a way of dependence on the Lord. In riding to Littleport, had much solemn exercise of mind, on almighty love: “How shall I put thee among the children?” October 6, 1781—Very heavy in heart. Be not far off, O Lord, for trouble is near! Exceedingly melted, in thinking on Hos 6:4, “O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee?” November 15, 1781—This morning, had some interesting conversation with my wife, on little faith, great depravity, a great Saviour, and genuine love to God, from a spiritual discernment of his glory, and delight in the character of the true God. December 20, 1781—Religion appeared to me to be full of greatness. A great God, possessed of great excellencies, whence arise great obligations: hence the great evil of sin; and hence the need of a Saviour, and a great one. All in religion is great. O that I had a great sense of the importance of divine things! Lord, increase my faith! December 28, 1781—Thought on account of family circumstances, what a matter of importance is the birth of a child. Here its life begins; but where shall it end? Ah! no end to its existence! But, O that God would accept of my new-born child; and let its end be “to glorify God, and enjoy him forever!” January 9, 1782—Thought, what an awful day will that be, when God searches Jerusalem, as with candles! O how many will then appear to have been religious through custom, shame, pride, or something short of the fear of God! Alas! How many have proved hypocrites, by the breaking up of a church! When the restraints of church-communion have been taken off them, how have they turned out! O to walk as in the sight of God! That is a spirit which would teach us to be holy, though there were no creature upon earth to watch us.

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2. Passages relating chiefly to his work as a minister and pastor. August 5, 1780—Alas! How am I locked up! What an ocean of matter in the word of God, yet I can come at nothing! It seems to me like a frozen ocean, locked up from me. Oh my heart, how heavy! August 6, 1780—Alas! How disconsolate, this morning! How foolish am I, to lay God under a necessity (if I may use such an expression) of leaving me to myself, to let me and others see that I am nothing. August 13, 1780 (Lord’s day)—Had a poor, dull forenoon; but was disheartened in the afternoon, through the inattention and drowsiness of the people. However, I was much affected, towards the conclusion, in thinking of the importance of the subject (the sufferings of Christ) and the little attention that was paid to it. I had a sweet time at the ordinance, in thinking on these words: “We shall see him as he is.” September 1, 1780—Sorrow and savour, in thinking on the decline of religion, from Lam 5:16, 17. September 3, 1780—Had a good day, in preaching from the above, and from Lam 3:40, 41. O that God might write the things delivered, in indelible characters, on all our hearts! Found an heart to pray for the conversion of the congregation. September 5, 1780—I longed, in prayer tonight, to be more useful. O that God would do somewhat by me! Nor is this, I trust, from ambition; but from a pure desire of working for God, and the benefit of my fellow-sinners. September 10, 1780—Earnest in prayer with God, this afternoon. Humbled for our little love: yet found such desire that, could I obtain my wish, the brightest seraph should not outvie me in love to my Lord. I saw, plainly, that my salvation must be, from first to last, of free grace. Low, and much discouraged in preaching: thought I must cease from preaching ere long. September 22, 1780—Much affected in talking with a friend who had lately fallen into sin, but is, I hope, deeply penitent. He told me, that when coming home, he feared to go through a pasture where some cattle were feeding, lest, like the disobedient prophet, he should be slain for his sin. Also, when coming to meeting on the Lord’s day, it thundered dreadfully, which he thought was all on his account, and that he should be struck dead;

Chapter 4. Extracts from Fuller’s Diary—1780 to 1782

but he felt this turn of mind: “If he slay me, let him slay me, and get himself a great name, in making me, for my sin, a monument of his displeasure.” October 22, 1780—This day we began our evening lectures. Having had a poor forenoon, and a worse afternoon, my heart was much dejected; supposing, my preaching answered no good end. Was in some doubt, whether I should preach any lectures at all: went to the Lord, laid the case before him, and had some freedom in pleading that he would bless me. Preached, this evening, from Rom 7:12 and had a very affecting time. I love to vindicate his equity, and “justify the ways of God to man.” October 24, 1780—Observed our proneness to think of ourselves as others speak of us. For example, if I am praised at any particular place as a preacher, how prone am I, at that place to keep pace with their esteem, if not to outgo it, in the estimation of myself! On the other hand, at such places where I have felt myself embarrassed, how prone to despair, and so to take no delight in the work! O how much of self have I in me! How far from that excellent character, of being dead to the smiles and frowns of men! Somewhat concerned about the state of the church, and my own state. Surely I do not pray to the Lord enough! Surely I am too careless about matters of so great concern! November 11, 1780—A gloomy day. The study, a prison; my heart as hard as the bars of a castle; and my mind exceedingly dull and dark. November 12, 1780 (Lord’s day)—Some sweet savour, this morning, in thinking on Ezek 34:16. The mercy of Christ our shepherd, to his wandering sheep. Had a pretty good day in preaching on the subject. February 3, 1781—I think I have never yet entered into the true idea of the work of the ministry. If I had, surely I should be like Aaron, running between the dead and the living. I think I am by the ministry, as I was by my life as a Christian, before I read Edwards on the Affections. I had never entered into the spirit of a great many important things. O for some such penetrating, edifying writer on this subject! Or rather, O that the Holy Spirit would open my eyes, and let me see into the things that I have never yet seen. February 4, 1781 (Lord’s day)—Some pleasure in preaching from Rev 2:23. and Ps 34:18 but I fear my ministry will never be of much use. I fear a dead weight of carnal-mindedness and stupor in me will always prove an obstruction to usefulness.

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February 5, 1781—A pulpit seems an awful place. An opportunity for addressing a company of immortals on their eternal interests—O how important! We preach for eternity. We, in a sense, are set for the rising and falling of many in Israel. And our own rise or fall is equally therein involved. February 8, 1781—O would the Lord the Spirit lead me into the nature and importance of the work of the ministry! Reading a wise and spiritual author might be of use: yet, could I, by divine assistance, but penetrate the work myself, it would sink deeper, and be more durable. February 13, 1781—I think, when we are in company, and address ourselves to anyone in particular, it too often happens, that the applause of the company, rather than the edification of the person or ourselves, is the object. Hence witticisms, and such sayings as sting the party addressed, are introduced. Pride, how pernicious! March 11, 1781 (Lord’s day)—I had an affecting day, especially in singing and prayer. The revival of nature at this season of the year, seemed to kindle an earnest desire for the revival of religion. July 1, 1781—A fervent day in prayer, and in preaching from Isa 53:6. and Eccl 8:11, the latter occasioned by reading in the public papers of a wretched man (I think it was at Chatham) who had been swearing for a wager, that was stricken speechless, and died in three hours. January 3, 1782—This afternoon being on a visit, as I stepped aside from the company, I overheard one of them saying, “I love Mr. Fuller’s company, it is so diverting!” This expression moved me much. O wretch that I am! Is this to have my speech seasoned with grace? O Lord, forgive me! Some humbling thoughts tonight, for the above, in prayer. January 4, 1782—Very tender this morning in remembering the above circumstance. Lord make me more spiritual in time to come!

3. Extracts relative to personal or family affliction. November 14, 1780—Being on a journey, I was taken very ill by the way: thought how sweet heaven would be to the weary, distressed traveler. November 17– 25, 1780—Having been under heavy affliction for above a week, and incapable of writing, I only observe, that some days I seemed to feel no material workings of sin, nor exercises of grace: sometimes I

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felt worse. One day I dreamed that I was dead: waking, and finding it but a dream, I trembled at the thought of what would become of such a sinful creature, were this dream realized! Here I stopped, painfully stopped: at length I answered, “Lord, I have hoped in thy salvation.” Here I wept, and thought I would hope still. O that it may not be in vain! December 26 – 29, 1780—Afflictions having returned, I think I might make too light of the former. This, though lighter on the body, yet seems heavier on the mind. I am sometimes pressed with guilt for my lightness under the other: sometimes ready to sink in a kind of despondency, almost like that of Jonah—that it will be “better for me to die than to live.” January 1, 1781—Often dejected under my affliction; yet have felt my soul going out after the Lord, deprecating a life of distance from him. Alas! my affliction, instead of taking away sin, seems to be attended with new risings of evil. O wretched man that I am! Surely it does not seem consistent, that an heart so full of stupidity and unholiness as mine, and in so constant a manner too, can be the residence of the Holy Spirit of God! Surely those great things said to be done in the hearts of the godly are not done in me! Yet I have found some outgoings of soul to God, after keeping and quickening grace. “Keep back thy servant from presumptuous sins,” etc. “O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul!” Towards the close of January 1781, he was greatly affected with the illness and death of his father. January 22, 1781—Visited my father, who I fear will die. Found a strong inclination to converse with him concerning his soul, but did not. January 24, 1781—Visited my father again, but he seems to have no thought of death. I found my heart much drawn out tonight, to pray for him. January 26, 1781—Much affected for my dear father. Oh his immortal soul! How can I bear to bury him unconverted? Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me! I have had many earnest outgoings of soul for him, and some little conversation with him. Son. “Have you any outgoings of soul, father, to the Lord?” Father. “Yes, my dear, I have.” Son. “Well, father, the Lord is rich in mercy to all that call upon him. This is great encouragement.” Father. “Yes, my child, so it is; and I know, if I be saved, it must be by him alone. I have nothing to recommend me to his favour … but my hopes are very small.”

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January 27, 1781—Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me! Give me some good hopes of the welfare of his soul! Then I could almost be willing to part with him. This would be letting the cup pass from me. “But, O the soul, that never dies,” etc. The woman of Canaan made her daughter’s case her own, and cried, “Lord help me!” Surely I may do likewise by my father. January 28, 1781 (Lord’s day)—Affected with nothing else but the thoughts of my father’s death. This I know not how to bear! Preached, somehow, from Job 14:1 and Heb 2:14. January 29, 1781—Oh! He is gone! He is gone! For ever gone! His coarse is finish’d now, his race is o’er, The place which knew him knows him now no more; The tree is fall’n, and ever there must lie, To endless ages of eternity! He seems, for some days following, to have been absorbed in reflections upon death, and mentions having buried three of his own children in less than three years before this time.

4. His sympathy excited by the afflictions and deaths of others. Many references are made repeatedly to the loss of his dearly beloved friend, Mr. Joseph Diver. June 20, 1780¹³⁸—Woe is me, that I sojourn in Meshech! O my dear Brother Diver! Six months ago, like an Hur, he supported my hands; but now he is gone, and they sink! O my dear sister K! Twelve months ago, I witnessed thy patience and piety; but, ripe for glory, thou must stay here no longer: while I am yet in the chains of mortality, in a world of darkness and misery. May I follow you, who through faith and patience inherit the promises! I bless the Lord for a solemn favour enjoyed, in some good measure, this day. O that my heart could be oftener engaged in meditation on the things of God! O how happy to be so! July 11, 1780—O my dear Brother Diver! Very pleasant hast thou been to me. I am distressed for the loss of thee! Earth seems a lonely place without thee! But Lord, thy presence will more than make amends for his absence. Give me

 The 1816 edition has June 23, 1780 as the date of this letter (see Ryland [1816], 138).

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that, or I sink! The cares of the world have engrossed my attention this afternoon; but the cares of the church return this evening. O now I feel the loss of my dear Brother Diver! July 17, 1780—O my dear Brother Diver! When shall we recover our loss in losing you? What disorders have we now in the church! Our hands, heads, and hearts, how full! O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof! Like Jeremiah for Josiah, surely I cannot refrain from pouring out my heart in doleful lamentations! Methinks, I shall go all my days at times, in the bitterness of my soul. Ah! we took sweet counsel together, and walked together to the house of God; but all is over! As he said, on his dying bed, “I have done with that life.” Alas! he has done his all with us! Here he inserts a copy of verses, very tender and pathetic but inferior, as to poetical correctness, to some which he wrote on subsequent occasions. I therefore only insert the concluding stanza: O righteous Lord, thy sovereignty we own; His life, and all our lives, to thee resign: What if to chasten us, and him to crown, Thou hast decreed—our wills subdue to thine.¹³⁹ Ah! woe is me; I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips! My heart is ready to sink beneath its load! More bad conduct among my brethren. The Lord have mercy on them and me! Surely I labour in vain, and spend my strength for nought. All my warnings, instructions, reproofs, etc. whether in or out of the pulpit, seem to have none effect.

5. Observations on books, and on theological subjects. March 29, 1780—I have been reading, in Josephus, the bloody reign of Herod. What pain is it to read those narrations where truth and virtue fell to the ground, and were finally overcome. Methinks, it helps to enhance the idea of heaven, that this is a world were these shall everlastingly triumph.¹⁴⁰ August 16, 1780—Some savour, in reading Edwards on the Affections.  (see  (see

This excerpt occurs after the November 4, 1780 entry in the 1816 edition. Ryland reorders it here Ryland [1816], 140, 142). This excerpt occurs after the November 4, 1780 entry in the 1816 edition. Ryland reorders it here Ryland [1816], 140, 142).

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August 30, 1780—I found my soul drawn out in love to poor souls, while reading Millar’s account of Elliott’s labours among the North American Indians, and their effect on those poor barbarous savages. I found also a suspicion, that we shackle ourselves too much in our addresses to sinners; that we have bewildered and lost ourselves, by taking the decrees of God as rules of action. Surely Peter and Paul never felt such scruples in their addresses, as we do. They addressed their hearers as men—fallen men; as we should warn and admonish persons who were blind, and on the brink of some dreadful precipice. Their work seemed plain before them. O that mine might be so before me! Here we see the first workings of compassionate feelings of heart which, at length, led him so happily out of the entanglements of False Calvinism and excited him to such exertions for the salvation of the heathen. September 11, 1780—Much affected, this morning, in reading Edwards’ thoughts on evangelical humility, in his Treatise on the Affections. Surely there are many that will be found wanting in the great day. “Lord, is it I?” October 30, 1780—I cannot help lamenting in reading in Mosheim’s Church History, how soon, and how much was the religion of Jesus corrupted from its primitive simplicity! November 4, 1780—How apt are we to think ourselves rather pitiable than blameable, for having such remains of corruption in us! Perhaps, one cause of this may be our viewing sin in us as an army, or something we have to oppose and press through. These ideas are good, provided we remember, that they are figurative, and that this army is nothing external, but internal; and that the opposition is not like that wherein the combatant’s inclination is all one way, but he finds himself wholly overcome, against his will; were this the case, we should be wholly pitiable. But it is as if a debtor were going to pay his creditor; but, by the way, found great struggles, whether he should go forward, and behave like an honest man, or whether he should turn aside, and spend his money in riot and luxury. In this case, he certainly ought to have had no struggle, nor to have made a moment’s scruple. Neither ought we to make a moment’s scruple about loving the Lord with all our hearts, and refraining wholly from sinning against him. We may, indeed, be pitiable with respect to each other; but, in the sight of God, we are wholly blameable. A hard heart is a symptom of distance between God and us. As the Lord is nigh to those who are of a broken heart, so he is far from those who are of a hard heart.

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June 23, 1781—Some delight in reading Mosheim’s History of the Reformation. Several times in the day, had pleasant feelings, on dying in the Lord. June 26, 1781—Have been reading Mosheim’s History, Cent. xiii and xiv. Really I am sick in reading so much about monks, mendicant friars, etc. I could have wished the history had more answered to its title—a history of the church; but it seems little else than a history of locusts. June 28, 1781—Some sacred delight, in reading more of Mosheim on the coming forth of those champions of the Reformation—Luther, Melancthon, Zuinglius, Calvin, etc. into the field. I think I feel their generous fervour in the cause of God and truth. How were the arms of their hands made strong by the mighty God of Jacob! July 3, 1781—I was taken up in reading Mosheim, whose partial account of the English Baptists would lead me to indulge a better opinion of various sects, who have been deemed heretics. Was very ill tonight; but felt tender-hearted and earnest in prayer. August 16, 1781—In reading Dr. Owen the end of predestination seemed sweet to me; namely, conformity to the image of God’s dear Son. November 14, 1781—My mind seems bewildered. The lives of some poets have taken up my thoughts. The grandeur and stretch of thought in their writings seems rather to flatten my mind towards the simple truths of Christianity. But, alas! What am I after? What am I admiring? Pompous trifles! Great souls employed in dressing atoms! O religion, thy joys are substantial and sincere! When shall I awake, and find myself where nothing else shall attract the soul? Much more that is very good might have been extracted, but chiefly such things as are common to all Christians.

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Chapter 5 Extracts from Fuller’s Diary After 1784 An interval of more than two years took place between the close of the former diary and the commencement of this. It is believed Mr. Fuller himself destroyed a volume which comprehended this period. On the 30th of April 1784, he wrote: I earnestly desire, these papers and books, if I should not burn them in my life-time, may never be shown, except to very few persons, after my death; for such a life as mine I wish never to be imitated. When I read the life of one whom I think to have been a good man, I feel apt to account his acquisitions nearly the utmost that can be attained in this life. The fear lest anyone should think thus of mine, makes me write this desire. On this paragraph I would make two or three remarks, previously to my inserting any extracts from this volume. 1. I am strongly persuaded that I am one of those few whom he would not have precluded from the sight of these papers. And I find sufficient evidence in this very manuscript of his affectionate regard for me and his sympathy with me, under trials of my own, to confirm this opinion if it needed confirmation. 2. That I wish, according to what I suggested in the former chapter (p. 157), to guard against the abuse of his many complaints and conflicts. 3. That, all things considered, I found more to humble me on the perusal of the whole, than to administer that despicable and pernicious comfort which we both feared some professors would be tempted to extract from it. 4. That I sincerely wish (as I am sure he would, still more earnestly than I) to beware of any attempt to make others think more highly than they ought to think of my dear departed friend, or to lead them to imagine that he was “exempt from the common infirmities of our corrupted nature.” A sinner ready to perish, but saved by marvellous grace, was the only light in which he wished to be viewed or in which I have attempted to exhibit him. I only add, 5. That I have made such a selection, according to the best of my judgment, as I thought would tend to the honour of his blessed Lord and to the benefit of candid and intelligent readers; inserting nothing which I conceived he would have objected to insert, had he been the biographer of just such another man. Many things which indicate his pastoral watchfulness, I have omitted, lest anyone should guess at individuals whose conduct gave him pain. It must be supposed

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that he had some trials of this sort at Kettering as well as at Soham since, as the great Mr. Howe observes (Works, VI. 177),¹⁴¹ The true, the proper, and right notion of the Christian church, or the churches of Christ in general, is that they are hospitals, or rather, one great hospital, wherein are persons of all sorts under cure. There is none that is sound, none that is not diseased, none that hath not wounds and sores about him.¹⁴² He was, however, anxious for the people of his charge and for others of his acquaintance, that they might not only adhere to the truth, but be sanctified by the truth. As to himself, it appears that he watched continually over the state of his own soul, both in private and in the discharge of his public work. I had thought of dividing these two particulars but, after transcribing them separately to the close of this year (1784), I found them so interwoven together, that I concluded it would be better to let them remain united. I have only kept distinct the account of the exercises of his mind respecting his own publications, which I shall give afterwards. His humility and godly jealousy appear continually. While others admired his zeal and diligence, he was perpetually bewailing his lukewarmness, inconstancy, and inactivity; and dreading lest he should prove an “idol shepherd,” who fed not the flock. Since I wrote the preceding chapter, I found among his papers a letter from a friend, which he had folded up and written upon it the writer’s name and the date (October 5, 1783), and added beneath “O may I never forget the hints in this letter!” On opening it, a similar wish, I found, had been written by him under the original direction. This excited my curiosity to examine what these hints were, and I found it came from one to whom he had made some heavy complaints of himself, just before his settlement at Kettering, who thus replied: I love you, but I do not greatly pity you: I am glad you feel as you do: “When I am weak, then am I strong.” God Almighty keep us from ever being great

 Ryland moves this reference out of the footnote and into the body of the text (see Ryland, [1816], 147).  The Puritan John Howe served as curate at Great Torrington, Devonshire beginning in 1654. In 1656, he travelled to London to serve as chaplain to Oliver Cromwell in Whitehall. After the fall of Richard Cromwell, he returned to his congregation in Devon. With the 1662 Act of Uniformity, Howe withdrew from the Church of England and became a Nonconformist. The historian Edmund Calamy, grandson of the Puritan divine Edmund Calamy, published a memoir and Howe’s Works in London in 1724 (Howe, The Works of the Late Reverend and Learned John Howe, M.A., Sometime Fellow of Magdalen College, Oxon: Together with His Funeral Sermon Preach’d by Mr. Spademan; to which Are Prefix’d Memoirs of the Life of the Author [London, 1724]). The 1724 edition of Howe’s work was published in two volumes. Ryland’s quote comes from a sermon Howe preached on December 13, 1676, on 1 John 4:20. See also John Howe, Sermons on Several Occasions, in Two Volumes (London: Ebenezer Fletcher, 1744), 1:303.

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men, or rather, from thinking ourselves so! Oh! it requires numberless miracles to get any man to heaven; perhaps, I might say, especially a minister! You will do, as long as you feel vile, and foolish, and weak. I had rather preach at your funeral, than live to see you good, and wise, and great, and strong, in your own estimation. This was the sort of friendship my dear Brother valued, more than what would express itself in compliment and flattery. Extracts from his Diary, from 1784 to 1796¹⁴³ April 11, 1784—A tender forenoon, in public prayer. My heart aches for the congregation, young and old; especially for some who seem to be under concern. O that Christ may be formed in them! But I am so carnal, that I fear God will never do anything by me. Had a pretty good forenoon, in preaching on being sick; but a poor afternoon, on Christ’s being the great Physician. April 22, 1784—Visited by Mr. Robert Hall, sen. and Mr. Joshua Symmonds. The former preached from “Be ye also ready.” I had a very solemn, painful, and yet pleasurable time. O how far am I from being ready! How little disengaged from what I must shortly leave! How little prepared for a better world! April 25, 1784—A very good forenoon, both in prayer, and in preaching on walking by faith. Poor afternoon: no savour at the Lord’s supper. In the evening, expounded Matt 4 on Christ’s temptation. Noticed its importance, time, circumstances, nature, and issue. At the close, inferred, “As Christ did not run into temptation, but was led up of the Spirit; so we must not run into it, but pray, as he has directed us, that we may not enter into it.” April 28, 1784—Preached at Winnick: felt sacred pleasure in prayer. O it gives me sweet pleasure to see any appearance of the prosperity of Christ’s kingdom! May 3, 1784—Some tenderness in preaching, at Stagsden: endeavoured to speak plain and home to the understandings and consciences of some poor, plain people, on Christ’s being a way that men know not.

 Here Ryland replaces the 1816 heading “Extracts from his Diary for 1784” (see Ryland [1816], 149).

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May 7, 1784—Heard Mr. Robert Hall, jun., from, “He that increaseth knowledge, increaseth sorrow.” Felt very solemn, in hearing some parts. O that I could keep more near to God! How good is it to draw near to him! May 11, 1784—Devoted this day to fasting and prayer, in conjunction with several other ministers, who have agreed thus to spend the second Tuesday in every other month, to seek the revival of real religion, and the extension of Christ’s kingdom in the world. Feel very unhappy, to think that my heart should be no more in it. But very little of the true spirit of prayer, throughout the whole day. May 16, 1784—A good forenoon: tender in prayer, for the revival of religion, and the carrying on of a good work among our young people. Very tender, tonight, at Thrapston, and greatly concerned for the salvation of souls, while preaching on sinners being like Moab—at ease from his youth. Here I am child enough to think, “Surely some good must be done!” May 26, 1784—[Having visited Soham, as he returned, on his way to Cambridge].¹⁴⁴ Felt a sense of the importance of everlasting things, occasioned by hearing the conversation of some wicked men. Oh! if I had an abiding sense of the danger and worth of souls, surely I should feel more like Aaron, when he ran, with his censer, between the living and the dead. June 11, 1784—Spoke, tonight, from “Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart.” Indeed, I had need to learn more of this. I find applauses to be fiery trials. June 13, 1784—At Olney. A poor, cold day, except in the evening. I am weary of being out from home so much. I want to be more at home, that I may be more with God. June 18, 1784—At Northampton. Conversation with Mr. R. chief part of the day. Preached, this afternoon, a lecture with him, at Bugbrook, with some pleasure—returned—felt sweetly, tonight, in prayer for ardour in Christ’s cause. June 19, 1784—Tender in prayer, again, this morning: but, oh! what a poor, carnal, stupid creature, nearly throughout the day! Some little fervour, tonight, in meditating on Christ’s mercy.

 Ryland inserts this editorial notation in order to preserve the flow of the diary entries (see Ryland [1816], 151).

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June 21, 1784—Much affected in visiting some poor friends; especially in going to see a little boy, of seven or eight years old, in a decline, not likely to continue long. My heart felt for his everlasting state. Conversed with him a little, on divine subjects. July 1, 1784—Preached at Cranford; but feel as if I had lost all savour of religion. Returning home, tonight, my mind was exercised on David’s prayer, “Renew a constant spirit within me.” O what need have I of that! July 9, 1784—Some serious tenderness of spirit, and concern for the carnality of my heart, for some days past. Read to our friends, this evening, a part of Mr. Edwards’ Attempt to Promote Prayer for the Revival of Religion, to excite them to the like practice. Felt my heart profited, and much solemnized by what I read. July 11, 1784—A good forenoon, in preaching on fellowship with Christ. Felt some tenderness of heart, several times in the day, longing for the coming of Christ’s kingdom, and the salvation of my hearers. July 12, 1784—Read part of a poem, by John Scott, Esq., on the cruelties of the English in the East Indies, causing artificial famines, etc. My heart felt most earnest desires, that Christ’s kingdom might come, when all these cruelties shall cease. O for the time, when neither the sceptre of oppression, nor heathen superstition, shall bear the sway over them! Lord Jesus, set up thy glorious, peaceful kingdom all over the world! Found earnest desire, this morning, in prayer, that God would hear the right, as to them, and hear our prayers, in which the churches agree to unite, for the spread of Christ’s kingdom.¹⁴⁵ July 13, 1784—Spent this day in fasting and prayer, in conjunction with several of my brethren in the ministry, for the revival of our churches and the spread of the gospel. Found some tenderness and earnestness in prayer, sev The meetings of prayer, for the revival of religion and the success of the gospel, on the first Monday in every month, had been first set on foot, this year, at the Nottingham Baptist Association, June 3, 1784. They were recommended by the Warwickshire Association, in 1786, and adopted by some of the Independents in their neighbourhood. The Western Association recommended the same practice, in 1790, which has since spread extensively through the kingdom. See Mr. Fuller’s Persuasives to General Union in Extraordinary Prayer, at the end of his Sermon on Walking by Faith. This proposal may be traced yet further back, to a copy of Edwards’ Humble Attempt, etc. received from Dr. Erskine, by a friend of Mr. Fuller’s, April 23, 1784. [Ryland]. Fuller, The Nature and Importance of Walking by Faith: A Sermon Delivered at the Annual Association of the Baptist Ministers and Churches Met at Nottingham, June 2, 1784 … To Which Are Added, a Few Persuasives to a General Union in Prayer for the Revival of Real Religion (Northampton: T. Dicey, 1784), 41– 47.

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eral times in the day. Wrote a few thoughts on the desirableness of the coming of Christ’s kingdom. July 16, 1784—Rode to Arnsby, this morning: had some profitable conversation with Mr. Hall. Came back, and heard an aged minister [deeply tinged with False Calvinism] with grief. Surely the system of religion which he, with too many others, has imbibed, enervates every part of vital godliness. July 18, 1784—A good forenoon in preaching from “All my springs are in thee;” but a better time in prayer. Found my heart go out for the children and youth of the congregation; owing, perhaps, to my having spoken, last night, at the grave of the little boy mentioned June 21. Poor child! He seemed to like that I should talk with him before he died. July 19, 1784—Chiefly employed in writing, and in visiting poor friends. Think I get good, and hope I do some good, by the latter of these practices. Read some more of Edwards on prayer, as I did also last Monday night, with sweet satisfaction. I have felt sweet serenity in my own mind, for some days past. July 22, 1784—Some pleasure at the church-meeting, in speaking from 1 Pet 1:2. Feel my mind, now, generally serene and peaceful. July 27, 1784—Dull, and unaffected: nothing seems to lay hold of me. Some fear, tonight, in prayer. An accident that has befallen my youngest child now lays sufficient hold of me. I fear lest he should be taken from me. Very much moved in prayer for him. O Lord, I must have something trying to move me! How I shall endure this I know not! O prepare him, and prepare me! July 28, 1784—Feel my heart tender, and some thankfulness of heart, for hope afforded of the child. Ah! how easy to speak of resigning our whole selves, and all that pertains to us, to the Lord; but how difficult to do so, when it comes to the trial! July 31, 1784—Found great reluctance to close thought and dealing with God. Alas! here I have always cause for self-reflection! August 15, 1784—I feel myself so propense to sink into insensibility, that I am almost ready to despair of ever making any progress in real religion. August 22, 1784—Some exercise of a pleasant nature, on the subjects of which I am writing. The love which the holy angels found increasing towards God, as displayed in the gospel, was particularly affecting to me.

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August 24, 1784—Some tenderness in prayer, of late; yet I fear lest I should be blasted in my ministry, on account of my barrenness. August 25, 1784—Enjoyed sweetness now, for some days, in reading over the Acts of the Apostles, before family-prayer: pleasant times in that duty. O that we might see some such blessed effusions of the Spirit granted again, as in the apostles’ days! August 27, 1784—Tenderness of heart, and some self-abasement, generally prevalent now. The Lord keep me meek and lowly in heart! August 29, 1784—A very tender, affectionate time, in prayer for the congregation, especially for the young people. Not so well, in preaching on the danger of having our own wills, and on Christ’s calling us friends. Finished expounding our Lord’s sermon on the Mount. I wish I may attend to some caution I had given me tonight. The Lord lead me into the spirit of the gospel, and keep me from extremes! September 1, 1784—I feel tonight, much discouraged. I can scarcely tell whether I am of any real use. My soul seems dried up, like a potsherd. September 2, 1784—Low in my feelings. Wearied out with writing. O that God would bless me indeed! September 3, 1784—Employed nearly all day in searching out Paul’s journeys into Asia, Macedonia, and Greece. O that I might enter into the spirit of that great man of God! Felt much pleasure in this day’s work. September 5, 1784—Some pleasure in private, this morning, and in preaching on the benefit of reflecting on past experiences. A poor, dull afternoon; but a very earnest and fervent opportunity, this evening, on love to Christ’s salvation. O if God would but make use of it! No remarkable exercise, for these two or three days, except some little tenderness in prayer. Last Tuesday, I found some heart to pray for God’s Holy Spirit, that it might not be taken from us: have felt that desire renewed, at some seasons, since. Very tender, tonight, in speaking on Christ’s legacy— “My peace I give unto you.”

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[Soon after this he was very much distressed on account of some jarrings among his old friends at Soham].¹⁴⁶ September 21, 1784—Taken up all day, in writing letters to Cambridgeshire. O may God bless them to their good! Felt very tender in writing them. September 26, 1784—Deeply affected, this morning, in thinking and preaching on the poor and needy seeking water, and finding none, etc. Some tenderness, too, in the afternoon. This thought was moving—That our hardness of heart broke Christ’s heart, and our stupidity made his soul “exceeding sorrowful even unto death.” October 5, 1784—[A meeting of ministers was held at Kettering. He speaks of peculiar pleasure in hearing Mr. R. Hall, sen. pointing out the right use of the law, in subservience to the gospel, and concluding the evening in prayer. Some other occurrences, at this time, much affected his mind. He mentions also a dream, which, though fictitious in itself, yet led his attention to awful realities].¹⁴⁷ “O the dangers that mankind are in! What thousands are every hour precipitated into an eternal world!” October 8, 1784—Spoke from Eccl 12:13. “Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole of man”—the whole end of his existence, the whole of his bliss and worth. My heart is sick of all knowledge and all accomplishments, unless they are made to subserve the cause of the blessed Redeemer: how empty and frothy is it all, unless sanctified by the grace of God! October 18, 1784—Much depressed in spirit, tonight, on account of my little spirituality. Prayed, at the evening meeting, with tenderness of spirit. I sensibly felt my entire dependence on the Spirit of God, for the carrying on of the work of grace, as well as for the beginning of it. October 19, 1784—Rode with Mr. R., jun. to Winnick, to assist the good people there in forming themselves into a church. Heard him preach, and the people relate their experiences afterwards, more privately. October 20, 1784—Brother R. preached upon baptism, and Brother Sutcliff baptized seven persons. I felt tenderness and solemn pleasure, in addressing them on the nature of their present engagements. Preached, in the afternoon, with some pleasure, on being “knit together in love.”  Ryland has bracketed this editorial comment in square brackets (see Ryland [1816], 157).  Ryland indicates his editorial summary of the diary entry with square brackets (see Ryland [1816], 157).

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October 31, 1784—Heard, this morning, that Mr. G. is dying. Last Friday night, I saw him as usual; when he said to me, “Remember and pray for a poor old man; for I cannot be long in this world.” I was much affected with this news. Sung Ps 40. Felt tender in prayer, and in preaching from “Uphold thou me according to thy word, that I may live,” etc. Preached, this afternoon, on the breadth, and length, and depth, and height of Christ’s love. Some sweet pleasure at the Lord’s supper. O to know more of Christ, and live upon him! I feel very happy tonight: can hardly forbear singing, as I go about, O for this love, let rocks and hills Their lasting silence break; And all harmonious human tongues, The Saviour’s praises speak! November 12, 1784—Feel my mind earnestly engaged in longing for the salvation of souls, and earnest for it in prayer. O what an awful thing does it seem to me, for sinners under a fatal disease not to desire a remedy! November 20, 1784—Returning home from Gretton, thought on the first Psalm, upon which I intend to preach tomorrow; but how unlike am I to the character there drawn! My leaf seems to wither every day, and scarcely anything I do appears to prosper. I feel self-reflection for want of walking closely with God. Surely I need, as it were, to renew covenant with God. November 26, 1784—Some reflections, of late, in prayer, for my strange propensity to depart from God; and many discouraging thoughts with regard to praying and preaching for the promotion of Christ’s kingdom. It seems almost as though the Lord, if he hath not forsaken the earth, had yet nearly forsaken me, and would not regard my petitions. November 27, 1784—Some pleasure in thinking on the second Psalm; especially on the combination of joy and trembling. November 28, 1784—Much tenderness and pleasure in preaching on the above subject, before the Lord’s supper. Felt the like at the ordinance, especially in urging a thought from Maclaurin—“How dreadful is it to be a mere spectator of the things signified by this institution, and not an actual partaker of Christ’s benefits!” November 29, 1784—Much dispirited, on account of my carnal-mindedness and perpetual propensity to depart from God. My life seems to have been one continued series of departure from God. I can compare it to nothing

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but a great flood, or tide, that rolls perpetually along. The sins of my life are many; but the sin of my nature seems to be but one—one continual disposition to evil, and aversion to draw near to God. November 30, 1784—Visited Mrs. W. at ——. Her conversation is almost always spiritual and profitable. Some pleasure throughout the day. December 1, 1784—Employed in writing out a sermon for Miss D. which was preached on the 7th of April, at her mother’s funeral, on the all-sufficiency of grace: felt much affected with some of the sentiments, as I transcribed them. December 6, 1784—An affecting meeting of prayer, this evening, for the revival of real religion: found much pleasure in singing, and freedom with God in prayer: prayed against my late sceptical feelings. Like variations of his frame of mind are noticed through the rest of the month, which I omit, on account of its similarity to what has been already inserted. December 31, 1784—He mentions having been much affected the preceding Wednesday, while he carried his son in his arms, and wept over him, singing Dr. Watts’s hymn— “O may’st thou live to reach the place Where he unveils his lovely face!” etc. He adds, “If I die before him, let him remember this; and Sally, the verses in the diary of August 11, 1780” [See Chap. 9].¹⁴⁸ January 1, 1785—Some emotions of affection, this morning, in reflecting on the past year. What good I have done I scarcely know. Great has been my sin against God. Behold, I am vile! January 2, 1785 (Lord’s day)—Preached, this forenoon, on love to Christ, and in the afternoon a new-year’s sermon to young people, from Ps 34:11, “Come, ye children,” etc. Some sweet and solemn feelings, as I sat in the vestry, while a hymn for the new year, out of the Bristol Collection, was sung: felt my heart very tender, and a longing desire for the welfare of the young people: preached to them with some earnestness. Felt much also, this day, in reading Bunyan’s Holy War; particularly that part where the four captains agree to petition the King for more force: felt a great satisfaction in my prin-

 Ryland adds this note directing the reader to the expanded account in chapter 9.

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ciples concerning preaching to sinners, and a desire to pray, like them, for help from on high, to render the word effectual. January 3, 1785—Felt very sensibly, tonight, at our monthly meeting for prayer. How far off from a Christian life I live!—How little real fellowship I have with Christ!—How little of holy boldness can I use in prayer! Surely, if I were more to frequent the throne of grace in private, it would be better with me! January 8, 1785—Much affected in hearing my little girl say, “How soon Sabbath day comes again!” Felt grieved to see the native aversion of the carnal heart from God so early discovering itself. Was led to importune God at a throne of grace on her behalf. January 9, 1785—A good day, on the whole. In the morning, preached from “You hath he quickened,” etc.—in the afternoon, on the petition of the blind man, Mark 10—in the evening, expounded Acts 6. One verse in particular, carries in it conviction to me—that we may give ourselves wholly to prayer and the ministry of the word. January 11, 1785—Some outgoings of heart in prayer for the revival of real religion, first in my own soul, and then in the churches in general. My own mental departures from God have been long and great! Went several times to the Lord with some satisfaction; but found not such nearness of access as I could wish. January 14, 1785—Spoke, tonight, with some freedom, on Ps 116, “I will walk before the Lord,” etc. Explained it as consisting in viewing ourselves always as in God’s sight, and not merely in the sight of creatures, whether godly or ungodly; in striving to please God; and in attending in a constant way to the most spiritual duties. Observed the goodness of the resolution; because this course was safe, honourable, and happy. February 8, 1785—Visited Mr. Toller who has been very ill: some serious conversation with him on the importance of real religion in a dying hour.¹⁴⁹

 Thomas Toller pastored the Independent congregation in Kettering from 1778 until his death. Despite receiving two calls from more prominent congregations with greater salaries (at Carter Lane and Clapham), he remained in Kettering, stating that “no pecuniary advantages should ever tempt him to relinquish his charge.” Though he and Fuller were remarkably different in terms of their gifts, they became close friends. Robert Hall remarks, “I have reason to believe that there was not a single individual out of the circle of [Fuller’s] immediate relatives who was more deeply affected by his death than Mr. Toller” (Hall, Works, 4:318, 343).

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February 11, 1785—Read part of the life of J. Janeway with much conviction and tenderness. Oh! my life, how low to his! February 12, 1785—Feel desires to live like that excellent young man, whose life I read yesterday. February 13, 1785—Some earnestness in preaching on pressing forward, and on the desire accomplished being sweet to the soul; but little spirituality. Very earnest, tonight, in preaching from “What will ye do in the end thereof?” February 19, 1785—Feel an earnest desire, this morning, that my mind might be well furnished with evangelical sentiments. Had some pleasing meditations on Rev. 1:18. February 20, 1785—Felt earnestness and pleasure in preaching on the above subject: found encouragement in observing several in the congregation who are likely soon to join the church. February 21, 1785—Last night, I was reading Mr. Scott on Repentance. Reflections this morning, on the great need I have of repentance, and the little I feel of it. Every day furnishes reasons for it; but how seldom do I experience holy mourning! February 22, 1785—Tenderness in private prayer, attended with shame. An agreeable visit with Mr. B. W. at Mr. T.’s. Conversation very serious and profitable, chiefly on closet-prayer and experimental subjects. February 25, 1785—But little exercise of mind though I experience a general calmness of spirit. Surely it is good for me to draw near to God! How strange that I should ever feel reluctant in this matter! March 4, 1785—Rode to Northampton: had some pleasant meditation on 1 Pet 1:6, “If need be ye are in heaviness.” March 6, 1785—Preached there, on the above subject, with some pleasure. In the afternoon, a sermon to young people; and in the evening, love to Christ’s salvation. A pretty good day. March 7, 1785—Enjoyed divine assistance at the monthly prayer-meeting, in speaking on continuing in prayer; also in going to prayer, though I felt wretchedly cold before I began.

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March 9, 1785—Returned from Northampton. Going by the gallows, much affected with the death of a malefactor. O eternity! eternity! March 11, 1785—Feel a general lowness of spirits; partly occasioned by the bitter spirit of some neighbouring ministers respecting my late publication and my preaching; and, partly, by sympathy with some of my friends under trials. March 21, 1785—Have been somewhat stirred, beyond due bounds, today, in talking with ———. It would have been better for me to have thought more of myself, and to have spoken to him with more humility. March 25, 1785—Returning from Woodford (where I preached, last night, with earnestness and solemnity of spirit, on the ways of sin being moveable, like those of the adulteress), I was led into a profitable train of meditation, on our good Shepherd’s care of his flock, occasioned by seeing some lambs exposed to the cold, and a poor sheep perishing for want of care. March 28, 1785—Some heaviness of heart, because some of my friends do not take that freedom with me which I wish they did. March 29, 1785—Visited, this morning, by Mr. W. who told me of a very unhappy affair that has taken place. This explains some things which I imputed to reserve. How grievous is it that the cause of Christ should be dishonoured! But what reason have I to be thankful that the case is not mine! April 5, 1785—Preached at Oakley: on my return, found Mr. Hall, of Arnsby, at Kettering. April 6, 1785—Taken up with his company. Feel much dejected in viewing the state of the churches. O that God would revive us! O that we could pray for it with more fervour! April 19, 1785—Preached at Wellingborough, with some freedom, on Christ’s commanding us to watch. Some conviction by conversing with Mr. Carver, whose carefulness not to circulate an evil report I admire. April 28, 1785—I find it is observed, that persons in my condition, without greater advantages as to learning, are generally apt to be more censorious than those whose learning is far greater. I wish I may be always on the watch here.

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April 30, 1785—Thought I could wish to die, if I had but done my generation work. Last Monday, I heard a young man at N. speak of the advantage of mixing prayer with reading the word. This morning, I have been trying to read in that way. Read the second chapter of Hosea thus; longing to use that sweet and holy freedom which the Lord designs to encourage, when he directs the church to call him not Baali, but Ishi. O that I could dwell nearer to God! I fear some trials in the church; but were I kept near to him, I should be able to bear anything. May l, 1785—Found earnestness in preaching on the words of God doing good to the upright, and on Christ’s being the same yesterday and forever. Felt my heart drawn out in prayer, this morning, that God would make some use of me for good. Praying that I might not labour in vain, and spend my strength for nought, I felt a check of this kind—What then is my labour, and of what account is my strength? On this, I found much outgoing of heart, in pleading Christ’s merits as the ground, and the welfare of souls as the end. May 2, 1785—Returning from Brigstock, where I preached last night, some conversation with a friend at Thrapston makes me reflect on myself for imprudence. I feel how far off from a right spirit I often am. This evening, I felt tender all the time of the prayer-meeting for the revival of religion; but in hearing Mr. Beeby Wallis pray for me, I was overcome: his having a better opinion of me than I deserve, cuts me to the heart! Went to prayer myself, and found my mind engaged more than ordinarily in praying for the revival of religion. I had felt many sceptical thoughts; as though there were room to ask—What profit shall I have if I pray to God? for which I was much grieved. Find a great satisfaction in these monthly meetings: even supposing our requests should not be granted, yet prayer to God is its own reward. Felt many bitter reflections for my stupid, carnal way of living. May 8, 1785—Impressed, this morning, in thinking on the wants of the people, how they would probably be coming from many places round, in quest of spiritual food, while I was barren, and scarcely knew what to say to them. Affected in thinking of Micah 7, “Feed thy people with thy rod,” etc. Preached from it, this morning, with some freedom: not so well in the afternoon; but a good time, in the evening, at Burton. May 14, 1785—Very heavy in heart in riding to Clipston, where I am to preach tomorrow. Between Kelmarsh and Naseby, felt my heart much broken and contrite, to what it usually is. Some enlargedness of heart for the work of tomorrow.

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May 15, 1785—Preached twice at Clipston, and at Naseby in the evening. Felt most tenderness in the evening. O that I were but such a Christian as the good man at whose house I lodged! What an humble and amiable spirit! May 17, 1785—Set off for the Association at Oakham: affected with the letters from the churches. May 18, 1785—Heard Messrs. Ryland, jun., Mr. Hall, sen., and Sutcliff. I know not when I have enjoyed a happier Association than this. [On the 23rd he visited his old friends in Cambridgeshire and preached at several places].¹⁵⁰ June 2, 1785—I go for home, laden with the burdens of others, as well as some of my own. Preached, in the daytime, at Stretham; and, in the evening, at Haddenham. June 4, 1785—An uncommon load lies all day on my spirits. I am incapable of all profitable meditation: feel pained for the people tomorrow. Some few exercises on subjection to the Father of Spirits; but very heavy in heart. June 5, 1785—Feel myself quite ill with sorrow of heart: had a very tender forenoon, on the subject mentioned above; but a poor, wretched afternoon: very much depressed all day. June 6, 1785—But little exercise till towards night; when the sorrows of yesterday returned and, for two hours, preyed upon my heart stronger than ever, so as to make me very ill. Darkness and confusion of mind overwhelm me. June 7, 1785—Engaged in writing out the Circular Letter, on Declensions in Religion, for the press: found some very tender feelings towards the latter part of it, and enjoyed a good deal of pleasure, on the whole, in writing it. June 12, 1785—A good forenoon in preaching on returning to our rest. It is rare for me to have so good an opportunity. Rather a poor afternoon; but preached with some earnestness, at night, from Ps 139:3. June 26, 1785—But a poor day, yesterday, in meditation; yet this day has been, I think, one of the best I have experienced for years. Most tenderly and ear-

 Ryland moves this editorial comment to correct the chronology and places it in square brackets (see Ryland [1816], 168 – 169).

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nestly affected, both in prayer and in preaching. In the morning, 1 could scarcely go on, for weeping, while preaching from Acts 4:33—“Great grace was upon them all.” Not quite so well in the afternoon, though I was upon the excellency of the knowledge of Christ. Yet I felt a sweet serenity at the Lord’s supper, and spake of it under the idea of a feast. June 28, 1785—My mind all taken up, this morning, with what it would be better for me not to be so anxious about: exceedingly depressed all day. June 29, 1785—Pleasant conversation with some persons newly awakened. Heard Dr. Addington, tonight, on our light afflictions, with pleasure and profit; but walked alone, in the fields, exceedingly disconsolate. July 2, 1785—Some degree of calmness; felt more disposed to cast all my care on the Lord. An awful providence, of a young woman’s poisoning herself, at ———, was very affecting to me. July 3, 1785—Another exceedingly melting Sabbath: very tender and earnest in prayer, and in preaching on casting our care on the Lord: and in the afternoon, on the caution given, to glory, not in wisdom, strength, or riches, but in the knowledge of God. Preached, in the evening, from “Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity;” occasioned by my own past exercises, and applied to the warning of people against the vanities of the world; particularly against improper behaviour at their feast, which is tomorrow: found great tenderness; particularly in warning the youth, from the example of the young woman, who last week came to such an awful end. July 6, 1785—Attended Mr. Payne’s ordination, at Walgrave. I had a very good time indeed, in hearing the charge. I preached, in the afternoon, to the church, from Heb 13:17. [He took much affectionate pains to bring about a reconciliation with some members who were dissatisfied and succeeded]. July 10, 1785—A very good forenoon on God’s dwelling in us, and walking in us; though not equal to the two Lord’s days past. July 16, 1785—Some pleasure, in thinking on God’s power to do abundantly more than we can ask or think. Surely he had need have more power in giving, than I have in asking! July 17, 1785—A very good forenoon, on the above subject: not so well the rest of the day; but felt some earnestness in the evening.

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July 23, 1785—Felt my soul much in prison. Have been thinking of Ps 142:7, “Bring my soul out of prison,” etc. but much locked up all day. July 24, 1785—A pretty good forenoon, on the above subject: much solemn feeling in prayer, on the ruined state of man by nature: was helped to deplore it before God, on behalf of myself and the congregation. Some earnestness, in the afternoon, on God’s being known in Judah; and the like, at Loddington, in the evening. July 25, 1785—I was much impressed, this morning, in reading Mason’s Remains. Felt much affected and very solemn, in praying and conversing with a poor woman at Barton, who seems not likely to be here long, and is much in the dark as to her state. August 1, 1785—Some affectionate emotions of heart, in prayer, tonight, at the monthly prayer-meeting. Surely unbelief damps our near addresses to God, and something of that ungrateful suspicion, which asks, “What profit shall we have if we pray unto him?” lies at the bottom of our indifference in this duty. August 3, 1785—Chiefly employed in visiting poor friends. I have been too deficient in this practice. August 4, 1785—Visited several more poor friends: some conversation profitable; but I mix all with sin. August 6, 1785—Some tenderness, in thinking on Jonah 3:4, “I said I am cast out of thy sight; yet will I look again,” etc. We have had some awful providences of late. Mr. ———, of ———, has hanged himself, and a poor woman of B. seems in the very jaws of desperation. These things have led me to think on something that may be an antidote to despair. August 7, 1785—A very good forenoon, on the above subject. Some seriousness also, this afternoon, on Prov 28:14: “Blessed is he that feareth alway.” Preached, tonight, on man’s being “abominable and filthy,” with much earnestness. August 22, 1785—Rode to Arnsby. Had a very good time, in preaching there, this evening; but a sinful heart spoils all. August 27, 1785—Very little spirituality throughout the day. I know not how to think a good thought.

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August 28, 1785—A pretty good Sabbath: in the morning, from Ps 40, “Lo, I come,” etc. and, in the afternoon, from Ps 94:19. September 25, 1785—It can answer no end to write, when there is nothing material to write about. In future, therefore, I think only to notice some of the most material exercises and events of my life, which I mean merely for my own use. September 30, 1785—We had a Minister’s Meeting, at Northampton. I preached, and Brother Sutcliff, and Brother Skinner. But the best part of the day was, I think, in conversation. A question was discussed, to the following purport: To what causes, in ministers, may much of their want of success be imputed? The answer turned chiefly upon the want of personal religion; particularly, the neglect of close dealing with God in closet-prayer. Jer 10:21 was referred to: “Their pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the Lord; therefore they shall not prosper, and their flocks shall be scattered.” Another reason assigned was, the want of reading and studying the Scriptures more as Christians, for the edification of our own souls. We are too apt to study them, merely to find out something to say to others, without living upon the truth ourselves. If we eat not the book before we deliver its contents to others, we may expect the Holy Spirit will not much accompany us. If we study the Scriptures as Christians, the more familiar we are with them, the more we shall feel their importance; but, if otherwise, our familiarity with the word will be like that of soldiers, doctors, or grave diggers, with death—it will wear away all sense of its importance from our minds. To enforce this sentiment, Prov 22:17– 18 was referred to: “Apply thine heart to knowledge—the words of the wise will be pleasant, if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.” To this might be added, Ps 1:2– 3. Another reason was, our want of being emptied of self-sufficiency. In proportion as we lean upon our own gifts, or parts, or preparations, we slight the Holy Spirit; and no wonder that, being grieved, he should leave us to do our work alone. Besides, when this is the case, it is, humanly speaking, unsafe for God to prosper us, especially those ministers who possess considerable abilities. Reference was also made to an Ordination Sermon, lately preached, by Mr. Booth, of London, to Mr. Hopkins, Dr. Gifford’s successor, from “Take heed to thyself.” O that I may remember these hints for my good!¹⁵¹

 I well remember the discussion of this question, which fully occupied the evening. Another had been discussed, after dinner, respecting village-preaching—What was a sufficient call, to attempt introducing it into places where it had not been usual before?—which, therefore, seems to leave no room for that ill-natured anecdote, respecting my father and young Carey, to have taken place this year, which is said to have been before the end of 1786; whereas my father had left Northampton before the Ministers’ Meeting in 1786. And I must consider it as very unlikely to have occurred in 1785,

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October 3, 1785—At the monthly prayer-meeting, I felt very tender, and was much affected in prayer. I have frequently felt thus at these opportunities; and yet I have so little heart to wrestle with God alone. I cannot tell how to account for this. October 5, 1785—Rode to Corby, and preached with much earnestness and tenderness, from Isa 57:15. Felt some encouragement on hearing of one person, at this place, to whose conversion, it is hoped, my ministry has been made instrumental. The sermon was on January 22, 1784, from Matt 11:29. October 6, 1785—Returned from Corby, and rode to Spratton; where I preached, with much pleasure, on taking hold of God’s covenant: felt a freedom in speaking to unconverted sinners. October 7, 1785—Went home, by Northampton: spake at their church-meeting, but with no manner of pleasure.¹⁵² October 9, 1785—Some earnestness, this morning, on sin being a reproach; but a miserable afternoon, from Ps 32:6. Between afternoon and evening, I was told of a young man, to whom I had been made useful about two years ago, having a desire to join the church. I have, for some time, felt a kind of despair, in preaching to sinners; thinking, that, on account of my being so carnally-minded, God would never bless anything I said. This instance, and that of last Wednesday, seem to afford some encouragement, and to make me think that it is possible, however, for God to work even by me! and that when I think nothing can be done, then it is possible for God to work. I have long sown in tears: O that I might, in some degree, at

for several strong reasons. I never heard of it, till I saw it in print, and cannot credit it. No man prayed and preached about the latter-day glory, more than my father; nor did I ever hear such sentiments proceed from his lips, as are there ascribed to him. It is true, he admitted the idea of a personal reign of Christ upon earth, between the first and second resurrection (in which he followed Dr. Gill) and supposed that this period is properly to be styled, the Millennium; but he also expected that, long before this, the gospel would be spread all over the world, and the fulness of the Jews and of the Gentiles be brought into the church; and I never remember his expressing an expectation of miraculous gifts being granted, for that end. Joseph Perry, a Baptist minister of Flower [Flore], near Northampton, was the first writer, of whom I have any knowledge, who distinguished between the spiritual and the personal reign of Christ. If the Scotch Baptists agreed with Dr. Gill, on this subject, I do not see how their opinion, whether it be right or wrong, could prove any impediment to exertion for spreading the gospel. What they denominated the latter-day glory, or the spiritual reign of Christ, would be none the less desirable, nor less the object of exertion, on account of its being followed by his personal reign, after the first resurrection. [Ryland].  I know some of his hearers thought this discourse peculiarly striking. It was on the nature and advantages of true conversion. [Ryland].

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least, reap in joy! Preached, at night, with an unusual affection of heart, and sense of everlasting things, from Job 16:22, “When a few years are come,” etc. October 10, 1785—This evening, I was visited by the young man mentioned yesterday: heard him speak of God’s work upon his soul, with some pleasure. October 31, 1785—Within these last two or three weeks, I have had some distressing feelings. Twice I dreamed that I had fallen into some great wickedness, and that it was known. Though I would not pay any superstitious regard to dreams; yet, knowing what a weak and sinful creature I am, I fear lest it should come to pass. I wish the sense I then felt of the painfulness of guilt may abide upon my mind, and serve to keep me from evil. On Lord’s day, the 16th, I preached on peace, in the morning, and on joy, in the afternoon; yet had but little of that about which I preached. On the 23rd, I preached, on putting on the Lord Jesus, with some freedom. On the 25th, preached at Walgrave, on carnal-mindedness; and, at Scaldwell, from Job 16:22. Rode to Northampton, on the 26th. Brother R. noticed the need there is of watching, lest, while we defend practical religion ministerially, we should neglect it personally; referring to a passage in Dr. Owen, on temptation.¹⁵³

 Entering into temptation may be seen in the least degrees of it. As, for instance, when the heart begins secretly to like the matter of the temptation, and is content to feed it, and increase it by any ways that it may, without downright sin. Suppose a man begins to be in repute for piety, wisdom, learning, or the like; he is spoken of much, on that account; his heart is tickled to hear of it; and his pride and ambition are affected with it. If this man now, with all his strength, ply the things from whence his reputation, esteem, and glory among men spring, with a secret eye to have it increased, he is entering into temptation; which, if he take not heed, will quickly render him a slave of lust. So it was with Jehu: he perceived that his repute for zeal began to spread abroad, and that he got honour by it. Jonadab comes in his way, a good and holy man. “Now, (thinks Jehu), I have an opportunity to grow in the honour of my zeal.” So he calls Jonadab to him, and to work he goes, most seriously. The things he did were good, in themselves; but he was entered into temptation, and served his lust in all he did. So it is with many scholars: they find themselves esteemed and favoured, for their learning; this takes hold of the pride and ambition of their hearts; hence they set themselves to study with all diligence, day and night—a thing good in itself; but they do it that they may satisfy the thoughts and words of men, wherein they delight: and so, in all they do, they make provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. It is true, God often brings light out of this darkness, and turns things to a better issue. After, it may be, a man has studied some years with an eye upon his lusts, ambition, pride, and vain-glory, rising early and going to bed late, to give them satisfaction, God comes in with his grace, turns the soul to himself, and so robs these Egyptian lusts, and consecrates that to the use of the tabernacle which was provided for idols.

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November 21, 1785—For above a fortnight past, I have been chiefly out, in journeys to Bedford, Arnsby, Bosworth, Eltington, Guilsborough, and Spratton. Preached at each of these places, with more or less earnestness. Came home, on Friday, and spoke with some tenderness, from “Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe.” On the Lord’s day, I preached on the evil nature and dangerous tendency of mental departures from God, from Prov 14:14. Also, on soul-prosperity, from 3 John 2. Had a tender and earnest mind. November 29, 1785—Preached at Burton, on Ps 110:2. Some serious conversation, with a friend, on the danger of inordinate attachment to a minister.¹⁵⁴ This week, I had some profitable conversation, with Mrs. B. W. An observation from her—That ministers were not now in general so spiritual in their conversation as formerly—brought conviction to my mind. I wish this may do me good! I feel very low in mind, a great part of this week. It seems, to me, that when I was last at N. (on the 18th), I had so little heavenly-mindedness, that my dear Brother was grieved and dispirited to see me. On Friday, I wrote to him on these subjects, and received an answer on Lord’s day; in which he laments, that “Surely there is scarcely anything worth the name of religion left on earth!”¹⁵⁵ Had some pleasure, on church-meeting day, (the 24th), in speaking from Isa 35:6, 7. On Lord’s day, at the supper, I preach-

Men may be thus entangled in better things than learning; even in the profession of piety, in their labour in the ministry, and the like. Some men’s profession is a snare to them. They are in reputation and are much honoured on the account of their profession and strict walking. This often falls out in the days wherein we live, wherein all things are carried by parties. Some find themselves, on the accounts mentioned, perhaps, to be the darlings and ingentia decora, or glory, of their party. If thoughts hereof secretly insinuate themselves into their hearts, and influence them to more than ordinary diligence and activity in their way and profession, they are entangled, and, instead of aiming at more glory, had need lie in the dust, in a sense of their own vileness; and so close is this temptation that oftentimes it requires no food to feed upon, but that he who is entangled with it do avoid all means and ways of honour and reputation, so that it can but whisper in the heart that that avoidance is honourable. The same may be the condition with men, as was said, in preaching the gospel, in the work of the ministry. Many things in that work may procure them esteem—their ability, their plainness, their frequency, their success; and all, in this sense, may be fuel unto temptation. Let, then, a man know that when he likes that which feeds his lust, and keeps it up, by ways either good in themselves, or not downright sinful, he is entered into temptation. [Ryland]. See John Owen, Of Temptation, the Nature and Power of It. The Danger of Entring into It, and the Means of Preventing that Danger. With a Resolution of Sundry Cases Thereunto Belonging [Oxford: H. Hall; T. Robinson, 1658], 84– 89.  Ryland moves a separate entry for November 29 to this location, correcting an error in the 1816 edition (see Ryland [1816], 180, 181).  I know that this friend had a very different reason for appearing dispirited, and that he made a remark respecting this very visit of Mr. Fuller—“He prayed with great spirituality: his conversation edifying. The Lord preserve and sanctify our friendship!” [Ryland].

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ed with considerable enlargement from Prov 18:10 and, in the evening, on salvation by grace, from Acts 15:11. December 6, 1785—Pretty much taken up of late in learning something of the Greek language. Many painful feelings for young people, excited by the misconduct of two persons, who, though they never made any profession of religion, yet were brought up under the word. O what an easy yoke is Christ’s, and what a hard one is that of Satan! I hope there is something of a work of God going forward amongst us. I have lately heard of six or seven, who have been observed to hear with much attention and affection. December 7, 1785—Visited one of our friends, and had some tender conversation on the state of our young people; felt my heart go out for their salvation. December 11, 1785—I had a very good day, in preaching: in the morning, on “My God shall supply all your need,” etc. in the afternoon, on the gospel being a savour of life unto life, etc. The latter subject was exceeding awful, and my spirit very solemn. Rode to Geddington, and preached, on Nathaniel’s question to Philip, with Philip’s answer. December 18, 1785— I had a very tender forenoon, in preaching, from Jer 1:4– 5. O how my heart went forth in desire after the salvation of souls, for some of the greatest of sinners; particularly for a poor, wretched young woman, the daughter of one of our members. She had been, through her own wicked conduct, kept away from public worship for a year past. I lately heard that she was in a state of despair, and had resolved never to come to meeting again. But, this morning, she appeared in the meeting. The sight of her much affected me, and was the means of a very tender forenoon. In the afternoon I preached on the great things of God’s law being counted as strange things: but, alas! my heart seems as strange, and as alien from the spirit of true religion, as anything I can talk about. Oh! what a poor, mutable creature am I! Somewhat revived tonight in hearing more about a Mrs. D. I hope she is a godly woman. I find she had a daughter, who died about twelve months ago, and who gave strong evidence of her piety while her father and mother were in ignorance. The mother now says, that she believes the means of her daughter’s conversion was her attending on a child’s burial, with some other children, and hearing me speak to the young people present on that occasion. It seems a strange thing, that God should do anything by me! 1786—Some painful reflections, in thinking on my vast deficiencies. Another year is gone, and what have I done for God? O that my life were more devoted to God! I feel as if I could wish to set out afresh for heaven; but, alas! my desires seem but too much like those of the sluggard.

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January 8, 1786—Very earnest, this morning, in public prayer. O that God may work on the minds of our youth and children! Some tenderness in preaching three times from 2 Sam 22:47—“The Lord liveth,” etc. Ps 45:10 – 11—“Hearken, O daughter,” etc. and Eph 2:12—“Without God in the world.” I hope there is somewhat of a work of God going on amongst us. I have been visited by a young man who gives very promising evidence of being a subject of true religion, so far as can be judged by a conversation. Also a young woman has been with me, who appears to be very tender-hearted, meek, and lowly in mind. Some things of this sort are encouraging. January 15, 1786—Preached, at home, on keeping the Sabbath, from Isa 58:13 – 14. At night, went to Warkton, and, with more than usual feeling and affection, preached from Luke 13:3. On Tuesday, preached, at Geddington, about blind Bartimeus: next morning, rode to Bedford, and to Shefford with brother Sutcliff, where I preached on putting on the Lord Jesus. Felt some pleasure there, in company with some other ministers, in advising the people to moderation in their opposition to a minister who is now a probationer at ——. Heard Mr. Carver at Southhill, and preached at Bedford. Returned home on Friday. I have heard since of the sermon at Bedford, on soulprosperity, being blessed to the conversion of a poor man. See the account of his exercises of mind, about this time respecting the illness and death of his daughter Sally, in Chap. 9. April 16, 1786— I felt some encouragement in my work, from hearing of a young man hopefully converted, by hearing me preach from Col 1:13. April 28, 1786—Riding to Towcester, was exceedingly affected, and importunate with God for the soul of my poor little girl. I felt, indeed, the force of those words, “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.” The “words of eternal life.” Oh! of what worth to an immortal, guilty creature—a creature subject to eternal death! My heart seemed to be dissolved in earnest cries for mercy, particularly on the other side of Blisworth. Enjoyed a good opportunity, in hearing the charge to Mr. Skinner, by Brother Sutcliff, from Matt 28:20—“Lo I am with you always,” etc. and the sermon to the church, by Brother R., jun., from Heb 13:22, “Suffer the word of exhortation.” I preached in the evening, from Ps 1:2 – 3, with some pleasure. June 6, 1786—Rode to Northampton, to our annual Association. I am glad to find the state of the churches, upon the whole, encouraging. The next day, I, Mr. Hopper, and Mr. Sutcliff preached; but I wanted more spirituality. June 8, 1786—We had a very affecting time in communicating experiences.

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June 11, 1786 (Lord’s day)—Had a good day, on the Lord’s giving us peace by all means. I know not how I go on.¹⁵⁶ On the Lord’s days, I am tender-hearted, and seem disposed to lie low before God, and to be more watchful and spiritual; but, alas, how soon do I forget God! I have a fountain of poison in my very nature. Surely I am as a beast before thee! I have been preaching, this week, at Moulton and Hardingstone, and seemed to feel, at both places; and yet I am far from a spiritual frame of mind. I felt some tenderness, in riding home, on June 16, in thinking on Jer 31:2,”The people that were left of the sword found grace in the wilderness.” On the Lord’s day, the 18th, had a pretty good day, in preaching from the above text. I heard last week that Mr. Hall, of Arnsby, had been preaching from Prov 30:2, “Surely I am more brutish than any man,” etc. I am sure that passage is more applicable to me than it can be to him: I therefore preached from it. At night, I preached a very searching discourse, from Lam 3:40 chiefly for the purpose of self-conviction. After this, sixteen or eighteen leaves have been destroyed; and the next entry that remains is dated, October 3, 1789—For above a year and a half, I have written nothing. It has seemed to me that my life was not worth writing. Two or three years ago, my heart began wretchedly to degenerate from God. Soon after my child Sally died, I sunk into a sad state of lukewarmness, and have felt the effects of it ever since. I feel at times a longing after the lost joys of God’s salvation; but cannot recover them. I have backslidden from God; and yet I may rather be said to be habitually dejected on account of it, than earnestly to repent of it. I find much hardness of heart; and a spirit of inactivity has laid hold of me. I feel that to be carnally-minded is death. My spiritual enemies have been too much for me. Sometime ago I set apart a day for fasting and prayer, and seemed to get some strength in pleading with God. The very next day, as I remember, I found my heart so wandering from God, and such a load of guilt contracted, that I was affrighted at my own prayer the preceding day, lest it should have provoked the Lord to punish me, by leaving me so suddenly; and I have not set apart a day to fast and pray since. But surely this was one of Satan’s devices, by which I have been imposed upon. Perhaps, also, I trusted too much to my fasting and praying, and, on that account, did not follow it with sufficient watchfulness. In the month of May, I preached with some feeling, from Job 29:2, “O that it were with me as in months past,” etc. During this summer, I have sometimes

 2 Cor 12:7, I think, would partly explain it. [Ryland].

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thought, what joy Christians might possess in this world, were they but to improve their opportunities and advantages! What grounds of joy does the gospel afford! What joy was possessed by the primitive Christians! I have preached two or three times, upon these subjects. Once from John 15:11, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full;” another time, from Neh 8:10, “The joy of the Lord is your strength;” and, again, from Mark 11:24, “Whatsoever things ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye shall receive them, and ye shall receive them;” in which, the chief sentiment on which I insisted was, that confidence in God’s goodness was necessary to our success in prayer. Another time, I preached from “Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” These subjects have tended, sometimes, to make me long after that joy and peace in believing, which I have heretofore found. But joy of heart is a feeling I cannot yet recover. January 20, 1790—During the last quarter of a year, I seem to have gained some ground in spiritual things. I have read some of Jonathan Edwards’ sermons, which have left a deep impression on my heart. I have attended more constantly than heretofore, to private prayer, and felt a little renewed strength. Sometimes, also, I have been much affected in public prayer; particularly on Monday, January 4, at the monthly prayer-meeting. I felt much afraid, lest some uncomfortable debates, which we have had in the church, though now finished, should have grieved the Holy Spirit, and quenched our affection for each other, and so lest our spiritual welfare as a church should be essentially injured. Sometimes, I have been discouraged, and afraid that God would never bless me again. In my preaching, though I am, at times, affected with what I say; yet, as to doing good to others, I go on as if I had no hope of it. Repeated disappointments, and long want of success, make me feel as if I were not to expect success. Last Friday evening I was affected with the subject of divine withdrawment, and especially with the thought of being contented in such a state. If we lose our daily bread, we cannot live; if we lose our health, we are miserable; if we lose a dear friend, we are the same: and can we lose the bread of life, the health of our souls, and the best friend of all, and be unconcerned? Last Lord’s day, I preached upon the desirableness of nearness to God, from Ps 27:9, “Hide not thy face from me; put not thy servant away in anger; thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation!”

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February 16, 1790—For these last three weeks, I have too much again relapsed into a kind of thoughtlessness. I have felt a little, in preaching, but not much. One day, I was looking over Dr. Owen on the Mortification of Sin. Speaking of the evil of sin in the soul unmortified, he says, “It will take away a man’s usefulness in his generation. His works, his endeavours, his labours, seldom receive a blessing from God. If he be a preacher, God commonly blows upon his ministry, so that he shall labour in the fire, and not be honoured with success.” This, in a great degree, is realized in me. March 27, 1790—Some weeks ago, I thought I felt myself to gain ground by closet-prayer; but I have lately relapsed again too much into indifference. Yesterday I read Jonathan Edwards’ two sermons, on the Importance of a Thorough Knowledge of Divine Truth, from Heb 5:12. I felt this effect—a desire to rise earlier, to read more, and to make the discovery of truth more a business. This morning, I have read another of his sermons, on God the Christian’s Portion, from Ps 73:25. The latter part comes very close; and I feel myself at a loss what to judge, as to God’s being my chief good. He asks, whether we had rather live in this world, rich, and without God; or poor, and with him? Perhaps, I should not be so much at a loss to decide this question as another; namely, Had I rather be rich in this world, and enjoy but little of God; or poor, and enjoy much of God? I am confident, the practice of great numbers of professing Christians declares, that they prefer the former; and, in some instances, I feel guilty of the same thing. In the course of this summer (1790), I have sometimes enjoyed a tenderness of heart, in preaching. On June 27, at the Lord’s supper, I was affected with this subject, “Do this in remembrance of me.” I was also greatly affected, on September 5, in preaching from Gal 6:7, “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” But yet, in general, I have but little of the joys of salvation. I do not feel tempted to evil, as heretofore; but yet all is not right. O for a closer walk with God! At the close of this year, the review of my life afforded me neither pleasure, nor what may be called pain; but rather a kind of discouragement too common, of late, with me. From April,¹⁵⁷ I have begun to expound the book of Psalms, and sometimes have enjoyed pleasure therein.

 Ryland omits his previous editorial notation “(1790)” (see Ryland [1816], 191).

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1791—In the spring of this year, there appeared a religious concern among some of our young people. I proposed to meet them, once a week, at the vestry, to talk and pray with them. I hope this has been of use both to me and them. I find there are some hopeful appearances in neighbouring churches. May the Lord revive his own work! I feel some return of peace, but am not as I would be. Reading Owen on Spiritual-mindedness, I feel afraid, lest all should not be right with me at last. What I have of spirituality, as I account it, seems rather occasional than habitual. Towards the latter end of this summer, I heard of some revival of religion about Walgrave and Guilsborough; and that the means of it were their setting apart days for fasting and prayer. From hence I thought, we had been long praying for the revival of God’s cause, and the spread of the gospel among the heathen, etc. and, perhaps, God would begin with us at home first. I was particularly affected with this thought, by finding it in the sixty-seventh Psalm, which I was expounding about the same time: O that God’s being merciful to us, and blessing us, might be the means of his way being made known upon earth, and his saving health among all nations; at least, among a part of them! O to be spiritually alive among ourselves! One Monday evening (I think, in October), I told our friends of some such things, and prayed with them, with more than usual affection. I was particularly encouraged by the promise of giving the Holy Spirit to them that ask. Surely if ever I wrestled with God in my life I did so then, for more grace, for forgiveness, for the restoration of the joys of salvation: and that, not only for myself, but for the generality of Christians among us, whom I plainly perceived to be in a poor, lukewarm state, when compared with the primitive Christians. The 27th of December I set apart for fasting and prayer. I felt tender in the course of the day. Thought, with some encouragement, of Ps 119:17, “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant, for I do not forget thy commandments.” I employed a considerable part of the day in reading Owen on the Mortification of Sin. A review of the past year, and of several past years, tended to humble me. I felt tender, on Friday evening, December 30, in addressing my friends from Ps 90:14 on the mercy of God, as the origin of all solid joy. 1792—This year was begun, or nearly so, with a day of solemn fasting and prayer, kept by us, as a church. It was a most affecting time with me and many more. Surely we never had such a spirit of prayer amongst us!

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On the second of April, we lost our dear and worthy deacon, Mr. Beeby Wallis.¹⁵⁸ The next church-meeting was kept as a day of solemn fasting and prayer; and a very affecting opportunity it was. During this and the last year, we have had a good deal of religious concern among the young people of the congregation. I set up a private meeting, in which I might read, and pray, and converse with them; and have found it good, both to them and me. This spring, several of them joined the church. For the exercises of his mind in the time of Mrs. Fuller’s last illness and death, see Chap. 9. July 18, 1794—Within the last two years, I have experienced, perhaps, as much peace and calmness of mind, as at any former period. I have been enabled to walk somewhat more near to God than heretofore; and I find, that

 Mr. Fuller published a funeral sermon for this very excellent man; in which he has given a just delineation of his character, and some account of his ancestors, who were the first pastors of the Baptist church at Kettering. He was buried under a sycamore-tree, which he had planted in the meeting-yard, the ground having been originally given by him; and the following epitaph, composed by Mr. Fuller, was inscribed on his tomb: Kind Sycamore, preserve, beneath thy shade, The precious dust of him who cherish’d thee; Nor thee alone: a plant to him more dear He cherish’d, and with fostering hand uprear’d. Active and generous in virtue’s cause, With solid wisdom, strict integrity, And unaffected piety, he lived Beloved amongst us—and beloved he died. Beneath an Allen-Bacuth Jacob wept: Beneath thy shade we mourn a heavier loss. His widow, Mrs. Martha Wallis, a valuable friend to Mr. Fuller, and to the cause of Christ, long survived her husband, and entered into rest, October 17, 1812. She was buried in the same vault with him; and Mr. Fuller altered the epitaph, as follows: Kind Sycamore, preserve, beneath thy shade The precious dust of those who cherish’d thee; Nor thee alone: a plant to them more dear They cherish’d, and with fostering hand uprear’d; Amongst whose fairest and most fruitful boughs The name of Wallis has for ages ranked; And still it lives, and shall, for years to come, Live fragrant, in our recollecting thoughts. [Ryland].

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there is nothing that affords such a preservative against sin. If we walk in the Spirit, we shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh. This passage has been of great use to me, ever since I preached from, it, which was on June 3, 1792. The idea on which I then principally insisted, was that sin is to be overcome, not so much by a direct or mere resistance of it, as by opposing other principles and considerations to it. This sentiment has been abundantly verified in my experience: so far as I have walked in the Spirit, so far has my life been holy and happy; and I have experienced a good degree of these blessings, compared with former times, though but a very small degree, compared with what I ought to aspire after. See more of this date in Chap. 7. I have lately spoken some strong language against the sin of covetousness. O that I may never be left to that spirit myself! I have been concerned, this morning, lest I should. We know but little of what we are, till we are tried! I dreamed, last night, that a person of a religious and generous character was making his observations upon Dissenters—that there were but few eminently holy and benevolent characters among them. On waking, my thoughts ran upon this subject. I felt, that there was too much truth in it (though, perhaps, no truth, if they were viewed in comparison with other denominations); and possessed an ardent desire that, let others do what they would, I and mine might live, not to ourselves, but to Him who died for us! It seemed a lovely thing, which is said of Christ—“He went about, doing good!” O that, whatever I may, at any time, possess of this world’s good, it might be consecrated to God! The Lord ever preserve me from the mean vice of covetousness! I felt very tender, last night, in preaching from Job 29:2—“O that I were as in months past,” etc. I do think, the last two years have been the best two years of my life; but within a few months, I have felt a spirit of declension coming upon me. May 12, 1796—For a long time past, I have written nothing: not because I have been uncomfortable; perhaps I never lived a year in my life, in which I enjoyed more of the pleasures of religion, than in 1795, especially at the Association, which was held at Kettering: but my time has been so taken up, about missionary and other public matters, and I have had so much writing on those subjects; that hence, and on account of writing being against the complaint in my head, I have declined it in this book.¹⁵⁹

 Hereafter Ryland omits an entry from October 27, 1796: “Of late I have been greatly employed in

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I am satisfied that intelligent readers will know what use to make of these valuable extracts—never intended, indeed, for public view and almost prohibited from being seen, but which I have ventured to make, under a strong persuasion, that if I could now consult my dear departed friend, he would be satisfied with the reasons of my conduct. And indeed, apprehending that I have done only as he would have done by another, in like circumstances. Much there is to show what a poor creature is man— saved, renewed man, even at his best estate. I do not object, and I am very sure he would not, to the idea that there may be Christians who have got nearer to the mark of our calling and who have had a fuller enjoyment, even beforehand, of the prize— would to God they were more numerous and their attainments far higher! But, after all, I am fully satisfied that the best believer on earth has need of daily pardon, daily aid, daily healing; and that Mr. Edwards had good ground for the conviction he once expressed: “There is no dependence upon self. It is to no purpose to resolve, except we depend on the grace of God; for, if it were not for his mere grace, one might be a very good man one day, and a very wicked one the next.”¹⁶⁰ Nevertheless, with all my dear Brother’s acknowledged defects and painful conflicts, there was an unspeakable difference between his religion and that of some high professors in the present day, whose only concern it is to maintain a confidence of their own safety—a confidence too often, indeed, without evidence from Scripture, sense, or reason. And if this can be attained (and the worst of all spirits would gladly help them to it) they care but little for sins of omission and not much for those of commission: godly jealousy they discard and duty they cannot endure. Individuals it is not my province to judge; and gladly would I hope that some men may have their hearts right with God, who express themselves very incautiously. I do not know who made the hymn which I have seen printed in more collections than one, but nothing I ever saw is more liable to the worst construction in the world, than such lines as these: Barren although my soul remain, And not one bud of grace appear, No fruit of all my toil and pain, But sin, and only sin, be here;¹⁶¹ Yet I will trust, and not be afraid—is the sentiment that follows! Surely no man, who lives in the habitual commission of the grossest sins, can describe his case in stron-

journeying and preaching and endeavoring to collect for the East India Mission. I find a removal from place to place, though good for my health, yet not good for my soul. I feel weary of journeys, on account of their interfering so much with my work at home. I long to visit my congregation that I may know more of their spiritual concerns and be able to preach to their cases” (see Ryland [1816], 197).  From Jonathan Edwards’s diary entry on Wednesday, January 22, 1723 (see Edwards, Letters and Personal Writings, 16:760).  Charles Wesley and John Wesley, Hymns and Sacred Poems (2nd ed.; Bristol: F. Farley, 1715), 138.

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ger language than this; not even the vilest wretch that ever lived in Admah or Zeboim, or either of the other cities of the plain.¹⁶² “This I say,” says Dr. Owen, “under an habitual declension, or decay of grace in the spirituality of our affections, no man can keep or maintain a gracious sense of the love of God, or of peace with him.”¹⁶³ “Some would very desirously have evangelical joy, peace, and assurance, to countenance them in their evil frames and careless walking. And some have attempted to reconcile these, to the ruin of their souls. But it will not be. Without the diligent exercise of the grace of obedience, we shall never enjoy the grace of consolation.”¹⁶⁴ My dear departed friend evidently hungered and thirsted after righteousness; his soul panted after God, the living God. While others admired his zeal, his diligence, his activity, etc. he was often bewailing his lukewarmness, his sloth, and inactivity. He had a deep sense of what a Christian ought to be; he understood the spirituality of the divine law; he felt the obligations of the gospel, which did not supersede, but confirm, enhance, and endear prior obligations; and hence, while he trusted to behold God’s face in the imputed righteousness of another, he could not be satisfied till he awoke in the likeness of his blessed Saviour. Now, I am well persuaded, he is with him and is perfectly like him, for he sees him as he is. He has fought the good fight, he has finished his course, he has kept the faith, and has received the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to all them that love his appearing.

 See Genesis 10:19, 14:2; Deuteronomy 29:23; Hosea 11:8.  John Owen, Φρονημα του Πνευματος Or the Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually-Minded, Declared and Practically Improved (London: Joseph Marshall, 1717), 278. [Ryland]. See John Owen, The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded (London: Wm. Baynes, 1807).  John Owen, Meditations and Discourses on the Glory of Christ, in Two Parts (Sheffield: W. Ward; J. Matthews, 1792), 188. [Ryland’s note]. In Ryland’s original note, the page number is 168, but no edition prior to 1816 or 1818 contains the quoted text on page 168.

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Chapter 6 Fuller’s Various Publications The treatise which was written first by Mr. Fuller was of a controversial nature,¹⁶⁵ as many of his subsequent publications were. It has been seen in Chapter 2 by what means he was led, at a very early period in his religious course, to attend to various theological controversies; and though his first diary, in Chapter 3 shows that he was very reluctant to enter into polemical discussions before the public; yet, whoever considers the state of our churches, as represented in Chapter 1, and is aware of the bearing towards Antinomianism which was beginning to infect other denominations also, will find reason to bless God for thus qualifying him to stem the torrent of False Calvinism. His success among good men, whose hearts were attached to true holiness as well as to sovereign and efficacious grace, was very extensive; though others, respecting whom there is too much reason to fear that their error originated in a mind which could not bear subjection to the divine law, have since waxed worse and worse. His ardent love of truth and his earnest concern that God would preserve him from error, on the right hand and on the left, is strongly evinced by the following document found among his papers since his death. It was written as early as January 10, 1780, and occasioned by perusing a piece on the Arminian side, written at the time of the controversy between the Calvinistic and Arminian Methodists—a debate which, I have been inclined to think, was not very ably nor fairly conducted on either side. Mr. Fuller’s paper is entitled, A Solemn Vow, or Renewal of Covenant with God O my God! (Let not the Lord be angry with his servant, for thus speaking!) I have, thou knowest, heretofore sought thy truth. I have earnestly entreated thee that thou wouldest lead me into it, that I might be rooted, established, and built up in it, as it is in Jesus. I have seen the truth of that saying— “It is a good thing to have the heart established with grace;”¹⁶⁶ and now, I would, this day, solemnly renew my prayer to thee; and also enter afresh into covenant with thee. O Lord God! I find myself in a world where thousands profess thy name: some are preaching, some writing, some talking about religion. All profess to be searching after truth; to have Christ and the inspired writers on their side. I am afraid, lest I should be turned aside from the simplicity of the gospel. I feel my understanding full of darkness, my reason exceedingly imperfect, my will ready to start aside, and my passions strangely volatile. O illu-

 The sermon on The Nature and Importance of Walking by Faith, was first printed; but the other manuscript had been long before prepared for the press. [Ryland].  Hebrews 13:9.

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mine mine understanding, “teach my reason, reason,” my will, rectitude, and let every faculty of which I am possessed be kept within the bounds of thy service! O let not the sleight of wicked men, who lie in wait to deceive, nor even the pious character of good men (who yet may be under great mistakes) draw me aside. Nor do thou suffer my own fancy to misguide me. Lord, thou hast given me a determination to take up no principle at second-hand; but to search for everything at the pure fountain of thy word. Yet, Lord, I am afraid, seeing I am as liable to err as other men, lest I should be led aside from truth, by mine own imagination. Hast thou not promised, “The meek wilt thou guide in judgment, and the meek thou wilt teach thy way”?¹⁶⁷ Lord, thou knowest that, at this time, my heart is not haughty, nor are mine eyes lofty. O “guide me by thy counsel, and afterwards receive me to glory!”¹⁶⁸ One thing, in particular, I would pray for; namely, that I may not only be kept from erroneous principles, but may so love the truth, as never to keep it back. O Lord, never let me, under the specious pretence of preaching holiness, neglect to promulge the truths of thy word; for this day I see, and have all along found—that holy practice has a necessary dependence on sacred principle. O Lord, if thou wilt open mine eyes to behold the wonders of thy word,¹⁶⁹ and give me to feel their transforming tendency, then shall the Lord be my God; then let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth,¹⁷⁰ if I shun to declare, to the best of my knowledge, the whole counsel of God!¹⁷¹

Some account has already been given of the controversy which his first publication respected and repeated references are made to the manuscript in his first diary. He kept it long by him and showed it to several friends, who agreed with him in sentiment, as well as to some who retained the opposite opinion. In his second diary, there are various references to the same subject, which show how cautiously he proceeded in this business. August 20, 1784—Conversation with a friend, has occasioned much concern of mind. I feel myself a poor, ignorant creature, and have many misgivings of

    

Psalm 25:9. Psalm 73:24. Psalm 119:18. Psalm 137:6. Acts 20:27.

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heart, about engaging in defence of what I esteem truth, lest the cause of Christ should be injured through me. Surely, if I did not believe that in defence of which I write, to be important truth, I would hide my head in obscurity all my days! August 21, 1784—Much pained at heart, while reading in Dr. Owen, for whose character I feel a high veneration. Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man! O that I might be led into divine truth! Christ and his cross be all my theme! Surely I love his name, and wish to make it the centre, in which all the lines of my ministry should meet! The Lord direct my way in respect of publishing! Assuredly he knows my end is to vindicate the excellence of his character, and his worthiness of being loved and credited. August 23, 1784—The weight of publishing still lies upon me. I expect a great share of unhappiness through it. I had certainly much rather go through the world in peace, did I not consider this step as my duty. I feel a jealousy of myself, lest I should not be endued with meekness and patience sufficient for controversy. The Lord keep me! I wish to suspect my own spirit, and go forth leaning on him for strength. I heard, yesterday, that Mr. William Clarke is likely to come to Carlton: the Lord grant he may! O that I were of such a meek and lowly spirit as that good man! August 25, 1784—Conversation with a friend, this day, makes me abhor myself, and tremble about writing in a public way. O how little real meekness and lowliness of heart do I possess! August 26, 1784—I felt some tenderness at the church-meeting; but much depression of spirit generally now attends me. I feel a solid satisfaction, that the cause in which I am about to engage, is the cause of truth and righteousness; but I am afraid lest it should suffer through me. October 21, 1784—I feel some pain, in the thought of being about to publish on the obligations of men to believe in Christ, fearing I shall hereby expose myself to a good deal of abuse, which is disagreeable to the flesh. Had I not a satisfaction that it is the cause of God and truth, I would drop all thoughts of printing. The Lord keep me meek and lowly in heart! November 16, 1784—Employed in finishing my manuscript for the press. Wrote some thoughts on 1 Cor 16:22, but have great reason for shame and self-reflection. While I write on love to Christ, I feel a world of unlawful self-love and self-seeking working in me.

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November 22, 1784—Walked to Northampton: some prayer, that God would bless that about which I am going; namely, the printing of my manuscript on the duty of sinners to believe in Christ. This pamphlet was entitled, 1) The Gospel Worthy of All Acceptation: or, the Obligations of Men Fully to Credit and Cordially to Approve Whatever God Makes Known. Wherein Is Considered, the Nature of Faith in Christ, and the Duty of Those Where the Gospel Comes, in that Matter. Though several of his brethren very cordially coincided with him and had earnestly advised the publication, yet many ignorant people who really knew nothing before of the controversy, began to raise an outcry against the book and its author; charging him and his friends with having forsaken the doctrines of grace and left the good old way. Good Mr. Brine had admitted the novelty of the opinion Mr. Fuller opposed (which, to the best of my knowledge, had never been heard of in the church till about sixty years before) and had entitled his plea in defence of it, Motives to Love and Unity Among Calvinists Differing in Opinion; but these poor creatures charged us with being turned Arminians.¹⁷² Meanwhile, Mr. Birley of St. Ives,¹⁷³ soon after Mr. Fuller’s work was printed, urged his friend Mr. Dan Taylor,¹⁷⁴ a very respectable min John Brine was called into ministry at the Baptist congregation at Kettering and ministered at Coventry before succeeding William Morton (the successor of John Skepp [1675 – 1721]) at Currier’s Hall, Cripplegate, in London in 1730. Brine, like other High Calvinists, refused to give an open invitation to his hearers to accept Christ. See Brine, Motives to Love and Unity among Calvinists, Who Differ on Some Points: A Dialogue between Christophilus, Philalethes, and Philagathus Wherein Is Contained an Answer to Mr. Alvery Jackson’s Question Answered, Whether Saving Faith in Christ is a Duty Required by the Moral Law, of All Those Who Live under the Gospel Revelation? (London: John Ward, 1753).  George Birley (1746 – 1824) grew up in Ashford, Derbyshire, and moved to assist Dan Taylor’s academy at Birchcliff, Yorkshire in 1765. Three years later, Birley went to assist John Collett Ryland’s academy in Northampton. Being a General Baptist, Birley maintained his membership at Birchcliff. In the 1770s, the General Baptist congregation at St. Ives, Cornwall invited Birley to preach. Though he moved to St. Ives in 1777 and became a regular preacher in the congregation, his ordination took place in 1786. Under his pastorate, the congregation joined Taylor’s New Connection.  Dan Taylor (1738 – 1816) experienced conversion under evangelical preachers and became a Baptist in the 1760s. With his Arminian convictions, Taylor eventually formed his own congregation at Wadsworth, near Birchcliffe in 1762. Dissatisfied with the General Baptist Assembly, Taylor was responsible for forming the orthodox and evangelical “New Connections” in 1770. In 1785, Birley presented Taylor with a copy of Fuller’s Gospel Worthy of All Acceptation, and Taylor responded by writing nine letters to his friend between November 1785 and January 1786. These letters were later published anonymously (as “a lover of all mankind/Philanthropos”) as Observations on the Rev. Andrew Fuller’s Late Pamphlet, Entitled, “The Gospel of Christ Worthy of All Acceptation” (London: J. Bucklan, J. Marsom, T. Griffiths, 1786). After Fuller published his reply in 1787, Taylor responded again under his real name: Observations on the Rev. Andrew Fuller’s Reply to Philanthropos (St.

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ister among the more evangelical General Baptists, to embrace this opportunity of endeavouring to promote real Arminianism. Mr. Button attempted to defend the negative side of the question,¹⁷⁵ on the plan of Dr. Gill and Mr. Brine.¹⁷⁶ A Dr. Withers,¹⁷⁷ patronized by a rich man in London, deeply tinged with Antinomianism, wrote in a far more extravagant and insolent strain (I should not say on the same side, for my brother Button and his learned predecessor would have abhorred his extravagant crudities). Mr. Taylor repeatedly attacked him on the opposite quarter. Mr. Fuller thus refers to these opponents: August 8, 1785—Some exercise of mind this week, through an advertisement of Dr. Withers, wherein he threatens, I think in a very vain manner, to reduce my late publication to dust. I wish I may be kept in a right spirit. I find myself, on seeing what I have hitherto seen, exposed to a spirit of contempt, but I wish not to indulge too much of that temper. Doubtless I may be wrong in some things; I wish I may all along be open to conviction. I have found some desires go up to heaven for such a spirit. August 26, 1785—At Northampton, I saw a letter from a respectable aged minister,¹⁷⁸ on my late publication, which has some effect on my heart, in a way of tender grief and fear.

Ives: T. Bloom, 1787). In 1788, Taylor issued a second edition of Observations on Fuller’s Reply. In 1787, under the nom de plume “Agnostos,” Fuller wrote The Reality and Efficacy of Divine Grace; With the Certain Success of Christ’s Suffering, in Behalf of All Who Are Finally Saved. Considered in a Series of Letters to the Rev. Andrew Fuller: Containing Remarks upon the Observations of the Rev. Dan Taylor, on Mr. Fuller’s Reply to Philanthropos (London: Lepard, 1787). The controversy ended in 1790, after Taylor published The Friendly Conclusion: Occasioned by the Letters of Agnostos to the Rev. Andrew Fuller, Respecting the Extent of Our Saviour’s Death, and Other Subjects Connected with the Doctrine: In Four Letters to a Friend (London: Ash, Marsom & Button, 1790). On Taylor, see Frank Rinaldi, The “Tribe of Dan”: A Study of the New Connexion of General Baptists 1770 – 1891 (Milton Keynes: Paternoster, 2008); Richard T. Pollard, Dan Taylor (1738 – 1816), Baptist Leader and Pioneering Evangelical (Eugene: Pickwick, 2018).  William Button ministered to the congregation at Dean Street, Southwark from 1775 to 1815. Alongside his pastoral ministry, Button was a significant printer in London. Button published his critique as Remarks on a Treatise, Entitled, The Gospel of Christ Worthy of All Acceptation: Or, The Obligation of Men Fully to Credit, and Cordially to Approve Whatever God Makes Known. By Andrew Fuller. Wherein The Nature of Special Faith in Christ Is Considered, and Several of Mr. F.’s Mistakes Pointed Out: in a Series of Letters to a Friend (London: J. Buckland, W. Ash, J. Dermer, J. James, 1785). Fuller replied to Button with his A Defence of a Treatise, Entitled, The Gospel of Christ Worthy of All Acceptation; Containing a Reply to Mr. Button’s Remarks, and the Observations of Philanthropos (Northampton: T. Dicey, 1787).  John Gill and John Brine.  Philip Withers.  If I may judge from an excellent address, which the venerable Joshua Thomas delivered, in the Lecture-room of the Baptist Academy at Bristol, from 2 Chr 30:8—Yield yourselves to the Lord; he fully came over to Mr. Fuller’s views at last. [Ryland]. Joshua Thomas (1719 – 1797) was a Welsh Baptist and

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October 7, 1785—Some tremor of mind, in hearing that Dr. Withers’s book is in the press. What I fear is, lest his manner of writing should be provoking, and lest I should fall into an unchristian spirit. November—On a journey into Bedfordshire, he met with a minister who had embraced the negative side of the Modern Question,¹⁷⁹ and was “glad to see his spirit softened, and his prejudices giving way.” But, at another place, he mentions being much grieved to find the spirits of the people in that neighbourhood hurt by controversy. I find there are several, whose conversation turns almost entirely, and on all occasions, on these subjects. It seems to be one of Satan’s devices, in order to destroy the good tendency of any truth, to get its advocates to hackney it out of measure; dwelling upon it, in every sermon or conversation, to the exclusion of other things. Thus, by some, in the last age, the glorious doctrines of free and sovereign grace were served, and were thereby brought into disrepute. If we employ all our time in talking about what men ought to be and to do, it is likely we shall forget to put it in practice; and then all is over with us. The Lord deliver us from that temptation! December 6, 1785—The latter part of this week, I received a treatise, lately published, in answer to mine. There seems to be much in it very foreign to the point, and very little evidence in favour of the writer’s sentiment. January 1786—Heard, on a journey into Bedfordshire that a piece is coming out against what I have written, on the Arminian side. I have no fears, as to the cause itself; but many, as to my capacity to defend it. I feel reluctant in being obliged to attend to controversy. My heart seems to delight in my work; and I hope the Lord is, in some measure, owning it. January 29, 1786—This week, I received Dr. Withers’s treatise against what I have printed. What horrid sentiments does he advance! February 5, 1786—My mind has been generally much engaged in perusing various publications against my treatise on the gospel of Christ. This morning, I received another, written by Mr. Dan Taylor. It has rather tended to interrupt me in the work of the day, though I determined not to look into it, till tomorrow.

ministered at the church at Leominster, Herefordshire from 1753 until his death. Ryland used Thomas as an example of those who opposed Fuller’s work at first but became supportive after reading it.  Martin Mayle (1747/8 – 1822) ministered at Blunham, Bedfordshire.

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February 6, 1786—Read the above piece. The author discovers an amiable spirit; and there is a good deal of plausibility in some things that he advances. My mind has been much employed, all the week, on this piece. The more I examine it, the more I perceive it is, though ingeniously wrought together, open to a solid and effective reply. Having begun with Mr. Fuller’s controversial works, I shall enumerate them, before I proceed to those of a practical nature; and therefore mention that he published, in 1787, 2) A Defence of a Treatise, Entitled, The Gospel of Christ Worthy of All Acceptation: Containing a Reply to Mr. Button’s Remarks, and the Observations of Philanthropos. Sometime after, another pamphlet appeared, entitled, 3) The Reality and Efficacy of Divine Grace; With the Certain Success of Christ’s Sufferings, in Behalf of All Who Are Finally Saved: Containing Remarks upon the Observations of the Rev. Dan Taylor on Mr. Fuller’s Reply to Philanthropos. Though this was published in the form of letters to Mr. Fuller, under the signature of Agnostos, yet it is now known that it was written almost entirely by Mr. Fuller himself. 4) Remarks on Mr. Martin’s Publication. In Five Letters to a Friend. ¹⁸⁰ Mr. Fuller has directed this to be left out of the new edition of his Works: partly because, although it may not contain a greater degree of severity than the personalities of that publication almost necessarily called for, yet he did not take pleasure in reflecting on a controversy of that kind, and partly because he had no apprehension that the work of his opponent would ever be reprinted.¹⁸¹

 Andrew Fuller, Remarks on Mr. Martin’s Publication, Entitled “Thoughts on the Duty of Man, Relative to Faith in Jesus Christ.” In Five Letters to a Friend. Letter I. Mr. Martin’s Accusations Considered. II. General Observations. III. On Love to God for His Own Excellency. IV. On Divine Efficiency. V. On Human Endeavour (London: Buckland, Ash, Matthews, Gardiner, 1789). From 1788 to 1789, John Martin published a two-part response: Thoughts on the Duty of Man Relative to Faith in Jesus Christ; in Which Mr. Andrew Fuller’s Leading Propositions on that Subject Are Considered. Part I (London: Smith, 1788); Part II (London: Smith, 1789).  Mr. Fuller made no reply to Mr. Martin’s Second and Third Parts. The following is a specimen of this writer’s mode of argumentation: “Perhaps Mr. Fuller does not sufficiently recollect that, in human actions, what seems to be the reverse of doing wrong, is not always doing right. I. Avarice and prodigality II. Ambition and abject state of mind

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In 1792, Mr. Fuller published a work of the highest importance, which obtained the warm approbation of all the friends of evangelical truth. 5) The Calvinistic and Socinian Systems Examined and Compared, as to Their Moral Tendency. In a Series of Letters, Addressed to the Friends of Vital and Practical Religion. ¹⁸² At the commencement of this work, in 1791, he observes, I have lately been employed in reading several Socinian writers; Lindsey, Priestly, Belsham, etc.¹⁸³ and have employed myself in penning down III. Breaking the law of God and keeping it perfectly, are supposed, by some, to be in the strongest state of opposition. But if the avaricious were to become prodigal, and the mean to become ambitious, this would be only changing one vice for another. Well, and if he that has broken the law in time past, were to keep it in future, would that be also changing one vice for another? No. But, if the transgressor of the law attempted to keep it perfectly, he must, by that attempt, entertain a false idea of the perfection of the law. For in whatever part it is broken, it is broken forever; and can never be made whole, by him who has offended in one point. Hence, he infers, that ‘If unbelief, in every view of it, be as criminal as our author has supposed, it does not follow that belief is a duty.’ I have added the numerals to what ought to have been three pair of parallels and have placed them in separate lines that their agreement or disagreement might appear. Had this author contrasted Avarice and generosity, Ambition and humble contentment, Breaking the law and keeping it perfectly: though he that should become generous ought not to tell a lie and say he never had been covetous; he that became humble and contented ought not to deny that he had once been ambitious; yet they would but do their duty, in keeping clear of those vices in future. Nor is it more than any man’s duty to obey the law of God perfectly, henceforward, however his past sins may have deprived him of all hope, founded on the covenant of works. If it be, I would wish to be informed, what command may he violate in future, without acquiring additional guilt?” It has been already noticed that Mr. F derived some advantage, at an earlier period, from Mr. Martin’s sermon, on Submission to the Righteousness of God, where he had scripture and sound reason on his side; but wherein he departed from them, he would not follow him. [Ryland]. See John Martin, The Rock of Offence the Sinner’s Last and Only Refuge. A Discourse on Romans 10:3, Wherein the Cause and Consequence of Not Submitting to the Righteousness of God, Are Considered (London: Robinson, Keith, Gurney, Luckman, Heath, Streeton, Albin, 1771).  During Fuller’s lifetime, Calvinistic and Socinian Systems Examined and Compared went through six editions (1793, 1794, 1796, 1797, 1802, and 1810). See Andrew Fuller, The Calvinistic and Socinian Systems Examined and Compared, as to Their Moral Tendency: In a Series of Letters, Addressed to the Friends of Vital and Practical Religion. To Which is Added, a Postscript, Establishing the Principle of the Work against the Exceptions of Dr. Toulmin, Mr. Belsham, etc., ed. Thomas J. Nettles, Michael A. G. Haykin, and Baiyu Andrew Song (The Complete Works of Andrew Fuller 7; Berlin/Boston: De Gruyter, 2021).  Theophilus Lindsey (1723 – 1808), Joseph Priestley, and Thomas Belsham (1750 – 1829) were leading Socinian advocates in the late eighteenth century. See Nettles, Haykin, and Song, eds., Calvinistic and Socinian Systems Examined and Compared.

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thoughts on the moral tendency of their system. While thus engaged, I found an increasing aversion from their views of things, and I feel the ground on which my hopes are built, more solid than ever. Sometime after it appeared, in July 1794, he writes thus: The reflection I noticed on June 1, 1792, that we have no more religion than we have in times of trial, has again occurred. God has tried me, within the last two or three years, by heavy and sore afflictions in my family, and by threatening complaints in my body. But, of late, trials have been of another kind: having printed Letters on Socinianism, they have procured an unusual tide of respect and applause. Some years ago, I endured a portion of reproach, on account of what I had written against False Calvinism; now I am likely to be tried with the contrary: and, perhaps, good report, though more agreeable, may prove not less trying than evil report. I am apprehensive that God sees my heart to be too much elated already, and therefore withholds his blessing from my ordinary ministrations. I conceive things to be very low in the congregation. It has been a thought which has affected me of late— The church at Leicester have lost their pastor, as have also the church at Northampton; but neither of them have lost their God: whereas, at Kettering, the man and the means are continued; we have the mantle, but “where is the Lord God of Elijah?” God has, as it were, caused it to rain upon these places, but not upon us. Though without pastors, yet they have had great increase; whereas we have had none of late, and many disorders among us. I am afraid I am defective as to knowing the state of my own church, and looking well to their spiritual concerns. Thus rigorously did he watch his own heart, throughout the various vicissitudes of this life. In a letter, about this time, Mr. Fuller observes:¹⁸⁴ It had been well if I had printed a larger number of my piece on Socinianism. I have hitherto heard nothing of any account, but by way of approbation. Mr. Hall speaks very strongly. “You will please to accept my hearty thanks,” says he, “for your book; which, without flattery, appears, to me, by far the most decisive confutation of the Socinian system that ever appeared. There are some particulars, in which I differ from you; but, in general, I admire the spirit no less than the reasoning. I hope it will be of very extensive benefit.” I suppose I must print another edition. Mr. Hall says, it will be read, not merely as a pamphlet of the day, but for years to come. I cannot tell how much this may be depended upon, in sending it again to the press.

 Ryland inserts the following letter (see Ryland [1816], 215).

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Meanwhile, the Socinians, who had so frequently indulged themselves in inveighing, with the utmost vehemence, against the licentious tendency of the Calvinistic system, were much disturbed at having the charge turned against themselves. It was now considered as an unfair argument. They wanted to shift the ground and get to their critical bush-fighting, hoping to obtain more advantage by controverting separate texts than by discussing the moral tendency of the whole system; though, even here, they wished to make the ground as narrow as possible by interdicting the use of the Epistles and confining the dispute to expressions used by the four Evangelists. Or, if the appeal to facts respecting the effects of the respective systems could not be wholly declined (not being able to show that modern Unitarians, as they call themselves, or those who lay claim to the exclusive appellation of Rational Christians, have done anything, with success, for the conversion of Jews, Heathens, Turks, Infidels, or profligates), they beg the point in question—that the Apostles’ doctrine was the same as theirs; and thus would prove the good moral tendency of their sentiments by the happy effects produced by the gospel in the first two centuries. Mr. Fuller, in reply to these artifices, published, in 1797, 6) Socinianism Indefensible on the Ground of Its Moral Tendency: Containing a Reply to Dr. Toulmin and Mr. Kentish. ¹⁸⁵ After this, Mr. Fuller’s attention was turned to the Deistical controversy, and he published, 7) The Gospel Its Own Witness: or, The Holy Nature and Divine Harmony of the Christian Religion, Contrasted with the Immorality and Absurdity of Deism. 1800.¹⁸⁶ This is the work of which Mr. Wilberforce spoke so highly in a letter I received from him just after Mr. Fuller’s death.¹⁸⁷ As early as October 24, 1784, Mr. Fuller had remarked in his diary,

 Fuller, Socinianism Indefensible, on the Ground of Its Moral Tendency: Containing a Reply to Two Late Publications; The One by Dr. Toulmin, Entitled The Practical Efficacy of the Unitarian Doctrine Considered; the Other by Mr. Kentish, Entitled The Moral Tendency of the Genuine Christian Doctrine (London: Gardiner, Button, Matthews; Edinburgh: Ogle, 1797). John Kentish (1768 – 1853) studied at Hackney Academy and became the first minister of the newly formed Socinian congregation at Devonport, Devonshire in 1790. After ministering in Plymouth, Kentish moved to London in 1795 and served as the afternoon preacher at the Gravel Pit, Hackney. From 1803 to 1844, Kentish undertook the pastorate at the New Meeting, Birmingham.  This work was first published in 1799: Fuller, The Gospel Its Own Witness: Or the Holy Nature, and Divine Harmony of the Christian Religion, Contrasted with the Immorality and Absurdity of Deism (Clipston: J. W. Morris, 1799). A second edition was published by Morris in 1800.  William Wilberforce.

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I have many fears concerning certain flesh-pleasing doctrines, which have been lately agitated, particularly that of the final salvation of all men and devils. I have no doubt but their notion will have a great spread within these twenty years, however contrary to the word of God; seeing it is just what suits the flesh. Tonight, in expounding Acts 3, I took notice of verse 21 on which they chiefly attempt to found this opinion. According as Mr. Fuller and some of his most intimate friends had foreboded, so it came to pass. Mr. Winchester, who had, in his early life, appeared very laborious and successful in urging sinners to flee from the wrath to come, had fallen into this sentiment in America and came over to England to propagate it.¹⁸⁸ Though the preaching of a purgatory had no such effect on the careless as attended his former labours, yet it drew after him a few unstable professors. Among others, Mr. Vidler,¹⁸⁹ of Battle in Sussex (who had become acquainted with the ministers of the Northamptonshire Association sometime before, when he came to collect for his meeting-house), fell into the same snare and, at length, into Socinianism. Mr. Fuller first sent him a private, affectionate, and faithful expostulation in 1793; to which he received no reply, till he afterwards inserted it in the Evangelical Magazine for September 1795, concealing the name of the person to whom it was addressed, and using himself the signature of Gaius.¹⁹⁰ This led, in the issue, to a larger publication: 8) Letters to Mr. Vidler, on the Doctrine of Universal Salvation. ¹⁹¹ 1802.¹⁹²

 Ordained a Baptist minister in Rehoboth, Massachusetts in 1771, Elhanan Winchester founded the Society of Universal Baptists in 1781. Winchester travelled to England from September 1787 to July 1794, during which time he met William Vidler. Raised in the Church of England, Vidler became an Independent minister in 1777, and in 1780 became convinced of the Baptist position. Vidler came into contact with both Particular and General Baptists in his travels to collect funds for a chapel in Battle. By 1792, he had adopted the universalist position, dividing his church and resulting in his excommunication in 1793. Vidler became an assistant to Winchester the following year at Parliament Court in London before the latter returned to America in 1794. Vidler responded to Fuller in Letters to Mr. Fuller on the Universal Restoration (London: William Burton, 1803).  William Vidler.  Gaius [Andrew Fuller], “Eternity of Future Punishment,” Evangelical Magazine 3 (September 1795): 357– 59. Fuller wrote his letter to Vidler on February 14, 1793. In his letter to the editor (May 29, 1795), Fuller explained that this letter was sent to the editor at the request of “Brightonesis” ([Fuller], “Eternity of Future Punishment,” 357).  Mr. Jerram, an evangelical Clergyman, a friend of Mr. Fuller’s, published a very able and interesting pamphlet, on the same subject, entitled, Letters to an Universalist: Containing a Review of the Controversy between Mr. Vidler and Mr. Fuller, on the Doctrine of Universal Salvation. [Ryland]. Charles Jerram’s (1770 – 1850) Letters to an Universalist (Clipston: J. W. Morris, 1802) was published under the nom de plume “Scrutator.”  Andrew Fuller, Letters to Mr. Vidler on the Doctrine of Universal Salvation (Clipston: J. W. Morris, 1802).

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Another publication must be reckoned in a great degree, polemical; consisting chiefly of what had been published in detached parts in the Evangelical Magazine, but which was collected into one volume in 1806, and entitled, 9) Dialogues, Letters, and Essays, on Various Subjects. ¹⁹³ Some years afterwards he printed, 10) Strictures on Sandemanianism, in Twelve Letters to a Friend. 1810.¹⁹⁴ On this subject, without entering further into the controversy, I would beg leave to insert two or three remarks which have struck my own mind as worthy of attention: 1. That many good men have had their minds tinged with Mr. Sandeman’s sentiments,¹⁹⁵ who by no means embrace all his peculiarities and who greatly disapprove of his bitter, censorious spirit. This applies, especially, to many of the Scotch Baptists. 2. As to those who enter far into the system, it has appeared to me that, while they maintain that faith is the simplest thing in the world, they go on disputing about it till they almost make the definition of faith the very object of faith. Let a man believe what he will of Christ, and the fitness, beauty, and glory of the way of salvation by his obedience unto death, they will scarcely allow him to be a Christian, unless he believe that faith is a bare belief of the truth. 3. Whereas they scruple to admit that faith includes a cordial approbation of the truth and say that this is confounding faith and love which the Apostle distinguishes in 1 Cor 13:13, I would reply he no more distinguishes faith and love than he distinguishes hope and love. Now, I conceive that no man can give a complete definition of hope that shall not include something of the nature of love, for bare expectation of what I dislike or disregard is not hope. If, then, one of these graces is inseparable from the other, why should not this be the case with the third also? As love cannot be separated from the essence of hope, so neither can it be from the essence of vital faith. These three principal graces seem, to me, to shade off into each other like the three principal colours of the rainbow: the red is not blue, the blue is not yellow, etc. but, if you could touch it with the point of a needle, you could not say, “Here the red ends and there the blue begins,” nor “Here the blue ends and there begins the yellow.” Mere natural truth may be believed independently of the state of the heart. Thus, I believe the sun is the centre of our system, though I should be as willing for the earth to be the centre if all went on as well as it does now. One man might believe, some months ago, that Bonaparte was returned to Paris, though he had  Andrew Fuller, Dialogues, Letters and Essays on Various Subjects (London, 1806).  Andrew Fuller, Strictures on Sandemanianism: In Twelve Letters to a Friend (Nottingham: C. Sutton, 1810). See Nathan A. Finn, ed., Apologetic Works 5: Strictures on Sandemanianism (The Complete Works of Andrew Fuller 9; Berlin/Boston: De Gruyter, 2016).  Robert Sandeman.

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much rather he had been at Elba or at the bottom of the sea; another may now believe he is at St. Helena who had rather he was at Paris.¹⁹⁶ But Haman could not, while he retained his old disposition towards Mordecai, cordially believe that he deserved the respect he was obliged to pay him.¹⁹⁷ Much less can a sinner, whose heart is enmity against the divine law, think that it deserves to be honoured by the Son of God becoming incarnate, assuming the form of a servant, and being obedient unto death;¹⁹⁸ and that it was wise, and right, and good, for God to determine that no sin should be pardoned, unless the divine disapprobation of it could be manifested as decisively as if the sinner had suffered, in his own person, the full penalty of the law, and unless his pardon could be made evidently to appear an act of sovereign grace.¹⁹⁹ Nor can a man, while under the dominion of sin, believe that it is a most blessed privilege to be saved from sin itself, as well as from its consequences. Hence, I still conceive that regeneration, strictly so called,²⁰⁰ must, in the order of nature, precede the first act of faith. Not that it can be known, except by its effects; nor that a consciousness thereof is necessary to warrant the sinner’s first application to Christ. But I have fully stated my ideas on that subject in my Sermon at the Lyme Association, and, therefore, enter no further into it here.²⁰¹ I only add, 4. Whereas the thorough Sandemanians conceive that there is no difference between the faith of devils and that of the heirs of salvation, but only such as results from the different circumstances of men and devils, Christ having died for the former and not for the latter, I cannot by any means coincide with this opinion. And if any good men incline to this persuasion, I wish them to consider if such a sentiment does not strongly imply not only that the influence of the Holy Spirit is unnecessary, but also that the opposition of the carnal mind to God is not fully credited, or, at least, not duly estimated. Does it not go on the supposition that all the enmity of mankind

 Ryland was probably referring to the Hundred Days War (March 20, 1815 to July 8, 1815), as Napoleon Bonaparte (1769 – 1821) escaped from Elba and arrived in Paris on March 20, 1815. Napoleon abdicated after the Battle of Waterloo and surrendered on July 15, 1815. That December, Napoleon was moved to the island Saint Helena, where he died in 1821.  See Esther 3 – 4.  Philippians 2:8.  See Hebrews 9:11– 28.  Mr. Charnock thus distinguishes between regeneration and active conversion: “Regeneration is a spiritual change; conversion is a spiritual motion. In regeneration, there is a power conferred; conversion is the exercise of this power. In regeneration, there is given us a principle to turn; conversion is our actual turning. That is the principle whereby we are brought out of a state of nature into a state of grace; and conversion is the actual fixing on God, as the terminus ad quem. One gives posse agere; the other, actu agere. Conversion is related to regeneration, as the effect to the cause. In regeneration, man is wholly passive; in conversion, he is active.” Works, Vol II. 42. [Ryland]. The quotation is from Stephen Charnock’s (1628 – 1680), “The Nature of Regeneration,” in The Works of the Late Rev. Stephen Charnock, B.D. in Nine Volumes (London: Baynes, 1815), 4:279.  This likely refers to Ryland, The Necessity of the Trumpet’s Giving a Certain Sound: A Sermon Preached before the Ministers and Messengers of the Baptist Churches, Belonging to the Western Association at Their Annual Meeting Held at Lyme on Thursday, June 10th, 1813 (Bristol: E. Bryan, 1813).

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to God is occasioned solely by their viewing him as a revenging Judge? But is this the scriptural representation of the fact? Or is it agreeable to daily experience? Are not millions in love with sin and unwilling to seek after God, who never had any deep conviction that God is highly displeased with them? Alas! How few are there that thoroughly believe God is angry with the wicked every day! And how much fewer that believe he has just cause to be so! Do not let us look on them that are enemies to God as poor, pitiable, half-innocent creatures, who would be glad to be reconciled to him on any terms, if they could but hope that he would ever admit them again to his friendship. Verily, I cannot believe this to be the case, nor anything like it. I have made these remarks because I believe my mind is herein in unison with my dear departed friend and because I think they agree with the truth. Many who lean towards Antinomianism do not half believe human depravity; they do not think the will of man is perverse enough to ensure his destruction if all other impediments were removed. I do—and so did Mr. Fuller. If there had been no election, no special design in redemption, if God had done all that could be done externally to save men but had abstained from exerting any effectual internal influence on the human mind to draw souls to Christ, I do not think one would have come to him—all would have rejected the counsel of God against themselves and have continued impenitent and unbelieving. And thus also I conceive that, if God were to assure an unrenewed man of his election, his redemption, and certain glorification, without changing the spirit of his mind—though, if he had been previously much alarmed, he might be glad to get rid of his terror and feel, for a little while, such a natural gratitude as the Israelites did at the Red Sea—yet he would soon forget all and go on seeking his present happiness in the world and in the indulgence of his sinful inclinations.²⁰² I referred not to the Sandemanian controversy in the former part of the last paragraph, but to those who were most opposed to Mr. Fuller’s former publication; and the latter part, I only wish to be noticed by such as have imagined there is no difference between the faith of good men and the faith of devils, except what arises from their circumstances.²⁰³

 See Exodus 15.  I have lately thought, the supposition might not be wholly useless, if we were to inquire, what would have been the effect of information given to the inhabitants of this world that one of the other planets (whichever you please) had been inhabited by a race of beings like ourselves, and the work of redemption had there taken place, just as it has been effected here. If the news had been made known to us, what would our race have said to it? Methinks, some would utterly disregard it; some would dispute against it, and refuse to believe it; some would think, the inhabitants of that globe could never submit to it; some, perhaps, would wonder that any of them should reject it; some would blaspheme the Most High, for his partiality, in providing for their salvation in so wonderful a manner, and not doing the same for us. But if it had been supposable that any of our fallen race should have retained something of a right spirit, or if God should have secretly restored them to it, surely these would have been ready to exclaim, “O how wonderful! O how glorious! What a good God have we sinned against! How vile are we! Well, he had a right to provide for the salvation of the in-

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These are all Mr. Fuller’s works that relate to controversial theology, unless we should reckon among them his defence of the efforts made by our own and other Missionary Societies against the publications of Mr. Twining,²⁰⁴ Major Scott Waring,²⁰⁵ and a Bengal Officer;²⁰⁶ which was published in three parts, under the title of,

habitants of that world, and not of this. But, O that it were possible for the merits of the Messiah to be extended likewise to us! Why should not so dignified and divine a Saviour have sufficient virtue in his atonement to save us also? We find, many of the inhabitants of that world reject him … O that we might share in the blessings which they despise!” [Ryland].  Thomas Twining (1776 – 1861), son of Richard Twining, was a leading proprietor of the East India Company. It appears that Twining wrote four letters to the directors of the company complaining about the missionaries and how their work could harm the company’s business. In October 1807, Twining published an open letter to the company’s chairman, Edward Parry (d. 1827), to express his concern, and hoped to have an open discussion in the December meeting of the General Court of Proprietors. Twining, A Letter to the Chairman of the East India Company, on the Danger of Interfering in the Religious Opinions of the Natives of India; And on the Views of the British and Foreign Bible Society, as Directed to India (2nd ed.; London: J. Ridgway; Hazard and Carthew, 1807). Twining claimed that Christian missionaries were responsible for the Sepoy Munity, which killed 200 people at the garrison in Vallore. The Indian government stated that the underlying cause of the rebellion was the rumour that the company intended to convert its soldiers by force—though the mutiny was likely to have been caused by the requirement that the sepoys adopt new government regulations regarding dress. On the impact of Twining’s letter, see Penelope Carson, The East India Company and Religion, 1698 – 1858 (Woodbridge: Boydell, 2012), 81– 86.  Major John Scott-Waring (1747– 1819) served the East India Company beginning in 1766. After more than twelve years of service in Bengal, Waring became Warren Hastings’s (1732– 1818) political agent in London. Waring then became a Member of Parliament for West Looe from 1784 to 1790. In 1807, Waring joined the pamphlet war against missionary activities in India, warning the public that continued missionary activity in India threatened England’s interests. See Waring, Observations on the Present State of the East India Company, Sir Philip Francis’s Letter, and on a Publication Intitled “Considerations on the Trade with India” (London: J. Ridgway, 1807). Fuller calmly responded that the missionaries never intended to convert Hindus forcibly, nor did they desire to do so. Andrew Fuller, An Apology for the Late Christian Missions to India: Part the First. Comprising an Address to the Chairman of the East India Company; In Answer to Mr. Twining; And Strictures on the Preface of a Pamphlet, by Major Scott Waring; With an Appendix, Containing Authorities, Principally Taken from the Report of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (London: Burditt, Button, Williams and Smith; Dunstable: J. W. Morris, 1808). See Karen Chancey, “The Star in the East: The Controversy over Christian Missions to India, 1805 – 1813,” The Historian 60, no. 3 (1998): 507.  [Charles Stuart], Vindication of the Hindoos from the Aspersions of the Reverend Claudius Buchanan, M.A. with a Refutation of the Arguments Exhibited in His Memoir, on the Expediency of an Ecclesiastical Establishment for British India, and the Ultimate Civilization of the Natives, by Their Conversion to Christianity. Also, Remarks on an Address from the Missionaries in Bengal to the Natives of India Condemning Their Errors, and Inviting Them to Become Christians. The Whole Tending to Evince the Excellence of the Moral System of the Hindoos, and the Danger of Interfering with Their Customs or Religion (London: R. and J. Rodwell, 1808). Though the pamphlet was first attributed to Scott-Waring, it was later identified as having been written by Charles Stuart (ca. 1758 – 1828). Stuart was the son of Thomas Smyth (1740 – 1785), mayor of Limerick and MP for Limerick City. He served the East India Company from his teenage years onwards, eventually embracing Indian culture and converting to Hinduism.

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11) An Apology for the Late Christian Missions to India. 1808.²⁰⁷ Also, a small tract entitled, 12) A Vindication of Protestant Dissent, from the Charges of the Rev. Thomas Robinson. ²⁰⁸ Respecting this publication Mr. Fuller writes, “Mr. R of Leicester says, my answer is written in a good spirit, but he is still a churchman. So I expected.”²⁰⁹ I have not attempted any regular review or analysis of these polemical works, nor shall I do so as to those of a more practical nature. I am willing to bear a full share of whatever reproach may be thrown upon me from any quarter for highly esteeming them, but my time would admit of nothing more than the few cursory remarks I have interspersed. They are all pretty well known to the religious public, among whom he had his share of good report, as well as of censure and opposition. I shall leave his works to defend themselves against the nibbling of minor critics, which I think they are as able to do as the best tempered file.²¹⁰ I shall mention his larger practical works first and, therefore, notice: 13) Memoirs of the Rev. Samuel Pearce, A.M. of Birmingham, with Extracts from Some of His Most Interesting Letters. 1800.²¹¹

 Ryland has here added the publication date but removed the cost and page count (8vo. Pp. 350). He has also removed a footnote which stated: “No. 29 is also controversial” (see Ryland [816], 225).  [Andrew Fuller,] A Vindication of Protestant Dissent, from the Charges of the Rev. Thomas Robinson, M.A. Vicar of St. Mary’s, Leicester. In a Pamphlet Entitled, A Serious Call to a Constant and Devout Attendance on the Stated Services of the Church of England (London: Button and Son, 1803). Thomas Robinson (1749 – 1813) became a lecturer and then vicar of the newly founded St. Mary’s Church in Leicester in 1778. In 1803, Robinson published A Serious Call to a Constant and Devout Attendance on the State Services of the Church of England; in an Address from a Clergyman to his Parishioners (London: F. C. and J. Rivington, 1803).  This publication was listed as (29) in the 1816 edition. Ryland has moved it to this location and replaced the comment “a small polemical tract” with this note (see Ryland [1816], 225, 228).  In the 1816 edition, this paragraph was placed between (11) and (12) (see Ryland [1816], 225).  Andrew Fuller, Memoirs of the Late Rev. Samuel Pearce, A.M. Minister of the Gospel in Birmingham; With Extracts from Some of His Most Interesting Letters (Clipston: J. W. Morris, 1800). Samuel Pearce studied at the Baptist Academy at Bristol and was ordained as the pastor of Cannon Street Baptist Church in Birmingham in 1790—an event at which Andrew Fuller, Robert Hall, Sr., and John Ryland were present. Pearce preached the ordination service for William Carey in 1791 and was one of the founding members of the Baptist Missionary Society, which was formed on October 2 of the following year. Disappointed in his hope to be appointed for missionary service in India, Pearce zealously laboured for the interests of the society until his death in 1799. See Andrew Fuller, Memoirs of the Rev. Samuel Pearce, ed. Michael A. G. Haykin (The Complete Works of Andrew Fuller 4; Berlin/Boston: De Gruyter, 2017).

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This is, certainly, a most valuable and interesting piece of biography. Much as that seraphic young man was esteemed by many, I know not that anyone thought more highly of him than myself. I was used to think that Benjamin Francis,²¹² as an aged man, and Samuel Pearce, as a young man, were the two most popular preachers I had personally known, who, without rising to sublime eloquence, owed no part of their popularity to eccentricity. A peculiar fluency of delivery and a most serious and affectionate address would have made them acceptable to all classes of hearers, in any part of the kingdom. But I by no means consider Mr. Pearce’s biographer as being himself deficient in tender love to the souls of men, or devoid of an evident unction from the Holy One. His delivery had not the sprightly vivacity of Mr. Pearce, but a solemn tenderness and pathos often attended his discourses—though it appeared to me that there was more of the pathetic in earlier life (when he had a large measure of affliction, as well as afterwards) than in the latter part of his ministry. To be sure, of late years, I did not hear him so frequently as formerly, but I remember Mr. Sutcliff, who continued to be his near neighbour, once expressed the same opinion. But, to return to his works, I may mention, 14) Expository Discourses on the Book of Genesis, Interspersed with Practical Reflections. 2 Vols. 8vo. Published in 1806.²¹³ 15) Expository Discourses on the Apocalypse, Interspersed with Practical Reflections. ²¹⁴ This I mention next, on account of its similar nature, though not prepared for the press till just before his decease. 16) Sermons on Various Subjects. 1814.²¹⁵

 Benjamin Francis (1734– 1799) was a student at Bristol Academy from 1753 – 1755 and assisted in ministry at Broadmead for a year before removing to Chipping Sodbury. He was called to ministry at Horsley in 1759, where he served until his death. Born in Wales, Francis maintained his Welsh, frequently attended the Welsh Association, preached at meetings, and published two collections of hymns in Welsh (1774 and 1786). See Michael A. G. Haykin, “Benjamin Francis (1734– 1799),” in The British Particular Baptists 1638 – 1910, ed. Michael A. G. Haykin (Springfield, MO: Particular Baptist Press, 2000), 2:17– 28.  Andrew Fuller, Expository Discourses on the Book of Genesis, Interspersed with Practical Reflections (London: Burditt, 1806); Fuller, Works, 3:1– 200.  Andrew Fuller, Expository Discourses on the Apocalypse, Interspersed with Practical Reflections (London: Button, 1815); Fuller, Works, 3:201– 307.  Andrew Fuller, Sermons on Various Subjects (Edinburgh, 1814).

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17) The Backslider: or, an Inquiry into the Nature, Symptoms, and Effects of Religious Declension, with the Means of Recovery. 1801.²¹⁶ An invaluable piece of practical divinity. Besides these, he printed a number of single Sermons on various occasions, namely, 18) The Nature and Importance of Walking by Faith. A Sermon before the Baptist Association, at Nottingham, June 2, 1784. 19) The Qualifications and Encouragement of a Faithful Minister. An Ordination Sermon, at Thorne, in Bedfordshire, October 31, 1787.²¹⁷ 20) The Pernicious Consequences of Delay in Religious Concerns. A Sermon, at Clipston, April 1791.²¹⁸ 21) The Blessedness of the Dead Who Die in the Lord. A Sermon, Occasioned by the Death of Mr. Beeby Wallis. 1792.²¹⁹ 22) The Importance of a Deep and Intimate Knowledge of Divine Truth. A Sermon before the Baptist Association, at St. Albans, June 1, 1796.²²⁰

 Andrew Fuller, The Backslider: Or, an Enquiry into the Nature, Symptoms, and Effects of Religious Declension, with the Means of Recovery (Clipston: J. W. Morris; London: Button & Son, Gardiner, Ogle, and Williams; Edinburgh: Ogle, 1801).  Andrew Fuller and John Ryland, Jr., The Qualifications and Encouragement of a Faithful Minister, Illustrated by the Character and Success of Barnabas; And, Paul’s Charge to the Corinthians Respecting their Treatment of Timothy, Applied to the Conduct of Churches toward Their Pastors. Being the Substance of Two Discourses, Delivered at the Settlement of the Rev. Mr. Robert Fawkner, in the Pastoral Pffice, over the Baptist Church at Thorn, in Bedfordshire, October 31, 1787 (London: J. Buckland, 1787).  John Sutcliff and Andrew Fuller, Jealousy for the Lord of Hosts: And, the Pernicious Influence of Delay in Religious Concerns. Two Discourses Delivered at a Meeting of Ministers at Clipston, in Northamptonshire, April 27, 1791 (Clipston: Vernor, Ash, Matthews, Button; London: Gardiner; Sheffield: Smith, 1791).  Andrew Fuller, The Blessedness of the Dead, Who Die in the Lord. A Sermon Delivered at Kettering, in Northamptonshire, at the Funeral of Mr. Beeby Wallis, Who Departed This Life April 2nd, 1792. Published at the Request of the Church, and the Relations of the Deceased (London: Matthews, Ash, Gardiner; Kettering: Collis; Northampton: Birdsall, 1792).  Andrew Fuller, The Importance of a Deep and Intimate Knowledge of Divine Truth. A Sermon Delivered at an Association of Baptist Ministers, at Churches, at St. Albans, Hertfordshire, on June 1, 1796 (London: W. Buton, T. Gardiner, 1796).

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23) The Christian Doctrine of Rewards. A Sermon, delivered at the Circus, Edinburgh, October 13, 1799.²²¹ 24) God’s Approbation of our Labours Necessary to the Hope of Success. A Sermon, at the Annual Meeting of the Bedford Union, May 6, 1801.²²² 25) The Obedience of Churches to Their Pastors. A Sermon, at the Ordination of the Rev. Thomas Morgan, at Cannon Street, Birmingham. 1802.²²³ 26) Christian Patriotism: Or, the Duty of Religious People towards Their Country. A Discourse, Delivered at Kettering, August 14, 1803.²²⁴ 27) Jesus the True Messiah. A Sermon, at the Jews’ Chapel, Spital Fields, November 19, 1809.²²⁵ 28) The Principles and Prospects of a Servant of Christ. A Sermon, Delivered at the Funeral of the Rev. John Sutcliff, A.M. June 28, 1814. With a Brief Memoir of the Deceased. ²²⁶ 29) The Great Question Answered. ²²⁷ A very important tract which has been translated into several languages.

 Andrew Fuller, The Christian Doctrine of Rewards. A Sermon Delivered at the Circus, Edinburgh, on Lord’s Day Evening, Oct. 13, 1799 (Clipston: J. W. Morris, 1799).  Andrew Fuller, God’s Approbation of Our Labours Necessary to the Hope of Success. A Sermon, Delivered at the Annual Meeting of the Bedford Union, May 6, 1801 (Clipston: J. W. Morris, 1801).  John Ryland and Andrew Fuller, The Difficulties of the Christian Ministry and the Means of Surmounting Them: With the Obedience of Churches to Their Pastors Explained and Enforced. A Charge by the Rev. J. Ryland and a Sermon by the Rev. A. Fuller; Together with an Introductory Address by the Rev. J. Sutcliff, delivered June 23, 1802, at the Ordination of Thomas Morgan. to the Pastoral Office over the Baptist Church Meeting in Cannon Street, Birmingham, and also Mr. Morgan’s Declaration of Religious Sentiments (Birmingham: J. Belcher, 1802).  Andrew Fuller, Christian Patriotism; Or, the Duty of a Religious People towards Their Country. A Discourse [on Jer 29:7] Delivered at the Baptist Meeting-House in Kettering (Dunstable, 1803).  Andrew Fuller, Jesus the True Messiah. A Sermon Delivered in the Jews’ Chapel, Church Street, Spitalfields, on the Lord’s Day Evening, November 19, 1809 (London: London Society for Promoting Christianity amongst the Jews, 1809).  Andrew Fuller, The Principles and Prospects of a Servant of Christ: A Sermon Delivered at the Funeral of the Late Rev. J. Sutcliff, A.M. of Olney, on June the 28th, 1814; With a Brief Memoir of the Deceased (Kettering: J. G. Fuller, 1814).  Andrew Fuller, The Great Question Answered. In Two Parts (London: W. Button & Son; T. Williams, 1803).

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30) Expository Remarks on the Discipline of the Primitive Churches. Originally an Association Letter.²²⁸ 31) The Pastor’s Address to His Christian Hearers. Originally an Association Letter.²²⁹ To these may be added, A Funeral Oration for the Rev. Robert Hall, Sen., of Arnsby; With Some Verses to His Memory. Printed with the Funeral Sermon, etc. by John Ryland, jun. 1791.²³⁰ A New Year’s Gift for Youth. The Sketch of a Sermon, on Ps 90:14, printed by a friend at Edinburgh, without Mr. F.’s permission.²³¹ An Essay on Truth. Prefixed to a new and improved Edition of Hannah Adams’s View of Religions. ²³² A Recommendation of Dr. Joseph Bellamy’s invaluable work, entitled, True Religion Delineated. ²³³

 Ryland has changed the order of this list, moving the reference originally placed here in the 1816 edition to number 12 above (see Ryland [1816], 229; see also note 209 above). Andrew Fuller, The Discipline of the Primitive Churches Illustrated and Enforced. The Circular Letter from the Ministers and Messengers of the Several Baptist Churches of the Northamptonshire Association Assembled at Olney, Bucks, May 21, 22, 23, 1799 (Clipston: J. W. Morris, 1799).  Andrew Fuller, The Assistance that People Should Render to Their Ministers in Promoting the Interest of Christ. The Circular Letter from the Ministers and Messengers of the Several Baptist Churches of the Northamptonshire Association, Assembled at Leicester May 27, 28, 29, 1806 (Dunstable: J. M. Morris, 1806).  John Ryland, Jr. and Andrew Fuller, Salvation Finished, as to Its Impetration, at the Death of Christ; And with Respect to Its Application, at the Death of the Christian: A Funeral Sermon, Occasioned by the Death of the Rev. Robert Hall, Sen. By John Ryland, Jun., M.A. To Which Is Annexed, Mr. Fuller’s Oration at the Grave. With an Appendix, Containing Some Brief Memoirs of Mr. Hall’s Life, and a Short History of the Baptist Church at Arnsby, Over Which He Was Pastor Seven Thirty Years (London: Matthews, Vernor, Ash, Button, 1791).  Andrew Fuller, A New-Year’s Gift for Youth (Boston: Manning and Loring, 1802).  Hannah Adams and Andrew Fuller, A View of Religions, in Three Parts: Part I. Containing an Alphabetical Compendium of the Denomination among Christians. Part II. Containing a Brief Account of Paganism, Mahomedism, Judaism and Deism. Part III. Containing a View of the Religions of the Different Nations of the World. By Hannah Adams. A New Edition, with Corrections and Additions. To Which Is Prefixed, An Essay on Truth, by Andrew Fuller (London: W. Button & Son; T. Williams, 1805). Hannah Adams (1755 – 1831) was born in Medfield, Massachusetts. She published A View of Religions in 1784, which was enlarged in 1791.  Andrew Fuller, “Recommendatory Preface,” in Joseph Bellamy, True Religion Delineated: Or, Experimental Religion, as Distinguished from Formality and Enthusiasm in Two Discourses. In Which Some

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A Recommendation of Two Sermons, by Dr. Tim. Dwight, entitled, The Nature and Danger of Infidel Philosophy. ²³⁴ A Recommendatory Preface to Thornton Abbey: a Series of Letters on Religious Subjects. ²³⁵ In addition to the above, Mr. Fuller wrote several papers in De Coetlogon’s Theological Miscellany and many in the Evangelical, the Missionary, the Quarterly, the Protestant Dissenters’, the Biblical, the Theological and Biblical, and the Baptist Magazines—in all nearly 200 pieces.²³⁶ He had also begun several important works which, though not finished, are far too excellent to be consigned to oblivion and which I had planned connecting with this Memoir after the manner of Cecil’s Life and Remains. ²³⁷ But on further consideration, it was thought better to defer them, to be probably inserted in the last volume of his Works, which the family are preparing to publish, in a uniform edition. He lately began, at my request, a System of Divinity, to be continued in monthly letters; but his sickness and death prevented my receiving more than nine.²³⁸ He had also commenced long ago a very important work Against Antinomianism ²³⁹ and an-

of the Principal Errors Both of the Antinomians and Arminians Are Confuted, and the Truth As It Is in Jesus, Explained and Proved (3rd ed.; London: Heney, Baynes, Hamilton, 1812).  Andrew Fuller and John Ryland, Jr., “Address to the Reader,” in Timothy Dwight, The Nature and Danger of Infidel Philosophy, Exhibited in Two Discourses, Addressed to the Candidates for the Baccalaureate, in Yale College, September 9th, 1797 (Bristol, 1799), A2–A2r.  Andrew Fuller, “Preface,” in [John Satchel], Thornton Abbey: A Series of Letters on Religious Subjects (London: Burditt, 1806), iii–iv.  With this paragraph, Ryland replaces a long list of Fuller’s publications in DeCoetlogon’s Theological Miscellany, the Evangelical Magazine, the Missionary Magazine, the Quarterly Magazine, the Protestant Dissenters’ Magazine, the Biblical Magazine, and a table calculating the total number of Fuller’s pieces in each. Ryland also eliminated: “In addition to the above, Mr. Fuller wrote several papers in the Baptist Magazine, and other works; a list of which cannot be obtained in this place without delaying the publication” (see Ryland [1816], 229 – 235). Intriguingly, the American edition retains this list, but publishes a notice at the end of the volume stating: “N. B. The papers ascribed to Mr. Fuller in the different Magazines and Periodical Publications referred to in the catalogue of his works, is not thought to be correct” (Charlestown: Samuel Etheridge, 1818, p. 362).  Josiah Pratt, The Life, Character, and Remains of the Rev. Richard Cecil, M.A. (London: Whittingham and Rowland, 1811). Richard Cecil (1748 – 1810), a graduate of Queen’s College, Oxford, was ordained as a priest in 1777 and served three churches in Leicester before eventually becoming the minister of St. John’s Chapel in London in 1780. Cecil was associated with the Clapham sect and a founder of the Eclectic Society. Josiah Pratt (1768 – 1844), a fellow member of the Eclectic Society and assistant minister under Cecil at St. Johns, published Cecil’s’ Life and Remains in 1811.  Andrew Fuller, “Letters on Systematic Divinity,” in Fuller, Works, 1:684– 711.  A small edition of this manuscript was printed in 1816 at the urgent request of some judicious friends, of different denominations, who considered it too important to be suppressed, and peculiarly suited to the present times. A second edition has recently been printed, price 1s. [Ryland]. Andrew Fuller, Antinomian Contrasted with the Religion: Taught and Exemplified in the Holy Scriptures (Ketter-

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other treatise, on Spiritual Pride. ²⁴⁰ He left an unfinished manuscript, on the Composition of a Sermon and Letters between Archippus and Epaphras,²⁴¹ illustrating the scriptural mode of treating an awakened sinner, and two or three excellent Sermons have been taken down or written out pretty largely. Most of these may yet be presented to the public.

ing/London: J. G. Fuller, 1816). The second edition was printed under the same title (Bristol: J. G. Fuller, 1817). Ryland has replaced “has recently been printed” with “was printed in 1816” (see Ryland [1816], 236)  Andrew Fuller, Spiritual Pride: Or the Occasions, Causes, and Effects of High-Mindedness in Religion; With Considerations Exciting to Self-Abasement, in Fuller, Works, 3:564– 78.  Andrew Fuller, “Thoughts on Preaching, in Letters to a Young Minister,” in Fuller, Works, 1:712– 27; Fuller, “The Awakened Sinner. [A Correspondence between Archippus, a Minister of the Gospel, and Epaphras, a Young Man Who Had Been One of His Hearers.],” in Fuller, Works, 3:549 – 64.

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Chapter 7 Fuller and the Baptist Missionary Society With regard to Mr. Fuller’s active concern for the welfare of the Baptist Mission, from his appointment as secretary at its first formation, till his death—it is impossible to do full justice to his indefatigable zeal, his assiduous attention to whatever could promote its welfare, and the uncommon prudence with which he conducted all measures that related to it at home, and gave counsel to those that needed it most abroad. The excellent Pearce, while he was living, selected the Periodical Accounts, inspected the printing, and aided much in the collections; but this advantage was not long enjoyed.²⁴² Brother Sutcliff was, almost all the time, near at hand, and Mr. Fuller was greatly assisted by his prudence and judgment on every emergency; and he repeatedly accompanied him in his journeys to the northern parts of this Island. But Mr. Fuller’s own counsels and labours, in a great variety of ways, were, under God, of the most essential service, from first to last. As to the immediate origin of a Baptist Mission, I believe God himself infused into the mind of Carey that solicitude for the salvation of the heathen which cannot fairly be traced to any other source. When he went to Birmingham to collect for the meeting-house he had built at Moulton, he mentioned the proposal there.²⁴³ A friend urged him to write and print upon it and offered to give ten pounds towards paying the printer.²⁴⁴ On his re Periodical Accounts Relative to a Society Formed among the Particular Baptists, for Propagating the Gospel among the Heathen was first printed by J. W. Morris at Clipston in 1800. The periodical ran for six volumes, until 1816. Samuel Pearce served as the editor prior to the periodical’s publication.  William Carey became a member of John Sutcliff’s Olney congregation in 1785. He was ordained for ministry on August 10, 1786 and became the pastor of the Baptist congregation at Moulton until 1789, when he was called to Harvey Lane in Leicester. Carey went to Birmingham to collect subscriptions in 1786.  This friend was Thomas Potts, a businessman and deacon of Canon Street Baptist Chapel in Birmingham. Potts married Sarah Radford, a sister of the generous Baptist layman William Radford (1764– 1826) in Leeds (see F. W. Beckwith, “The Early Church at Leeds,” Baptist Quarterly 6, no. 4 [1932]: 167). Potts was a cutlery trader on the Mississippi River in his youth. While near New Orleans, Potts became friends with some indigenous people, who “offered him a strip of land a mile wide, bordering on the river, and as long as a continuous line of his cutlery, which he should give them in exchange” (Ernest A. Payne, The First Generation: Early Leaders of the Baptist Missionary Society in England and India [London: Carey, 1936], 62). The same Sunday, Potts went to church with a group of African-Americans, but this angered the local Caucasian community, and he was driven out and returned to England. The experience made Potts interested in foreign missions, and he thus promised Carey a generous amount of money, when the latter “confessed his inability [to produce a pamphlet], owing to the cost, to get anything printed” (Payne, First Generation, 61). Later, with Thomas King, a fellow deacon at Canon Street, Potts served on the committee of an auxiliary society to support the mission. In 1812, after the Serampore fire, Potts was “one of the first to send a contribution to help replace the serious losses” (Payne, First Generation, 66). Potts also went to the Netherlands on behalf of the BMS in 1818. Later in his life, Potts became the Lord Bailiff of Birmingham and became a respected figure there.

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turn, he met Brother Fuller and Brother Sutcliff in my study at Northampton and then pressed one of us to publish on the subject. We approved much of what he urged, yet made some objections on the ground of so much needing to be done at home, etc. However, when he could not prevail on either of us to promise to undertake the work, he said he must tell the whole truth—that, in the warmth of conversation at Birmingham, he had said that he was resolved to do all in his power to set on foot a Baptist Mission. “Well,” said his friend, “print upon the subject: I will help bear the expense.” That, he replied, he could not do. “If you cannot do it as you wish,” said his friend, “yet do it as well as you can: you have, just now, bound yourself to do all you can, for this purpose, and I must keep you to your word.” Being thus caught through his own zeal, he could get off no other way than by promising that he would write—if he could not prevail on anyone more competent to undertake it. We then all united in saying, “Do, by all means, write your thoughts down as soon as you can, but be not in a hurry to print them; let us look over them and see if anything need be omitted, altered, or added.” Thus encouraged, he soon applied himself to the work and showed us the substance of the pamphlet afterwards printed, which we found needed very little correction.²⁴⁵ So much had this young man attained of the knowledge of geography and history and several languages, in the midst of the pressures of poverty, and while obliged to support himself and his family at first as a journeyman shoemaker, and afterwards as a village-schoolmaster—since his people could raise him but ten or eleven pounds a year, besides five pounds from the London fund.²⁴⁶

 Carey finished his draft by May of 1791, when he moved to Leicester. The pamphlet was published in 1792: William Carey, An Enquiry into the Obligations of Christians, to Use Means for the Conversion of the Heathens. In Which the Religious State of the Different Nations of the World, the Success of Former Undertakings, and the Practicability of Further Undertakings, Are Considered (Leicester: Ann Ireland; London: J. Johnson, T. Knott, R. Dilly; Sheffield: Smith, 1792).  I never formally examined the proficiency he had then made, in learning Latin, Greek, Hebrew, French, Dutch, Italian, etc. but one anecdote will illustrate what, indeed, his subsequent attainments render unnecessary to be proved. I, one day, had occasion thus to address him: “Well, Mr. Carey, you remember I laughed at you, when I heard of your learning Dutch, for I thought you would never have any use for that language; but now I have the first opportunity of profiting by it. I have received a parcel from Dr. Erskine of Edinburgh, who has long been used to send me any interesting publications which he receives from America, or which have been printed in Scotland; and this parcel contains several of those sorts; but he says, I shall wonder that he has inclosed a Dutch book. This, he informs me, is a volume of Sermons written by a Divine now living in Holland, at the end of which is a Dissertation on the Call of the Gospel which, if any friend of mine or Mr. Fuller’s understands the language sufficiently to translate it for us, we should be glad to see. Now,” continued I to Mr. Carey, “if you will translate this Dissertation for me, I will give you the whole book.” He soon brought me a good Dissertation on the subject, and, afterwards, an extraordinary Sermon on Hos 3. Which, doubtless, were translated from this book. I once, also in an accidental way, made a trial of his skill in French: and hence, at that early period, I inferred that, as his motives to learn Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, must have been stronger than those that excited him to acquire French and Dutch, his proficiency in them could not be less. His present eminence in Oriental literature everyone acknowledges,

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Between Carey and Fuller, there never was a moment’s rivalship and I have no bias on my mind to take a grain of praise from one to give to the other; but, wishing to regard both with impartial esteem and truth beyond both, I must consider the Mission as originating absolutely with Carey—and Mr. Fuller’s acknowledgment that he had, at first, some feelings like the desponding nobleman in 2 Kings 7:2, is a confirmation of my opinion. This, however, is of small consequence. Sometime after the conversation in my study, occurred the Minister’s Meeting at Clipston, in April 1791. An uncommon degree of attention seemed to me to be excited by both sermons: I know not under which I felt the most—whether Brother Sutcliff’s, on being very jealous for the Lord God of Hosts, or Brother Fuller’s, on the pernicious influence of delay. ²⁴⁷ Both were very impressive and the mind of everyone with whom I conversed seemed to feel a solemn conviction of our need of greater zeal and of the evil of negligence and procrastination. I suppose that scarcely an idle word was spoken while I stayed, and immediately after dinner, Carey introduced the subject of beginning a Mission. I had to preach at home that night, fourteen miles off, and was obliged to leave the company before the conversation ended. At the ensuing Association held at Oakham, it was announced that these sermons would be immediately sent to the press.²⁴⁸ The next Association was at Nottingham, May 30, 1792, when Brother Carey delivered a most impressive discourse from Isa 54:2– 3, chiefly endeavouring to enforce our obligations to expect great things from God and to attempt great things for God. If all the people had lifted up their voice and wept, as the children of Israel did at Bochim (Judges 2), I should not have wondered at the effect: it would have only seemed proportionate to the cause—so clearly did he prove the criminality of our supineness in the cause of God. A resolution was printed in this year’s Letter, “That a plan be prepared, against the next Ministers’ Meeting at Kettering, for forming a Baptist Society for propagating the Gospel among the Heathen.”²⁴⁹ Brother Carey generously engaged to devote all the profits that might arise from the pamphlet he had just printed on this interesting subject to the use of such a Society.

but it is pleasant to trace the rise of the oak from an acorn. [Ryland]. While pastoring at Moulton, Carey received support from the Particular Baptist Fund, established in 1717.  See John Sutcliff and Andrew Fuller, Jealousy for the Lord of Hosts: And, the Pernicious Influence of Delay in Religious Concerns. Two Discourses Delivered at a Meeting of Ministers at Clipston, in Northamptonshire, April 27, 1791 (Clipston: Vernor, Ash, Matthews, Button; London: Gardiner; Sheffield: Smith, 1791).  See Abraham Greenwood (1749 – 1827), Holy Peace, Described and Recommended; in a Circular Letter, from the Baptist Ministers and Messengers, Assembled at Oakham, June 14, 15, and 16, 1791 (n.p., 1791), 8.  John Ryland, Jr., Godly Zeal, Described and Recommended; in a Circular Letter, from the Baptist Ministers and Messengers, Assembled at Nottingham, May 29, 30, and 31, 1792 (n.p., 1792), 16.

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This Society was actually formed in Mrs. Beeby Wallis’s back parlour at Kettering, on October 2, 1792.²⁵⁰ As all the friends of the Baptist Mission know, we began with a subscription of £13, 2s. 6d. But, at a second meeting at Northampton on October 31, Brother Pearce brought the surprising sum of £70 from his friends at Birmingham, which put new spirits into us all. Still we knew not how to proceed, whom to send, nor where to begin our operations. Brother Pearce had read the account of the Pellew Islands and was inclined to propose them for the object of our first attempt.²⁵¹ But, just at this time, Mr. John Thomas returned from Bengal.²⁵² He had repeatedly written from thence to Dr. Stennett, to my father, and to Mr. Booth, and given some account of his conferences with the natives.²⁵³ We found he was now endeavouring to raise a fund for a Mission to that country and to engage a companion to go out with him. It was resolved to make some further inquiry respecting him and to invite him to go back under the patronage of our Society. I had visited Bristol in the latter end of August and beginning of September, preceding, and took a second journey thither to supply the church in Broadmead the last Lord’s day in 1792 and the first three in 1793. Consequently, I was not present when the Committee met at Northampton and at Kettering, January 9, 10, when Carey first offered himself to go as a companion to Mr. Thomas. I received the particulars of the meeting in the following letter from Mr. Fuller:²⁵⁴

 Beeby Wallis’s widow, Martha Wallis, joined the church in 1765. On the formation of the BMS, see “Narrative of the First Establishment of This Society,” Periodical Accounts Relative to the Baptist Missionary Society 1, no. 1 (1800): 1– 4. Thirteen people attended the meeting, though only twelve signed the resolution: John Ryland of Northampton, Reynold Hogg of Thrapston (1752– 1843), John Sutcliff of Olney, Andrew Fuller of Kettering, Abraham Greenwood of Oakham, Edward Sharman of Moulton (fl. 1790 – 1792, who later became a Socinian), Joshua Burton of Foxton, Samuel Pearce of Birmingham, Thomas Blundell of Arnesby (1752– 1824), William Heighton of Roade (1752– 1827), John Eayres of Braybrooke, and Joseph Timms (deacon at Kettering). The other attendee was William Staughton (1770 – 1829), who was a student at the Bristol Academy at the time.  Pearce likely read the account by the East India Company captain Henry Wilson (1740 – 1810), whose ship Antelope ran aground off Ulong Island in Palau in 1783. George Keate (1729 – 1797) wrote a popular account of Wilson’s experiences in 1788.  John Thomas was converted under the ministry of Samuel Stennett. Trained as a surgeon, Thomas served in India in the 1780s and acquired proficiency in Bengali. Financial instability forced him to return to England in 1792, whereupon he met William Carey. Thomas and Carey would journey to India in 1793 with the Baptist Missionary Society. Thomas was critical to the conversion of Krishna Pal, the first Hindu convert at the Serampore mission. See Michael Whitfield, “Dr. John Thomas: The First Baptist Missionary to Bengal,” Baptist Quarterly 46, no. 4 (2015): 153 – 65.  Joseph Stennett, John Ryland, Sr., and Abraham Booth.  Ryland replaces “but the particulars are stated in the Narrative of our Mission” with this sentence and the following letter from Fuller (see Ryland [1816], 243).

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January 16, 1793 Dear Brother, We had a very solemn meeting on the 9th: but your absence, and Brother Sutcliff’s, who was detained by indisposition, threw a great weight upon me. I invited several ministers, besides the Committee. Mr. Thomas had hurt his foot, and therefore was not at Northampton; nor at Kettering, till Wednesday night. We met, in the morning, for prayer, and read over all Mr. Thomas’s letters to Mr. Booth; by which we had a perfect idea of the man and his communications. Towards night, we resolved, (not expecting him to come), “That, from all we could learn, it appeared to us that a door was open in India, for preaching the gospel to the heathen. That, if an union with Mr. Thomas were practicable, it was to be desired. That the secretary write to Mr. T. immediately, and inquire, whether he be willing to unite with the Society, etc. That, if Mr. T. concur with this proposal, the Society will endeavour to procure him an assistant, to go out with him in the spring, etc.” After the prayer-meeting, Carey preached, from “Behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me.”²⁵⁵ In the evening, Mr. Thomas arrived, accepted the invitation of the Committee, and gave us all the information he could. He thinks, after Missionaries have been there a while, they may maintain themselves; but this could not be at first. Brother Carey then voluntarily offered to go with him, if agreeable to the Committee; which greatly rejoiced the heart of Thomas. You see, things of great consequence are in train. My heart fears, while it is enlarged. I have, this day, been to Olney, to converse with Brother Sutcliff, and to request him to go with me to Leicester this evening to conciliate the church there, and sound Mrs. Carey’s mind,²⁵⁶ whether she will go and take the family that we may know for what number of passengers to provide, and to apply for to the Directors of the East India Company. Our subscriptions, I think, amount to £130. We advised Mr. Carey, if he decided about going, to give up his school this quarter that he may prepare for his voyage; and we must make up the loss to him. If his family should go, they must have, I think, £100 or £150 a year, between them all, for the present. If not, we must guarantee the fam-

 Revelation 22:12.  Dorothy Carey and William Carey married on June 10, 1781.

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ily, as well as support him in the Mission. Mrs. Thomas goes.²⁵⁷ Mr. T. preached with us, on Friday evening, a very good sermon. He was so lame on Saturday that I went for him to Biggleswade, and write this at Wellingborough, on my way home. He is now at Kettering, where he was to have a public collection on Lord’s day night. I believe we may have another at Bedford, if he goes next Lord’s day. He hopes he can get £100 among his connections. He should go and preach and collect wherever he can. We read the letters which had passed between Mr. Thomas and a very respectable gentleman, who had employed him in India. It seemed to us that he had been rather too warm; yet this difference did not sink him, in any considerable degree, in our esteem. I am much concerned with the weight that lies upon us. It is a great undertaking; yet, surely, it is right. We have all felt much in prayer. We must have one solemn day of fasting and prayer, on parting with our Paul and Barnabas.²⁵⁸ I suppose it must be at Leicester, a little before they go; which, it is supposed, will be about April. I hope you will be there. Help us by your prayers and advice. A. F. One circumstance, however, has not yet been made public. Dear Brother Pearce went to London with Thomas and Carey. He examined if it would be prudent to apply for the leave of the Directors. He found that we should, in all probability, meet with a refusal which would be more embarrassing to our minds and would render it more offensive to the Company, should they get out in defiance of them, than if they went without leave and without prohibition. A captain, who had known Mr. Thomas, offered to take them out without leave.²⁵⁹ We did not know what to do. Conscious that we meant no ill to anyone and were aiming to discharge a most important duty, Brother Pearce consented to the plan. They embarked, but while they lay off the Isle of Wight, one Saturday I received a letter from Brother Fuller, saying, We are quite disappointed respecting our Missionaries, who are obliged to leave the ship. A letter has been received by the Captain, signed Verax; in which he is informed that an information will be laid against him, for taking out persons not authorized by the Company, and reminding him that he knows what the consequences will be. The Captain has, therefore, insisted upon our Brethren’s leaving the ship. Well, I never liked this way of going  Margaret Parr married John Thomas in March 1781.  Acts 13:3.  Captain White of the East India Company’s Earl of Oxford. Thomas had twice served as a surgeon on White’s ship.

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out; though, as there seemed no possibility of finding any other, I yielded to it: perhaps, all may yet be for the best; but we must call a Committee immediately, to consider what should be done. If you will write to some of the Committee, I will write to others. Such, I well remember, was the purport of Brother Fuller’s letter to me. In compliance with which, I was just going to write as he requested, when in came Thomas and Carey! At seeing them, I said, “Well, I know not whether to say, I am glad or sorry to see you!” They replied, “If you are sorry, your sorrow may be turned into joy, for it is all for the best. We have been at Hackleton and have seen Mrs. Carey. She is well recovered from her confinement and is now able to accompany her husband and is willing to go.” I think they said that she had at first refused; they left the house and had walked half a mile, when Mr. Thomas proposed to go back again—an additional argument having struck his mind to use with her. They went back. She said she would go, if her sister would go with her. They then pleaded with the sister, that it depended on her, whether the family should be separated or not. Since Mrs. Short’s return from India, she has told me that she hastened upstairs to pray, and when she came down, told them she was willing to go.²⁶⁰ Having related the above, they told me they had heard of a Danish ship which would be in the Downs in four days and had room for them all. “But,” said they, “the necessity of the case requires we should set off immediately and travel all day tomorrow; but we must have two hundred pounds more, to pay for the passage of the family.” I replied, “I have about nine pounds in my hands, belonging to the Mission, and between four and five pounds of my own; that is all with which I can furnish you.” “We must have two hundred,” they said. “Well, I recollect,” said I, “that there is at Kettering a bill of two hundred pounds sent from Yorkshire: it is, I suppose, not yet due, for it had a pretty long time to run, but that would exactly answer your exigencies.” “We have no time to go to Kettering,” said they, “we must be off directly.” I desired them to sit down a few minutes, while I wrote letters to Mr. Newton,²⁶¹ Mr. Booth, and Dr. Rippon;²⁶² stating the case, and requesting them to advance the money, which I assured them could be immediately repaid. And thus we parted, expecting never more to meet on earth. Carey went down to Gravesend; Thomas returned to the ship, at the Isle of Wight and hired an oyster-boat to take their

 Catherine Plackett Short was the wife of Charles Short (d. 1802), who was an East India Company agent at Debhatta. Catherine was Dorothy Carey’s sister; she married Short on November 15, 1794. Charles Short was a Deist before meeting Carey and experienced conversion shortly afterwards. Short then became an associate for the BMS. In 1798, Catherine and Charles returned to Britain due to Charles’s ill health.  John Newton became the curate of St. Mary Woolnoth in London in 1780. Newton and Ryland were lifetime friends and correspondents. See L. G. Champion, “The Letters of John Newton to John Ryland,” Baptist Quarterly 27, no. 4 (1977): 160 – 161.  John Rippon.

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goods (which should support them for the first year) from the English ship to the Danish—at that time I heard that the coast swarmed with French privateers, but he met them safely in the Downs.²⁶³ In the meantime, Mrs. Thomas, who had refused to go out by herself in compliance with the pressing solicitations of her husband for some years before, but had now obtained leave to go to her friends in India, had her spirits so raised as to venture to proceed with her daughter in the English vessel, hoping to meet him in India. These little circumstances, which deeply impressed my mind as indications of the hand of Providence protecting us in our feeble beginnings, I shall be excused for introducing in this place. It is pleasant to look back and see how the Lord led us on when we began a work, for conducting which we were very little prepared by any previous means. Well may we exclaim, “What hath God wrought!” For surely it was he that raised up his own instruments, both for the foreign and the home department. All was his doing and is marvellous in our eyes. Never was a man more indefatigable in any work for God, than Brother Fuller was in his exertions of every kind for the welfare of this Society; and he found that in all such labour there is profit. He writes thus concerning it, in his diary: July 18, 1794—Within the last year or two, we have formed a Missionary Society; and have been enabled to send out two of our brethren to the East Indies. My heart has been greatly interested in this work. Surely I never felt more genuine love to God and to his cause in my life. I bless God that this work has been a means of reviving my soul. If nothing else comes of it, I and many more have obtained a spiritual advantage. My labours, however, in this harvest, I have reason to think, brought on a paralytic stroke, by which, in January 1793, for a week or two, I lost the use of one side of my face. That was recovered in a little time; but it left behind it a headache, which I have reason to think will never fully leave me. I have ever since been incapable of reading or writing with intense application. At this time, I am much better than I was last year, but, even now, reading or writing for a few hours will bring on the headache. Upon the whole, however, I feel satisfied. It was in the service of God. If a man lose his limbs or his health by intemperance, it is to his dishonour; but not so, if he lose them in serving his country. Paul was desirous of dying to the Lord: so let me!²⁶⁴ Yet he complained that these engagements were some impediment to his pastoral duties and wrote thus:

 The Downs is an anchorage roadstead in the southern North Sea off the east coast of Kent. The Danish ship was Kron Princessa Maria.  Romans 14:8.

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October 27, 1794—Of late I have been greatly employed in journeying and preaching, and endeavouring to collect for the East India Mission. I find a frequent removal from place to place, though good for my health, not good for my soul. I feel weary of journeys, on account of their interfering so much with my work at home. I long to visit my congregation that I may know more of their spiritual concerns, and be able to preach to their cases. Still, however, the increasing importance of the Mission called for increasing exertions at home, and Mr. Fuller entered into the business with his whole soul. He never pressed and urged the case on those that were reluctant, but simply told an unvarnished tale and left it to conscience to dictate whether it deserved assistance. At first he met with many rebuffs, and he was so grieved with the want of greater zeal for the cause of God that he sometimes retired from the more public streets of London into the back lanes that he might not be seen by other passengers to weep for his having so little success. But, by degrees, God roused the zeal of our own brethren and those of other denominations to assist in this cause. On one occasion, I remember, a gentleman told him that, if it had been a case of personal distress, he would help a Baptist as well as another man, but he did not think it consistent to aid our spreading the gospel abroad, as we should doubtless spread our own peculiar ideas of Baptism with it. “Well, Sir,” said Mr. Fuller, “I have such a case in my pocket and can assure you it is a good one, but I do not wish you to do what your conscience would restrict you from doing.” The gentleman gave to this more private case. The next time Mr. Fuller came to town, he saw the same gentleman again and applied to another in his presence on behalf of the Mission; but said nothing to him on the subject. “Well,” said he, “Mr. Fuller, you do not ask me this time!” “No, Sir,” said Mr. F., “you told me you did not think it your duty.” “True,” said the gentleman, “but perhaps my conscience is now better informed.” Mr. F. then thankfully accepted his money for the Mission. For several years past, he spent nearly a fourth part of his time in journeys to collect for the support of this Society and a great part of his time at home was occupied in the same concerns. He went five times into Scotland,²⁶⁵ once to Ireland,²⁶⁶ and many times to London, on the business of the Mission; besides journeys to Lancashire, Yorkshire, Norfolk, Essex, the West of England, and Wales. Besides this, he wrote frequently to the Missionaries individually and drew up most of the letters which were sent to them from the Society. He often had occasion to apply, on their behalf, to persons of influence connected either with the East India Company, or with the British Government—and generally he discovered peculiar sagacity and readiness of thought in all his intercourse, even with persons who moved in a very different line to that to which he himself had been accustomed. He ably de-

 In 1799, 1802, 1805, 1808, and 1813. [Ryland].  In 1804. [Ryland].

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fended the cause of Missions in general, and of our own in particular, in that Apology in three parts which has been already noticed in the catalogue of his Works,²⁶⁷ and which was published in reply to the misrepresentations and objections made, in several hostile publications. In short, the whole weight of its concerns lay far more upon him than upon any man in England; and he cared for it night and day and most disinterestedly laid himself out for its welfare, from its commencement to his death. While on a journey with a confidential friend, he once remarked, “Friends talk to me about coadjutors and assistants, but I know not how it is I find a difficulty. Our undertaking to India really appeared to me on its commencement, to be somewhat like a few men who were deliberating about the importance of penetrating into a deep mine which had never before been explored. We had no one to guide us and, while we were thus deliberating, Carey, as it were, said, ‘Well, I will go down, if you will hold the rope.’ But before he went down,” continued Mr. Fuller, “he, as it seemed to me, took an oath from each of us, at the mouth of the pit, to this effect—that while we lived, we should never let go the rope. You understand me. There was great responsibility attached to us who began the business; and so I find a difficulty.” Accordingly, his whole soul appeared to be engaged in these concerns, and he “naturally cared” for the welfare of our dear brethren abroad and, from time to time, communicated early intelligence to distant friends respecting the progress of the Missionaries, both in translating the Scriptures and spreading the knowledge of the gospel among the Heathen. In all our Committee Meetings our concerns were managed without debate or contention, and this, not because others had not full liberty to state their opinions, but because we all felt as brethren; and if his opinion was treated with peculiar respect, it was because we found, by constant experience, that such was the soundness of his judgment that we scarcely ever had cause to regret a compliance with his advice. Our Missionaries would have rejoiced if it had been possible for him to have written to them much more frequently and largely than he did; and I doubt not but they could furnish us with far more remarkable proofs of the value of his correspondence than I can insert in this publication. A very small specimen of his correspondence, however, I am able to subjoin.

 Andrew Fuller, An Apology for the Late Christian Missions to India: Part the First. Comprising an Address to the Chairman of the East India Company; In Answer to Mr. Twining; And Strictures on the Preface of a Pamphlet, by Major Scott Waring; With an Appendix, Containing Authorities, Principally Taken from the Report of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (London: Burditt, Button, Williams and Smith; Dunstable: J. W. Morris, 1808).

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To Mr. John Thomas December 24, 1795 My dear Brother, …Your work is a great work, and the eyes of the religious world are upon you. I often think of the depth of that providence that first took you to India, inclined your heart to the good work of the Lord, and brought you to England in search of an Assistant, just at the time that we were in quest of an opening. Your undertaking, with that of your dear colleague, has provoked many. The spirit of Missions is gone forth. I wish it may never stop, till the gospel is sent into all the world. Do not, my dear Brother, give way to a spirit of dejection. Look forward to your reward. You are sowing a seed, the fruit of which may grow to the end of time, and may add to the harvest of everlasting joy. How often do I think of you, especially on a Lord’sday morning. My eye glances more swift than lightning to your abodes. There, methinks, I see you, I hear you, pleading with a people of a strange language. My soul goes up to God for you … “Lord bless them, keep them, support them, succeed them!” and thus, I doubt not, pray thousands of your brethren. My dear Brother, the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Our friends unite in affectionate regards to you all, with Your affectionate Brother, A. Fuller Mr. Thomas was a man possessed of many admirable qualifications, but liable to great inequalities in his natural spirits and not always so steady and so prudent as could be wished; though we had good reason to believe his heart was right with God. A letter from himself to Brother Pearce, now lost and forgotten, led Mr. Fuller to think it needful to address him, once, in the following close and tender manner. To Mr. John Thomas May 16, 1796 My very dear Brother, I have read yours to Brother Pearce. O what feelings does it excite! How could I weep on your account! Nay, before I write any more, I will go aside, and

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weep, and pray for you, to Him who alone can deliver your soul from death, and keep your feet from falling.²⁶⁸ My dear Brother, it has afforded me some consolation, while pleading with God on your behalf, that his help could fly swifter than this letter. O that, before this arrives, you may be delivered from the horrible pit! Shall I tell you a little of my own experience? At one period of my life I had a severe domestic trial. My heart melted under it like wax. I cried much to the Lord, and he delivered me out of my affliction. At first, I thought I could never forget his goodness. I erected, as it were, a memorial to it, and charged my soul to live to him all my future life. But, within a few months after my troubles had subsided, I sunk insensibly into a kind of lassitude, and neglected to watch and pray: I became careless and indolent, and my work became less interesting to me than heretofore. In this state of mind, I was accosted with temptations, which, though they did not draw me into open sin, will cause deep self-abasement to the end of my life. My hands hung down like a bulrush, and I had no pleasure in myself. I used to preach, and resolved to preach the truth, though it should rise up in judgment at the last day, to condemn me: and often have I gone into the pulpit with the idea that, possibly, it might be only heightening my condemnation. I seldom was without hope; though I sometimes feared that I did not refrain from sin because I loved God, but because I was afraid of the consequences; which I could not but consider a mark of a wicked character. Though I had nearly lost the enjoyments of religion, I was almost equally unacquainted with its sorrows. My heart refused to melt. A tear, though shed in anguish, was to me a real enjoyment. A deep dejection seized me, which, though I strove to throw it off in company, would be sure to return as soon as I retired. I did not neglect private prayer, but had no enjoyment in it. I used to cast myself prostrate before the Lord, depressed under the load of a hard heart. Now and then I groaned out, “God be merciful to me a sinner.”²⁶⁹ I never till then understood the thirty-second and thirty-eighth Psalms; in which the Psalmist appears to describe the state of his mind after his sin, and previous to his restoration. Ps 32:3, 4 and 38:1– 10. “O,” (thought I) “blessed indeed is the man whose transgression is forgiven, and in whose spirit there is no guile! But it is not so with me!”²⁷⁰ I had used to make memorandums in a kind of diary; but now I left it off. I used now and then, however, to write a little; and I will give you an extract:

 Psalm 56:13; 116:8.  Luke 18:13.  Psalm 32:1.

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“October 3, 1789—I feel at times some longings after the lost joys of salvation, but cannot recover them. I have departed from God; and yet I may rather be said to be habitually dejected on account of it, than earnestly to repent for it. I find much hardness of heart; and a spirit of inactivity has laid hold of me: I feel that to be carnally-minded is death. O that it were with me as in months past!” About this time, I read Dr. Owen on Mortification of Sin, with great advantage, which I will send you. It will be accompanied with my prayers that it may be of as much use to you as it was to me. Within these few years, my soul has not only recovered its former tone; but, blessed be God! a greater degree of spiritual strength than at any former period; and I think my engagement in the work of the Mission has more than anything contributed to it. Before this, I did little but pore over my misery; but, since I have betaken myself to greater activity for God, my strength has been recovered, and my soul replenished. I have not been contented with ransacking for past evidences of love to God; but have been enabled to love and serve him afresh; looking for mercy to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world. But I still look back to the wormwood and the gall. My soul hath them still in remembrance and is humbled in me. Should this recital of the Lord’s dealings with me be of use to you, how thankful shall I be! The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Affectionately yours, A. Fuller

To Mr. and Mrs. Chater,²⁷¹ and Mr. and Mrs. Robinson²⁷² Kettering, April 5, 1806 My very dear Brethren and Sisters, It was painful to me to be obliged to leave you so soon, but I could not do otherwise. My hands are now full of engagements that must be attended to

 James (1779 – 1829) and Anne Chater were sent as a missionary couple to India, but were forced to leave. They went with Richard Mardon (1775 – 1812) to Burma in 1807, and four years later left Burma for Columbo, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), where they remained until James’s death in 1829.  William Robinson (1784– 1853) and his wife Sarah Barnett (or Barnard) Robinson (d. 1844) went to Calcutta with the Chaters. The couple were originally from Olney, where William had studied under

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in a few hours. I just write to you a few lines again, to express my earnest concern for your welfare, and to bid you farewell in the name of the Lord. Brother Chater requested a copy of the discourse at Oxford, or so much of it as I could recover. I cannot furnish this in time, as I must set off for Leicestershire early on Monday morning. But I will endeavour to do it, and that at Devonshire-square too, shortly; and send them by one of the Spring ships, which may arrive soon after you. There is the greatest necessity for us all to keep near to God, and to feel that we are in that path of which he approves. This will sustain us in times of trial. The want of this cannot be supplied by anything else. Beware of those things which draw a veil between him and you, or that render a throne of grace unwelcome. If God be with you, you shall do well; you shall be blessings among the sailors, among the brethren in India, and among the natives. Be very conversant with your Bibles. The company we keep, and the books we read, insensibly form us into the same likeness. I love to converse with a Christian, whose mind is imbued with the sentiments of the Scriptures. I find it advantageous to read a part of the Scriptures to myself, before private prayer, and often to turn it into prayer, as I read it. Do not read the scriptures merely as preachers, in order to find a text, or something to say to the people; but read them that you may get good to your own souls. Look at the Saviour as he walks, as he walks before you; and then point others to him, John 1:35. Next to communion with your God and Saviour, cherish love to one another. Good sense and good temper may preserve you from falling out by the way and exposing yourselves to the censure of spectators: but this is not enough. The apostolic precept, which is so often repeated, “Little children, love one another,” includes more than an abstinence from discord, or the routine of civility.²⁷³ You must know one another, and love each other, in the Lord. To do this, you must often think of the dying love of Christ towards you. When I have sometimes surveyed the church of which I am a pastor, individually, my mind has revolted from this member, for this fault, and from another, for that; but, when I have met them at the table of the Lord, one thought has

John Sutcliff. Despite his mastery of Bengali and his suitability for translation work, Robinson’s temper caused friction with fellow missionaries at Serampore. After being encouraged to pursue ministry further afield, Robinson unsuccessfully attempted to begin a mission in Bhutan. Sarah died during one of their trips to Bhutan. After remarrying, Robinson served in Java from 1813 until he returned to India in 1825. Ministering in a district south of Calcultta, Robinson also taught at Serampore College (1832– 1837). In 1838, Robinson resigned his pastorate and moved to Dacca (Dhaka, now the capital of Bangladesh), where he ministered until his death in 1853.  John 13:34; 1 John 3:18.

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dissipated all these hard things: “Feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood!”²⁷⁴ O, (thought I), if my Saviour could find in his heart to lay down his life for them, who am I that I should withhold the tenderest regards from them? If he can forgive them, shall I be unforgiving? Nay more … If he could lay down his life for me, and forgive me, who am I that I should cherish a hard and unforgiving heart towards my brethren? My dear Brethren, know nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified.²⁷⁵ Be this the summit of your ambition. For you to live must be Christ.²⁷⁶ You may never be of that literary consequence which some are; but, if you possess a savour of Christ,²⁷⁷ you will be blessings in your generation; and, when you die, your names will be precious not only in India and Britain, but in the sight of the Lord. My dear Sisters, it is not much that I have known of you: but what I have, has tended to endear you to me. My heart is toward those young people in our Israel, of both sexes, who have offered themselves willingly in this divine war! Treat your husbands with an attentive, respectful, and obliging carriage; as I trust they will treat you. Treat each other as sisters, and the young woman that goes out with you too. Compel her, when she parts with you, to part weeping. Tears of this sort are worth more than thousands of compliments. Do not make confidants of one another in matters of offence; but, in a gentle and tender way, get into the habit of communicating to the party her faults; and encourage her to do the same by you. This rule will be necessary, not only on your voyage, but through life. The God of all grace be with you! Present my kind love to the dear Captain Wickes.²⁷⁸ Accept the same to yourselves. My wife and daughter unite in wishing you prosperity in the name of the Lord. I am yours, very affectionately, A. Fuller The preceding letters can only be considered as a very slight specimen of Mr. Fuller’s mode of correspondence with the Missionaries. Our brethren now at Serampore could, no doubt, furnish what would be far more interesting.

 Acts 20:28.  1 Corinthians 2:2.  Philippians 1:21.  2 Corinthians 2:15.  Benjamin Wickes (b. 1745) was an elder at the Third Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. As an eager supporter of the mission, Wickes often used his ships to transport early BMS missionaries.

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He first visited Scotland in 1799. Mr. Fishwick of Newcastle-on-Tyne²⁷⁹ (who, very soon after the formation of the Society, had sent us twenty pounds) was then a partner in a large colliery in Scotland and sent our first proposals to Dr. Charles Stuart of Edinburgh and to Mr. Campbell (a member of the Baptist church of which Mr. Archibald M’Lean was pastor).²⁸⁰ They obtained also further information from Dr. Rippon’s Baptist Register. ²⁸¹ In April and May 1794, Messrs. Innes and Ewing,²⁸² who were at that time ministers in the Church of Scotland, took a journey for their health. They both preached while in Bristol, at Broadmead, being acquainted with Mr. Hughes, then my colleague; and visited Birmingham also, where they met with Brother Pearce.²⁸³ His ardent zeal for the Mission imparted to them a kindred flame and

 Richard Fishwick (1745 – 1825) was a key Baptist businessman in Northern England. In 1778, Fishwick founded a lead factory with a fellow Baptist layman Archer Ward (1753 – 1800) in Newcastle. Fishwick was a keen supporter of the BMS. See Frank Beckwith, “Fishwick and Ward,” Baptist Quarterly 15, no. 6 (1954): 249 – 68.  Charles Stuart (1746 – 1826), originally from Dunearn, was educated for ministry and served for a time as a Church of Scotland pastor in Cramond before resigning his ministry due to doctrinal differences. He became a Scotch Baptist, joined the Baptist congregation in Edinburgh, and devoted himself to the study of medicine. He was a frequent host and travelling companion to Fuller during his trips to Scotland for the BMS. Stuart and Ewing (see note 282) founded the Missionary Magazine. The magazine initially drew its contributors from the Church of Scotland but took on an increasingly Congregationalist character after the General Assembly’s action against the Haldanes. Stuart contributed to the magazine under the name Philalethes. Originally a printer, Archibald McLean came under the Sandemanian influence of John Glas and retained some Glasite convictions even after his baptism in London under John Gill’s ministry in 1765. McLean moved to Edinburgh and became an elder at Edinburgh Baptist Church in 1768. In 1785, McLean entered into full-time ministry and travelled widely for the cause of Baptist convictions throughout Scotland. McLean became a strong supporter of the Baptist Missionary Society and a good friend to Andrew Fuller, despite their theological differences.  John Rippon, The Baptist Annual Register, for 1790, 1791, 1792, and part of 1793. Including Sketches of the State of Religion among Different Denominations of Good Men at Home and Abroad (London: Dilly, Button, Thomas, 1793).  The former, now a Baptist minister, at Edinburgh; the latter, an Independent, at Glasgow. [Ryland]. Greville Ewing, originally a minister in the Church of Scotland, took an active role in the development of missions societies, helping to found the Edinburgh Missions Society in 1796 and serving as its first secretary. In 1799, Ewing became a Congregationalist minister and, in partnership with Ralph Wardlaw, aided in the development of home missions and Congregationalism in Scotland. Ewing was also an enthusiastic supporter of Andrew Fuller and the Baptist Missionary Society, collecting subscriptions for the Serampore mission. Ewing also closely collaborated with the Congregationalist pastor and philanthropist Robert Haldane and his brother James in the development of several Independent congregations. Their relationship became strained in 1810, however, when Robert Haldane sought to remove his financial interest from the Tabernacle by selling the building at a discount and turning over Ewing’s living to his congregation. William Innes, Ewing’s brother-in-law, accepted a call to minister at the Scotch Baptist congregation on Elder Street in 1799. Innes had converted to Baptist convictions earlier the same year, having originally served Church of Scotland congregations in Dundee and Stirling.  In 1792, Broadmead had secured Joseph Hughes (1769 – 1833) to assist the ailing Caleb Evans. Hughes was a graduate of Bristol, Kings College, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh University. Hughes

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they made it further known in Edinburgh. Mr. M’Lean’s friends were, for a time, kept back from lending their aid on account of the difference on some points between the Scotch and English Baptists. But, on his return from a visit to London in 1795, he stimulated his people to aid our Mission. Dr. Stuart printed a small pamphlet, and Mr. M’Lean, a sermon on Ps 22:27– 28 which went through two editions and had a very favourable effect. He preached on the subject in the Circus and collected above an hundred pounds.²⁸⁴ Good Dr. Erskine, with whom I kept up a frequent correspondence from 1780 to his death, was a cordial friend.²⁸⁵ He informed me, October the 25th, 1796, that the Edinburgh Missionary Society had voted, unanimously, fifty pounds, to aid the Bengalee translation. After these things had prepared the way, Messrs. Haldane and Ewing began to feel interested in our success. And Mr. Robert Haldane happening to inquire of Dr. Stuart what intelligence he had from the Baptist Missionary Society, the Doctor replied, “Dismal intelligence! The funds are low, and no success as yet.” “As to funds,” said Mr. Haldane, “I always intended to give them somewhat, but never did: could you desire Mr. Fuller to draw on me for a hundred pounds and tell him that, if he would come down and preach, I am persuaded my brother would welcome him and so would Mr. Ewing.” The Doctor wrote by the next post. Mr. Fuller went down and met with a kind reception. One evening, when many friends were very happy together in his company, a lady said, “O Sir, why did not you come here before?” “Why, Madam,” said Mr. Fuller, “every man, as Sir Robert Walpole said, has his price, and till that gentleman there sent me a hundred pounds, I did not know it would be worthwhile to visit you.”²⁸⁶

would go on to found the British and Foreign Bible Society (1804) and was a founding member of the Religious Tract Society (1799).  A theatre located in the Circus at the top of Leith Walk in Edinburgh was sometimes used by the Relief Church. James Haldane was ordained at the church in February 1799 and, with the increase of membership, the church was expanded into a tabernacle. It was erected in 1801 at 18 Greenside Place. See Ian L. S. Balfour, Revival in Rose Street: Charlotte Baptist Chapel, Edinburgh, 1808 – 2008 (Edinburgh: Rutherford House, 2007), 5 – 7.  John Erskine ministered at Old Greyfriars Church in Edinburgh from 1768 until his death. A defender of Reformed orthodoxy, Erskine devoted much of his life to promoting the works of George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards—particularly by assisting in the publication of the latter’s works in the 1740s. Ryland, Fuller, and Sutcliff would benefit from these efforts in the 1770s and 1780s, in turn helping to shift Particular Baptists towards a more moderate, evangelical Calvinism.  The “gentleman” Fuller refers to is the Scottish Independent pastor and philanthropist Robert Haldane. While serving in the Royal Navy, Haldane had come under the gospel influence of David Bogue, the pastor of an Independent congregation, while ashore at Gosport in 1780. When he finished his commission, Haldane returned to Gosport, to the ministerial academy run by Bogue, and studied for a time at Edinburgh University. In 1795 he underwent an evangelical conversion and became a significant financier of gospel ministry, selling his country estate and using the proceeds to establish churches and support the work of foreign missions through the Edinburgh Missionary Society (Stewart, “Robert Haldane,” in Blackwell Dictionary of Evangelical Biography, 502; see also Alexander Haldane, The Lives of Robert and James Haldane [3rd ed.; London: Hamilton, Adams & Co., 1853],

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This was in October 1799. Mr. Fuller kept a journal of this visit to Scotland. I am satisfied that his subsequent visits altered his opinions of some persons and things; I shall, therefore, not transcribe the whole, though I shall be careful not to disguise anything I extract. He began with these remarks: I am going out for a month, altogether among faces which I have never seen. My spirits revolt at the idea, but duty calls. I go to make collections for the translations of the Scriptures into Bengalee. I am subject to many faults in company and often incur guilt; the Lord keep me in the way I shall go and enable me to keep my heart with all diligence. O that I may be spiritual, humble, and watchful, in all companies. May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ prosper my way! May the God of Israel preserve my family, friends, and connections, during my absence! October 2, 1799—Supped at an inn, tonight, at Bourne; and found myself, very unexpectedly, in agreeable company. A Mr. Shore, who hears Mr. Newton, sat with me during the evening. He travels much in this country and agrees with others in his observations on its profaneness. Lincolnshire, Rutland, Huntingdonshire, and the Isle of Ely, are a kind of heathen parts of the land. Some of our farmers have observed that, if you go to a market from Bedford or Olney, in the South, to Nottingham, in the North, you will see business done in a still, civil, decent manner; but if you go to the markets of Uppingham, Oakham, Stamford, or any part of Lincolnshire, you will hear hundreds of oaths and lies: one swearing that he will take no less; another, that he will give no more; and a third wishing himself accursed if he do otherwise than he has said he will, which yet, in a few minutes, he will do! Most of this part of the country is nearly destitute of evangelical preaching: what they have, which goes by that name, is mostly tinged either with Arminianism, or with Antinomianism; which systems paralyze practical godliness. In this, I refer chiefly to the state of things among the Dissenters: I have heard of some evangelical Clergymen being settled hereabouts; but what their preaching is, I do not know. If it be good, yet it has had but little time at present to operate.

298 – 99). Robert Walpole (1676 – 1745) was a Whig politician during the reigns of George I and George II. Regarded as Britain’s first de facto prime minister, Walpole is said to have adopted two maxims: “That every man has his price, and it is only necessary to know that, to be able to procure his support: And, that an English minister is often under the necessity of purchasing the voice of a member of parliament, not to vote against, but according to his conscience” (Johann Wilhelm von Archenholz, A Picture of England [London: Edward Jeffery, 1789], 2:198).

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Mr. Shore was observing how similar the excuses of all carnal men are, of whatever profession or country. A cannibal in the South-Sea Islands, being reproved for the unnatural and atrocious nature of his conduct in eating human flesh, answered, “It is so sweet.” Such is the governing motive of most sinners. How sweet was the hope of getting what was not their own, to some hundreds of people, at this town, when I entered it, who were all on edge in throwing up their shillings at the stage of a mountebank. I was told that a great many poor men had left their harvest-work, and brought their earnings, to try their good luck! October 3, 1799—Travelled from Bourn to Barton-on-the-Humber, in the Lincoln Stage, with indifferent company. Between Lincoln and Brigg, we had a Mr. Armfelt with us, a hearer of Mr. Burn, of Birmingham, who seemed to know somewhat of the gospel. October 4, 1799—Sailed over the Humber, to Hull. Preached at Mr. Lyon’s meeting-house: several ministers in the town, or from the neighbourhood, attended. October 5, 1799—This morning I have been reading Soame Jenyns on the Internal Evidence of Christianity. He seems, according to his motto, almost a Christian. I question if miracles and prophecies be now wholly dependent for their validity on the truth of the Christian religion, as he suggests, p. 4. They have each characters which prove them to be divine. As to prophecy, especially, its being fulfilled is sufficient still to establish its divinity, and consequently, the divinity of the Christian religion. He seems undecided as to many of the doctrines of revelation. His answer to the Socinians, however, (p. 24– 36) is just and pointed. He appears to have made too much of the Christian religion being an entirely new system (under Prop. 2). The same principles, though with less perspicuity, certainly run through the Old Testament. What he has said of active courage being no virtue, I hardly think is accurate. If aimed at a right end, and governed by the rule of right, it is right; and Christianity will celebrate it. “By faith they waxed valiant in fight.” No disposition of the mind, which is purely natural, can be either sinful, or otherwise than virtuous, if exercised to a right end, and by a right rule. Active courage is a quality of God’s creating, and when consecrated to him, and regulated by his revealed will, is virtuous. As to friendship, it has certainly been exemplified, not only between David and Jonathan, under the Old Testament, but by Christ and John under the New. It is true, however, that what frequently goes by that name among men is abhorrent to the New Testament. Christ wisely taught nothing, he thinks, on the duties of government (p. 53). He taught that men should do

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to others as they would that others should do to them; a principle which, if acted upon by independent nations, as well as individuals, would render the world happy. I have no doubt but that magistrates and subjects might both clearly learn their respective duties from the New Testament. His doctrine of passive suffering, I suspect, is carried beyond the design of the New Testament; which is not to render us stoics, nor to set aside all resentments. Were not the reproofs of Christ to the Pharisees mingled with displeasure at their conduct? And Paul’s speech to the high-priest, “God shall smite thee, thou whited wall,” appears to contain resentment. It is true, he made some apology for it; not, however, for the spirit of it, but merely for its being inadvertently addressed to “the ruler of his people.” See also John 18:23 and Acts 16:37. He represents a change of disposition as the effect of repentance (p. 66), whereas it seems vice versa. It is common for writers so to explain the term faith, as just to include their own, and no more. This writer thinks the atonement necessary to be believed. A Socinian would deny this; and others would plead that more was included under the phrase “Jesus Christ is the son of God,” than Soame Jenyns would plead for. I have written my thoughts on this, in my answer to Dr. Toulmin, towards the close. He is right, I think, on the moral nature of faith, pp. 70, 71. Our “amusements” must not lead us “too far out of the way,” p. 75. May they lead us at all out of the way? No: whatsoever we do must be done to the glory of God. He ascribes all civilization, arts, and sciences, to revelation (p. 100); but men, without the light of the gospel, may certainly attain these things. China, for example, had made progress in many things of a natural kind, and which could not, I should think, have been derived from revelation. He does not believe the scriptures to be inspired of God, p. 106. He appears, to me, but very little before the modern Socinians, on this subject. Upon the whole, having read it through, though there be some excellent things in it, I could not forbear fearing that he is only almost persuaded to be a Christian. I knew the man about twenty years ago. He was a still, peaceable gentleman; but nothing more. He was a Member of Parliament; and though he writes against war, yet he voted with Lord North, I believe, during the American war. October 6, 1799 (Lord’s day)—Still at Hull, where I preached three times at Mr. Lambert’s place, at Salthouse Lane, and at George Street. I had good times in the morning and evening, and received much friendship from the people. I visited many, this morning, to collect for the Bengalee New Testament: preached and collected, in the evening, and then set off for York.

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October 8, 1799—I reached Newcastle where Brother Sutcliff had arrived before me. Here we also met with Mr. Charles Whitfield, the Baptist minister of Hamsterly, in Durham. Mr. Hassal, from Plymouth, is now with the Baptist church at Newcastle. I called on a Dr. Greve, who has been excluded from a Scotch Baptist church, merely for not agreeing with them in some matter of discipline. Surely, such an uniformity leaves no room for free discussion. A church thus conducted must render all its members the slaves of terror; who agree, because they dare not disagree. Such a system must fritter the church into endless parties. I perceive we are going among men, where indeed we had need be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. October 10, 1799—Rode to Edinburgh. A view of the sea and other objects was very agreeable. Arrived at Dr. Stuart’s, this evening. I find him an interesting man. October 11, 1799—Paid visits to many friends; Dr. Erskine, Mr. M’Lean, Mr. Braidwood, and others. Dr. Erskine in an excellent old man: several other ministers in the Kirk appear to be very worthy men. Supped with some of these, and Dr. Jamieson, who is an Antiburgher. The Baptists seem to be tinged, generally, with the sentiments of Glass and Sandeman: and all parties in Scotland, except those who meet at the Circus, appear to be too much insulated from all others. We have been in company with persons favourable to the Church of Scotland twice, at Dr. Erskine’s. There are certainly some excellent men amongst them; particularly, Mr. Black and Mr. Buchanan, as well as Dr. Erskine, who is made up of kindness and goodness. But these good men, I observe, generally look with rather a jealous eye upon the Circus; and they like to speak of the things done by the old Society for promoting Christian knowledge, which, it is probable, some others have too much undervalued. I have been also in company with Messrs. Robert and James Haldane, Aikman, Innes, Richie, and some other leading men in the Circus connection. Certainly, these appear to be excellent men, free from the extravagance and nonsense which infect some of the Calvinistic Methodists in England; and yet trying to imbibe and communicate their zeal and affection.²⁸⁷

 Ryland omits: “Robert Haldane* seems a very disinterested, godly man, and his wife as disinterested and amiable as himself. They have agreed to sell a large estate, to put money into the funds, and to live as retired as possible in order to have more to lay out for the furtherance of the gospel. His brother, James, is a simple-hearted, affectionate, good man. He was a captain of an East Indiaman and relinquished his post for the gospel’s sake. He is pastor of a church on the congregational plan, which meets at the Circus, and amount to near three hundred members. The form-

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They wished, as Mr. Ewing told me, “to be at liberty to preach in the villages,” without being accountable to any body of men, who were commonly averse to all extraordinary exertion, and contented to plod on in the path of their predecessors. They wished also to introduce English preachers, and to have places of worship to which they could invite them. And having, as I understood it, found the people willing at Edinburgh, they erected a place at Glasgow, which they call the Tabernacle. Here Mr. Ewing preaches, and has the tuition of twenty-five young men for the ministry, all at the expense of Mr. Robert Haldane.²⁸⁸

ing of this church, seems to have been the united work of Messrs. Ewing, Innes, and the Haldanes; principally for the sake of enjoying a greater degree of religious liberty, than could be obtained in any of their denominations, which are ruled by their respective synods.” Ryland also removed the following footnote in the 1818 edition: “*When I was in Scotland in 1811, I was grieved to find that he was calling in, with much rigor, the money he had advanced for building places of worship, from several worthy men who did not follow him in all his subsequent changes!” (see Ryland [1816], 270 – 71).  Again, Ryland omits a significant portion of Fuller’s entry: “Here two queries may be proposed. First, was this undertaking necessary? To this it is replied that there appears a large portion of formality to have affected other denominations; both in the established Church of Scotland, and all the classes of Presbyterian Seceders. The ministers, even among the Seceders, must have bonds from their people for a certain salary. Nor do they, in general, go out of their congregations; but each moves on in his way, without exerting himself for the conversion of the irreligious around him. In the Kirk, too many of the ministers are what is called Moderates, alias, mere worldly men, without any heart-felt religion. Yet in the way they go on in Scotland, there is little or no entrance among their people by village preaching. And as to the Seceders, both Burghers and Antiburghers, though they retain the form of orthodoxy; yet they make no efforts to spread evangelical truth and seem many of them to have very little life. Mr. Ewing told me that his grand motive for leaving the Church, and engaging in his present undertaking, was a desire to preach the gospel to people who heard it not and could not hear it upon the old plan. To us there seems a goodly number of serious individuals of different denominations, but all parties are too cold and formal. If anything could breathe the breath of life among them, or provoke them to jealousy, it had need be introduced. It may be asked, secondly, have the leading men engaged in it conducted themselves with propriety? On this subject we have made inquiries of different parties. Some have attempted to insinuate that they are influenced by democratic principles, and must have some wrong political design. One of their leading men acknowledges that, heretofore, his mind was taken up with such subjects, soon after the French revolution, when he made a speech that gave considerable offence to many; but, he says that he is now fully convinced of the folly of a Christian so employing himself, and he is willing to make the fullest acknowledgement as to the duty of obedience to the powers that be. And this is the present mind of them all. The characters principally engaged in this new denomination, as far as we can judge, seem to be some of the best in Scotland; excepting a few individuals in other connections, such as Dr. Erskine, Mr. Black, etc. The two Haldanes, with Messrs. Innes, Aikman, and Ewing, appear to us very intelligent, serious, and affectionate in their work; active, liberal, and indeed almost everything that we could wish; no drollery in their preaching, but they seem to be very desirous to be and do everything that is right. At Glasgow, where Mr. Ewing, about ten weeks ago, has opened a very large place of worship, an amazing congregation is gathered, and was gathered the very first Sabbath; and chiefly that from they know not where—from highways and hedges” (Ryland [1816], 270 – 74).

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A very large congregation was gathered here, from the first opening of the chapel, and that chiefly from they know not where, from the highways and hedges. The other ministers in the town, it is true, have lost some; but all speak highly of Ewing. Dr. Balfour, to his honour be it spoken, having lost one of his friends, and being asked whether it did not affect him, replied, “That may be the case; but, though it be a loss to me, yet it will be none to him,” meaning his former friend, who now attends Mr. Ewing. October 21, 1799—Last week, we set off from Edinburgh to Glasgow; dined with David Dale, a venerable man, the first merchant in Glasgow, and yet always calm and composed. He is pastor of an Independent church in this city. After dinner, we set off in his carriage with Mr. Ewing, for Paisley. Preached to a crowded auditory and collected about twenty pounds for the translation. Returning to Glasgow that evening, we heard of the death of our beloved Pearce! O Jonathan, very pleasant hast thou been to me. I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan! O Jonathan, thou wast slain upon thy high places! On Thursday went to Greenock; met with kind treatment there. I preached in a Burgher or else a Relief meeting, and Brother Sutcliff stopped and preached there next day: they collected us upwards of £20. I returned, on Friday, to Glasgow, and preached at the Tabernacle. On Lord’s day, I preached in the morning at the Tabernacle to about four thousand people. In the afternoon, Brother Sutcliff preached to the same number, or rather more; and I went with my friend Dr. Stuart, who came over to hear Mr. D. Dale at the Independent place; where they collected for us upwards of £200. There is a mild sweetness about that venerable man, but I could wish that the congregation discovered more of the lively and affectionate spirit of Christianity. In the evening, I preached again at the Tabernacle. It was said that many hundreds went away, for want of room. It was the largest audience I ever saw. On Monday evening, I preached at the Relief meeting in Campbell Street with much affection. We met with great kindness from all parties; and they seem to have a good deal of brotherly kindness one towards another. I walked an hour or two with Dr. Stuart and enjoyed much pleasure in his conversation. He is a very interesting, good man. While at Glasgow, we had an interview with Dr. Watt, who is one of the Baptists—a very mild, intelligent man. Our conversation turned a good deal on things wherein we differed. Brother S. asked him, if the religion of the Independents and Baptists, both of which are tinged with Mr. Sandeman’s peculiarities, allowed a proper and scriptural place for the exercise of the affections? To us it seemed that, where these principles prevail, they operate to quench the religion of the heart. Many of them contend that there is nothing in the nature of the faith of Christians, different from the faith of devils; and that all the different

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effects arise from our different circumstances; that faith has nothing of the will or the affections in it, but is mere light in the understanding; or as Dr. Watt expressed it, “It is truth revealed to the mind; and though believing is expressed by an active verb, yet we are no more voluntary in it, than we are in seeing or hearing, which are also expressed by active verbs.” But if this were true, how could faith be a duty? God requires nothing of us, but that wherein the will or the heart are concerned. And how could unbelief be a sin? Unbelief is, certainly, the opposite of faith: if, therefore, the one be mere light in the mind, and include nothing voluntary, the other must be mere darkness of the mind, and be equally involuntary. I have stated some of these objections to my friend, Dr. Stuart, in the Quarterly Magazine, No. VIII. p. 200, and he has attempted to answer them in the same number. There is no end of controversy. I have been labouring, for many years, to bend religious people to what appears to me to be the truth; but that which is crooked, it seems, cannot be made straight. This principle, commonly held by the Baptists in these parts, appears to me an important error, and, I fear, has an ill effect upon their religion, which leans more to the speculative, than to the affectionate. As I have very few remarks more to add on other things, I will here subjoin a reply to the above paper: My dear Friend, I thank you for having inserted my remarks on faith, in No. VIII. of the Quarterly Magazine. Your candid reply affords me an opportunity of confirming those remarks. You admit that the design of the apostle James, in introducing the faith of devils, is to “make nothing of the faith of nominal Christians;” but you suppose he does this, not by a comparison of it with the faith of devils, but “by representing that faith, whether it be on earth or in hell, if it really existed, and was not merely pretended or professed, was always productive of corresponding works.” That is, you suppose that the apostle does not compare, but contrast, the faith of the nominal Christian, with that of devils. His was dead, being alone; but the other was living, and productive of corresponding works, even all that their situation would admit of, which is trembling. I hope I have herein stated your full meaning. To this I offer the following objections: 1. The use of the term “also,” (v. 19) is manifestly expressive of “likeness,” and not of contrast. If και be rendered “and,” or “even,” it will amount to the same thing. “Thou believest that there is one God;” a great matter

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truly!²⁸⁹ and the devils believe and tremble: or even the devils believe and tremble. None of these forms convey the idea of contrast, but of likeness. Each of them is equal to saying, “This is no more than is true of devils; nor, indeed, quite so much; yet their faith amounts to nothing: what therefore can you think of yours?” 2. If the introduction of the faith of devils were designed as a contrast, the reasoning would admit of some other contrast, as well as this. Let us make the experiment. “Thou believest that there is one God, thou doest well; the sincere Christian also believes and obeys.” To make sense of this, it is necessary that, instead of the conjunctive particle και, “and,” or “even,” or “also,” it should be the disjunctive, αλλα, but; at least, to have comported with your idea, it should have been, the devils “also believe,” but tremble. On the other hand, make the experiment of an instance of likeness, and the language is plain and easy. “Thou believest there is one God; a great matter truly! Felix also believed, and trembled.” The ground on which your position rests, is the effect which is ascribed to the faith of devils—trembling, and which is not ascribed to that of nominal Christians. This effect you reckon among those corresponding works, which, as you say, always attend real faith. But this difference may not prove that the faith of devils was real, and that of nominal Christians a mere “pretence,” as you seem to understand it: it may only express a difference in the degree in which each party was impressed with the force of truth. The one was convinced that there was a God; but it was a mere speculation of the intellectual faculty, unaccompanied with love; and, being in circumstances wherein he saw no remarkable displays of his divine majesty, it made little or no impression upon his mind. The others also were convinced that there was a God, and neither were their convictions accompanied with love; yet, being placed in circumstances wherein the awful majesty of heaven was continually before their eyes, they knew already in part, by sad experience, the truth of his threatenings, and trembled at the approach of greater torments. There was no more goodness in this trembling, than in that of a malefactor under the gallows. I am surprised, therefore, that you should reckon it among those “corresponding works which always attend faith, if it really exists.” What is it more than Felix felt under his convictions and apprehensions of a judgment to come; who, notwithstanding, was far from being a believer, or possessing any of those corresponding works which the Scriptures represent as the fruits of faith?

 “This I suppose to be the true meaning of the terms—thou doest well; which is ironical.” [Ryland].

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Nothing seems, to you, more certain, than that, when any person on earth believes Jesus (who is now invisible) with equal assurance as the devils, he rejoices in hope, is animated by love to him, and feels disposed to obey his will, and to resist his own evil inclinations. If I were to say, few things appear to me more certain than the contrary, I should say the truth: but I wish to make what appears certain to me, evident, if it be possible, to my friend, and to his readers. If your position be true, the difference between believers and devils arises entirely from their different circumstances. But, if so, let me entreat you to consider, whether consequences will not follow which you would shudder to avow. 1. Will it not follow that the doctrine taught by our Lord, in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, is untrue? Dives supposed that the awful realities which he witnessed and felt, if they could but be transferred to his brethren upon earth, must certainly induce repentance. But you know the reply of Abraham, which teaches that a change of circumstances would not effect that which is not effected by the Scriptures. 2. Will it not follow that there is no absolute necessity of divine agency to renew the heart of a sinner? If a mere difference in circumstances were sufficient to cause that faith which produces trembling, to produce sincere love and obedience, what necessity is there for divine influence? All that would be necessary, would be for sinners to be placed in such situations (which they will be in the world to come, and might be in this world), as that their assurance of the realities of religion should be equal to that of the fallen angels. And thus all those Scriptures which teach the necessity of being born of the Spirit, are set aside; all that is necessary being an exercise of divine providence, which shall place them in such circumstances, as that truth shall become influential. 3. Will not such a representation of things reflect upon the divine character, and tend to excuse the sinner? The enmity of sinners, according to this position, seems to arise merely from their situation, as by a kind of natural necessity. Here, they had an object of hope held up to them; but the means of inducing belief were not sufficiently impressive; there, the means will be sufficiently impressive; but they have no object of hope: so that all they can do, is to tremble, and hate the Being who hath shut them up in despair. Surely such a view of things is not agreeable to the Scripture account of the divine character, and of the unreasonable aversion of sinners. 4. Let me entreat you particularly to consider, whether that love and obedience which arises merely from a change of circumstances, be any part of true religion. There are, I grant, sensations in the human mind, which arise mere-

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ly from this cause, and which bear a resemblance to that love and obedience which are connected with eternal life; but they are not the same. Many a sinner, in the hour of approaching death, is greatly affected; and, while he thinks he must die, and be lost for ever, he believes enough to make him tremble. At a time, however, when he has nearly given up all for lost, a favourable turn is given to his affliction. He is affected now in another way. He weeps, and thanks God for his hopes of recovery. He vows also, with great earnestness, that if the Lord will perfect that which concerns him, he will lead a new life, etc. But I need not tell you that all this may consist with a heart at enmity with the true character of God; and that it frequently proves so, by his returning, as soon as the impression wears off, like the sow that was washed, to her wallowing in the mire. The whole of this process is no more than an operation of self-love; which is very different from the love of God; yet, this is all which a mere change of circumstances can possibly effect. The grand incapacity of men to believe the gospel, as it is in Jesus, lies, as you acknowledge, in their “loving darkness rather than light, which blinds their minds, and perverts their judgments.” But the same incapacity, in this respect, attends devils as men; inasmuch as they love darkness rather than light, and, perhaps, in a greater degree than the other. And it is, doubtless, equally true of the one as of the other, that they “see no form nor comeliness in Christ, nor beauty, that they should desire him.” As men are alike capable with angels, of believing everything pertaining to the gospel, which may be believed with a wicked state of mind; so angels are equally incapable with men of believing anything beyond it. Moreover, if the love of darkness be the grand cause of unbelief, that effect will continue to be produced till the cause is removed. To suppose, as you do, that the gospel may be believed without love, is the same thing as supposing it may be believed, while under the dominion of aversion; and that is saying, either that the law of darkness is, after all, no bar to believing; or that God causes us to believe, in some other way than by removing it. I observed, “All duty is comprised in love.” By this I meant that God requires the heart, the whole heart, and nothing but the heart. This appears, to me, to be taught in the passages to which I referred: “Love is the fulfilling of the law.” “All the law is fulfilled in one word—love.” From hence, I infer that, as faith is allowed to be a part of duty, it must, in its very nature, contain a portion of holy love; and, I may add, it is no farther a duty, than as it is an exercise of it. So far as the belief of the gospel is influenced by the heart or will, so far it is duty, and no farther. The same may be said of its

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opposite: so far as a disbelief of the gospel is influenced by the heart or will, so far it is sinful, and no farther. You think, there are duties which are not comprised in love, and instance in the fear of God. If, by fear, you meant that kind of dread which characterizes a slave, I should allow that love does not comprise it, but stands opposed to it. 1 John 4:18. But then, this is no part of duty. If, by fear, on the other hand, you mean a dread of offending and dishonouring God, which you certainly do, I contend, that this is only a modification of love. Love to God, considered as holy, operates in a way of complacency; considered as beneficent, in a way of gratitude; considered as a legislator, in a way of obedience; and considered as possessed of infinite glory and majesty, in a way of fear. The love contained in the true fear of God, is the very thing which distinguishes it from slavish dread, and denominates it both a duty, and a grace of the Spirit. You acknowledge that unbelief is “more than a mistake of the judgment;” that it is “a sin;” and you prove it, from its including an aversion of the heart. You also acknowledge faith to be a duty; and I attempt to prove it, by your medium, from its including the acquiescence of the heart. But here your system is affected; and here you leave me. I have enjoyed so much in your company that I am sorry for the loss of it; howbeit, I am not alone. You add, “The exercises of the understanding are frequently enjoined in Scripture: ‘O ye simple ones understand wisdom.’ ‘Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, etc.’” Knowledge is of two kinds: that which is a simple exercise of the intellectual faculty, and that which is influenced by the state of the heart or will. The first is a mere natural exercise, equally so as the sight of the eye: it is essential to an accountable being; but is, in itself, neither good nor evil. It cannot, therefore, be the object of scripture injunction, neither has it any promise made to it in all the book of God. In good men, it may increase love, but in wicked men, it commonly heightens hatred. “Ye have seen and hated me and my Father.” When mentioned in connection with holy exercises, it is distinguished from them; “Do you know all these things? Happy are ye, if ye do them.” The last is what the Scriptures call spiritual, or holy knowledge, which is meant in all those divine injunctions to which you refer, and has the promise of eternal life. So far from this remark, therefore, invalidating my position that all duty is comprised in love, it confirms it; for, as ignorance is just so far a sin, so knowledge is just so far a duty, as it is influenced by the heart, and no farther. That spiritual discernment of Christ’s glory, of which you speak,

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has in it a mixture of holy love. Hence, the thing that wisdom calls for, is an understanding heart, Prov 8:5. If it were allowed that knowledge is a mere intellectual exercise (and which, taken in its literal sense, it certainly is), still it would not follow that the same is true of faith; for faith and knowledge are different, though, as I think, too much confounded by Mr. Sandeman and his admirers. To know the meaning of the testimony, is necessary to faith, but is not faith itself: for it is equally necessary to unbelief; seeing no man can be said to disbelieve, any more than believe, that of which he has no idea. Knowledge is perception of what is affirmed: faith is practically treating God as the God of truth: and unbelief is treating him as a liar; which must, therefore, in both cases, include the acting-out of the heart. But not only does faith include an exercise of the heart; but knowledge itself, if it be spiritual, does the same. If no one can call Jesus Lord, but by the Holy Spirit, it is because there requires a holy influence from above, or an unction from the Holy One, by which we know all things, to this end. This is that spirituality by which alone spiritual things are discerned. It affords me pleasure that the light for which you plead is spiritual, or holy; and that, though you are unwilling to allow it to include any exercise of the heart, yet you do not mean to encourage mere speculators in religion to consider themselves as the children of God. Your hypothesis, however, would lead to it. If you are at a loss to conceive, how knowledge of any kind should include an exercise of the heart, only inquire if there be no such thing as voluntary, or wilful, ignorance; and whether the true distinction between natural and moral ignorance does not consist in this—that the one is owing to the want of powers or advantages, and the other, to an aversion from the truth. You observe from Dr. Erskine that “the Holy Spirit uses words in their common acceptation—that faith does not signify choice, affection, temper, behaviour, in common language; but merely persuasion, or assent, and commonly, persuasion founded on testimony.” I do not contend that faith signifies affection, temper, or behaviour; but allow it to mean persuasion, or belief. That for which I contend, is that it is such a persuasion as is influenced by a sense of the glory of the things believed, and which sense includes an affection of the heart; a persuasion which is effected by the removal of that which, you say, is their grand incapacity—“the love of darkness rather than light;” a persuasion which not only promotes repentance, but presupposes it. Your system knows no repentance but what is the effect of

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believing the gospel; but the scripture system calls men to repent, and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15), to repent that they may believe, Matt 21:32. If this were such a use of the term believe as is not common in natural things, it were no solid objection to it. The common use of the term justify is, to find a person innocent, and on that ground, to acquit him; and so it stands opposed to finding him guilty, and either condemning him, or acquitting him: but justification, in the Scriptures, includes forgiveness, as I believe you will allow. I question, however, whether the common use of the term believe, be not, in many cases, expressive of such a persuasion as is influenced by the state of the heart, and so includes it. If Mordecai had become a mediator for Haman, and Ahasuerus had sent a message to him, the implication of which was that he had been the vilest of traitors, and deserved to die; but that, out of pure, undeserved favour, he had, at the instance of Mordecai, consented to pardon all his crimes; provided that, in the presence of the whole city of Shushan, he would confess his guilt, ask pardon in Mordecai’s name, and consent to serve the king all his future life, under him; and all this not merely in pretence, but cordially—Query, Could Haman have believed this message, in all its implications and bearings, to be good news, while he retained his enmity? And, if he had been brought to believe it to be good that he should be thus humbled, and thus devote his future life, would that belief have included no exercise of the heart? You speak of our being ‘regenerated by faith.’ I know of no Scripture ground for such an idea. He that believeth that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God; and the same language is used of him that loveth, 1 John 5:1; 4:5. But you would not say that we are regenerated by love. I allow, however, that regeneration is ascribed to the word of God, as a mean; but I apprehend that the Scriptures seldom use words in a metaphysical, but, commonly, in a popular sense; and that the phrase, born again, etc. in 1 Pet 1:23 and Jas 1:18 is expressive of that whole change, by which we become true Christians; including active conversion, or turning to God through Jesus Christ. If I allow the incorruptible seed an equal influence in regeneration, as the first principle of animal existence has in generation, I think I allow it all that the Scriptures ascribe to it. But, though man is truly said to be begotten by man; yet there is an inspiration of the Almighty, which giveth us life (Job 33:4); the breathing of him who quickeneth all things [and who formeth the spirit of man within him, Zech 12:1]; and which is not by means of man. I suppose there is something analogous to this in regeneration; and which is alike rational and scriptural, though, to us, alike incomprehensible.

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As to what you have quoted from Dr. Erskine, on “faith having no moral efficacy towards procuring our pardon and acceptance,” I readily admit it; but it does not follow that, for this purpose, it must contain nothing holy in its nature; for, let it contain what holiness it may, it can have no such influence. The reason why we are justified by faith, rather than by hope or love, is not because the one is void of all holiness, and the other is not so; but because the former bears this peculiar relation to Christ that, by it, we are united to him: rejecting all other dependences, it embraces him as revealed in the gospel; thus bringing the sinner to become one with him: which oneness, or union, is represented as necessary to justification. Rom 8:1, 1 Cor. 1:30, Phil 3:9. If we were justified by love, it must be on account of its moral excellency; but we may be justified by faith (though it be a moral excellency) on another account, in some such way as a person may be entitled to an estate by marriage. The act of marriage may include an acquiescence of the heart, and be a virtuous deed, as opposed to a lawless attachment to former lovers: yet it would not be by marriage as a virtuous deed, but as uniting the wife to her husband, that she would be interested in his estates. I find Mr. M’Lean, in a new edition of his piece on the Commission of Christ, has introduced a part of the correspondence between him and me on this subject. He has given some of my words, though but few, and those not in their proper connection. He alleged when in company with me that, “by supposing faith to include any affection of the heart, I confounded what the Scriptures distinguish; namely, faith, hope, and charity.” I answered, “Faith, hope, and charity, are doubtless distinguished; but they are not so distinct as your argument requires them to be. If it were, each must contain nothing of the other. Faith must have no hope in it, any more than love; hope also must have no faith nor love in it; and love must include neither faith nor hope. But, to mention only hope, does it not include desire; and does not desire include love?” He owned it did, and that it was “a modification of love.” “Then (I replied) your argument is lost.” He made no other answer to this, than saying, with an air of pleasantry, “You are a younger man than I,” meaning, I suppose, that I had more of an edge for dispute. Such was the connection of what he has introduced in his note (p. 76); of which nothing can be made, as it there stands. I observe also, he has given the substance of his own letter to me, without noticing the answer to it, which was in his possession. I consider the whole note as a mangled and very partial representation of my sentiments: and the pertinacity with which he maintains his objection, that I confound faith and charity, after it has been answered as above, affords but little encouragement to hope for anything from him deserving the name of candid or brotherly discussion.

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P. S. If faith be wholly involuntary, and the mind be equally passive in it, as the eye is in receiving light (such was the representation of your friend, Dr. Watt), how is it that we read, as follows? “If thou wouldest believe,” John 11:40; “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth,” Mark 9:23. Did Christ mean to say, If thou canst be the subject of an impression in which thou art passive and involuntary? or, If thou canst find in thy heart to credit my all-sufficiency? If the former, it had been tantalizing: if the latter, it tended to draw forth faith. How is it, too, that in answer to the question, “What shall we do that we may work the works of God?” our Lord should say, This is the work of God, that ye believe in him whom he hath sent? If faith must be compared to anything pertaining to the eye, it is not to that impression which light makes upon it, but to the voluntary exercise of looking, beholding the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world, and which stands opposed to shutting the eyes against the truth, which is descriptive of unbelief. How far this letter was satisfactory to the friend to whom it was addressed and whom I also highly esteem, I am not sure. I unexpectedly met with it in Brother Fuller’s journal of his first visit to Scotland and, as it exactly accords with my own decided views on the subject, I have inserted it in this place. I do not wish unnecessarily to offend any person, or any party of Christians, but truth ought to be dearer to me than anything that can be placed in competition with it. Mr. Fuller has added some other remarks on the peculiarities of our northern brethren which I hope I may transcribe without displeasing any who have been cordial friends to our Missions. I find there are various things, besides the nature of faith, wherein the Scotch and English Baptists differ; and wherein I, as one of the English Baptists, feel myself obliged to differ from them. The principal of them are as follows: 1. They are mostly strenuous in contending that Christ is called the Son of God, merely as assuming human nature; or that he was not the Son of God, antecedent to his incarnation. To me, this appears contrary to many passages of Scripture: particularly all those which speak of God’s sending his Son into the world; which manifestly imply that he was his Son prior to his being sent—also, those which speak of the Son of God being manifested, born of a woman, etc.²⁹⁰ which imply that he was the Son, antecedent to such manifestation, birth, etc.

 Galatians 4:4.

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2. They contend that a plurality of bishops is essential to a regular Christian church. To me, it appears that the number of bishops, as of deacons, is to be regulated by the largeness of the church; and that we might as well insist on having seven deacons as a plurality of bishops. They consider the term elder as synonymous with bishops; but I think there were, in the primitive churches, elders who did not labour in word and doctrine. 1 Tim 5:7. And it should seem that the seven churches in Asia had each its angel, or bishop, in the singular.²⁹¹ 3. They insist on the Lord’s supper being administered every first day of the week, grounding it on Acts 20:7. There can be nothing wrong in commemorating the Lord’s death weekly; but I see no authority to make it binding. We ought not to make laws, where Christ has made none. There is, certainly, no precept in this matter; and as to example, if that above cited was designed to teach us that the first day of the week was the time which we ought to follow invariably, it must then be the only time, whereas it appears that this was not the only time. The ordinance was first instituted and celebrated on a weekday, by our Lord and his Apostles; and, at the time of Pentecost, it has the appearance of being attended to daily. Acts 2:46. Probably, at the time when Paul visited Troas, it was a weekly practice;²⁹² but there is no reason to make laws, where Christ has not made them. 4. They also practise the washing of feet, the holy kiss, etc. I think the form of these things may be preserved (as it is by the Pope when he is elected) while the spirit of them is lost. Neither the washing of feet, nor the kiss, were religious institutes; for they existed in the world before Christianity. They were expressions of kindness in those places and ages. Their feet required washing, which ours do not; and to perform that for a person which is unnecessary, in order to imitate a conduct which was necessary, is deviating from the spirit of it, while we retain the form. 5. There seems to be but very little exercise of forbearance among them. Every difference in doctrine, or even in a case of discipline, seems as if it issued in a separation. There are many worthy characters now in Scotland and its vicinity, who stand excluded for no other reason, but that they could not approve of some of the proceedings of the church. If this plan of discipline were universal, it would be a source of divisions without end.

 See Revelation 2– 3.  Acts 20:7.

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6. Their plan seems to be but little calculated to diffuse the gospel; as, when ministers of other denominations join them, instead of continuing them in the ministry, and encouraging them to go everywhere preaching the gospel, they are generally silenced, and turn physicians, or follow some other temporal calling for their support. There are some things, however, in which they are worthy of imitation; particularly in their liberality in giving of their worldly property, and in their peaceable demeanour as subjects. Such were the principal things which struck the mind of my departed Brother when he first visited Scotland in 1799. I shall give a more brief account of his subsequent journeys. He visited that country a second time in 1802 and gave a detail of the chief circumstances that were worthy of notice in a series of Letters to Mrs. Fuller,²⁹³ from which I have made the following extracts. Barton-on-the-Humber, August 25, 1802—At ten we arrived here. My sleep having been regular, I was not weary and am now very well. With tenderness and earnest solicitude, I have importuned preserving mercy for my dear family and that I may visit it in due time, and not sin! August 25, 1802—I begin to feel awkward; having reduced my four guineas to four shillings, I am afraid I should be in the situation of a number of small ships hereabouts at low tide—run a-ground! I am thinking whether I must not take a walk before dinner, instead of having one! If I could but get over the water, I should do. August 26, 1802—I was detained last night till half-past six, and so strong a westerly wind blew that it was thought the hoy, or daily passage-boat, could not have come out; in which case, I must have stayed longer still. It did come, however; but a number of the passengers were sick, through our being tossed about. There were near sixty of us on board and we arrived safely at Hull about half-past seven. It was a fine sight to see the waves, each as large as the roof of a small house, continually beating against our vessel while she rode triumphantly above them all. I felt no sickness, but stood above deck, having hold of a rope with my hand and gazed all the time with a kind of sublime pleasure at the majestic sight. I had eleven pence in my pocket when I came to the house last night. I am to spend my Sabbath in the two Baptist churches. I have hitherto been mercifully pre-

 Ann Fuller.

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served in all respects. My mind is peaceful and happy, and my approaches to a throne of grace, at which I do not forget you all, have been free and tender. Hull, August 28, 1802—I am reduced to a state of perplexity about getting to Edinburgh. The Leith packet sails on Lord’s-day morning and will wait for no one. I expect I must go by coach. York, August 31, 1802—I arrived here last night and determined to stop a day and try what I can do among the serious Church-people. I understood there were no Dissenters here, except a few Socinian Baptists. I went immediately to the house of Hepworth and Crosby (who for some time have subscribed to our Mission) and met with a kind reception. Supped there, with Mr. Overton, the author of the True Churchman, who is a Clergyman of this city; I believe we had much mutual pleasure. I am here well known by all the evangelical Clergy, of whom there are three, if not more. I called on another venerable old minister, next morning.²⁹⁴ At Hull, I called on two Clergymen who readily contributed to the cause, and several of their people followed their example. I collected twelve guineas in York and had a good deal of friendly intercourse with these godly Episcopalians. I was surprised at being informed that a little Baptist church was lately formed here. I found the principal person: they would have been glad of a sermon, this evening, if they had known in time. I gave them all the good counsel I could, prayed with them, and returned to the company of my other friends, with whom I enjoyed much free and agreeable conversation. Edinburgh, Saturday, September 4, 1802—I came hither the night before last, at eleven o’clock, after riding 80 miles to Newcastle, taking a few hours’ sleep there, setting off again at five in the morning, riding 120 miles to Edinburgh. I bore my journey very well, though I have had a slight roughness on my lungs almost ever since I set off. I do not know that bathing in the sea, yesterday, for the first time in my life, did it any harm. I have engaged to preach twice tomorrow, for Messrs. Aikman and Haldane, at the Tabernacle.

 John Overton (1763 – 1838), a graduate of Magdalene College, Cambridge (1790), first served as assistant curate at York before his appointment to the chancellor’s livings of St. Crux and St. Margaret’s through the influence of William Wilberforce. His The True Churchman Ascertained: Or, An Apology for Those of the Regular Clergy of the Establishment, Who Are Sometimes Called Evangelical Ministers: Occasioned by Several Modern Publications (York: T. Wilson and R. Spence, 1801) was a reply to Robert Fellowes’s (1771– 1847) The Anti-Calvinist; Or Two Plain Discourses on Redemption and Faith (London: T. Bensley, 1800).

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Dundee, September 15, 1802—Last week, I preached twice in Edinburgh and once at Dalkeith. I was not a little apprehensive that I should be laid by with hoarseness; but I went through very well. On Lord’s day I preached twice; in the morning, to about fifteen hundred people, and in the evening to about four thousand, when we had a collection of £130. I was not at all hurt by it. On Monday morning, I took leave of friends at Edinburgh, who were many of them much affected at parting; and rode in company with Mr. Wardlaw²⁹⁵ (a young minister, who agrees to accompany me my whole journey in Scotland), and another friend in a post chaise, to this place, which is sixtythree miles. Our first stage was to Queen’s Ferry, where we crossed the Firth of Forth, two miles wide. Breakfasted with Mr. Ebenezer Brown²⁹⁶ (son of Mr. Brown, of Haddington),²⁹⁷ at Inverkeithing. A lovely family this! Set off, at eleven o’clock, for Kinross; and from thence to Perth by dinner. Called on Mr. Scott, a Clergyman, who paid me twenty guineas, which he had received for me. Reached Dundee at ten. I lodge at Mr. Innes’s,²⁹⁸ the minister of the Tabernacle. This is a town of about 20,000 people, on the Firth of Tay, near the eastern coast. I preached last night to about 1400 persons; collected not quite £20; we go back to Perth, where I am to preach tonight and collect at the Tabernacle. (The places so called in Scotland are not occupied by people like our Calvinistic Methodists, but strict Independents connected with Mr. Haldane.) The next day, I go to Stirling and thence to Glasgow. At Tealy, five miles from hence, northward, lived the famous Mr. Glass.²⁹⁹ He resigned that living, and set up an Independent church-government, attended with all the peculiarities which have distinguished his followers ever since. Robert Sandeman married his daughter, and entered deeply into his views. Here, they are called Glassites. In England, they are called Sandemanians. In both, they are uncommonly tenacious of forms, refusing to unite with other Christians in almost everything religious; but many of them not refusing to unite with wicked men at a theatre. This spirit has too much infected many of the Scotch Baptists; though all, by this time, disavow Glass and Sandeman. Wherever much of the spirit which generally attends this system prevails, the consequences are very injurious. I am happy to rectify

 Ralph Wardlaw.  Ebenezer Brown (fl. 1780 – 1835) was the second son of John Brown of Haddington, who served at the Inverkeithing parish church for 55 years from 1780.  John Brown (1722– 1787) of Haddington was a Scottish minister at the Burgher branch of the Secession Church in Haddington from 1750 until his death. See John Cairns, Memoir of John Brown, D.D. (Edinburgh: Edmonston and Douglas; London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co., 1860).  William Innes.  John Glas.

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one mistake: David Dale, of Glasgow, whom I always reckoned a Glassite, is not so. I am now writing in my chamber, from which I have a full east view of Dundee close under me, and of the Firth of Tay down to the sea: from this place, it is about four or five miles wide. If the wind be fair, they will sail to London in three or four days. Between here and Perth, is a fine romantic country, one and twenty miles, all along the side of the Tay: they are now in the midst of harvest. The women reap as much as the men. Agricultural improvement seems to be carried to a greater height than in England. Our Northern friends are induced to treat Englishmen well, not only from friendship and hospitality, but from a regard to the credit of their country, which some of our haughty gentry have too much depreciated. They have to say, and justly, “Though you say our country is sterile and poor, yet it is from hence that Smithfield is supplied with beef.” Glasgow, September 19, 1802—We had a pleasant journey, on Wednesday, from Dundee to Perth. Much interesting conversation in the post-chaise, with my companions, on various subjects in divinity—the atonement of Christ, the covenant with Abraham, etc. on which they sounded my sentiments. We also talked over most of the points between me and Mr. M’Lean, and almost came together in all things but infant baptism. Preached at the Independent meeting, to about a thousand people. Supped with a venerable old Scotch Clergyman, Mr. Scott, and with Mr. Willison, another Clergyman, about five miles off, whose company was engaging. On Thursday morning, the 6th, set off for Stirling, a journey of nearly forty miles; got in at six in the evening. Preaching had been advertised, in the papers, to be in the town-hall; for here both Kirkmen and Seceders keep their pulpitdoors shut against all but themselves. But Mr. Campbell,³⁰⁰ a Clergyman from Kippen, came seven or eight miles on purpose to see me, and heard me in the town-hall. I believe he was the only minister there. Mr. Smart would have been friendly, but he was out. We had three or four hundred people, and collected about £15. After the sermon, Mr. Campbell, who was all brotherly-kindness, would have me go with him to Mr. R., one of the Clergy; who, though he did not think it best to attend, yet showed himself friendly to the cause, by giving me two or three guineas. He behaved well to me; and I breakfasted with him the next morning.

 John Campbell (1758 – 1828) pastored the parish church in Kippen, Stirlingshire for 22 years before taking a call at Tolbooth Church in Edinburgh, where he served for an additional 23 years.

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On Friday the 17th, I rose early, and went to see the town and castle before breakfast. This is a most romantic situation; the finest spot I have seen in Scotland. Here the Scottish kings used occasionally to reside. I suppose it was their summer house. Near this, is the late seat of R. H. Esq.,³⁰¹ a seat which a Scotch nobleman has pronounced to be “a perfect heaven upon earth;” but which he sold,³⁰² and has since laid out thousands every year, for the propagation of the gospel in Scotland and Ireland. “O” (say the gentry) “he must have some deep scheme in his head.” Some of the Clergy cannot endure him: but he has great interest with the common people. He is a great economist, in order to be generous.³⁰³ Here we left Mr. Harvey, one of our travelling companions; a man who is made up of good sense, gentleness, and Christian simplicity. Mr. Wardlaw and I set off for Glasgow, twenty-seven miles: this young man is a promising character. He was brought up for the Burgher Secession; but has left it for the Tabernacle connection. He has a place now building, in Glasgow, which will hold ten or twelve hundred people. He read the hymns, and prayed for me, during the journey; which has been 150 miles since last Monday, and has added about £70 to my stock, without impairing my health. Here I found a letter from yourself, which gave me spirits. On Saturday, the 18th, I called on several friends. Saw Dr. Watt, who is now one of the pastors of the Scotch Baptist church in this city. We had had, before, some sharp correspondence; but he was now very conciliating. The pastor of another church, which professes to be in fellowship with the English Baptists, brought a message from them, that they would be glad to hear my faith, and, if it accorded with theirs, to have me preach, and join them at the Lord’s supper. I told him, he had sent their faith to me, and I approved of it: but I should make no other confession of faith than that; that I did not come to Glasgow as a candidate for their pulpit, and it was indifferent to me whether I occupied it. I said, I had no objection to answer him any question he thought proper to ask me as a Christian; but I had no notion of being interrogated, as a condition of preaching, etc. At near eleven, a deacon came with their decision, that, if I would not make a confession, they could not admit me. “Very well, then I shall go to the Tabernacle, and consider your conduct as a renunciation of connection with us, as English churches; for it implies, you have no confidence in us.” He said, it was all owing to two or three, and that the church in general wished it to  Ryland has abbreviated Robert Haldane, Esquire (Ryland [1816], 304).  Ryland has omitted: “and has ever since lived in a recluse style of life” (Ryland [1816], 304).  Ryland has omitted: “He has saved £30,000, I am told, by the advance of the funds he since bought in” (Ryland [1816], 304).

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be otherwise. I heard at Tabernacle, in the morning: notice was given that I should preach in the afternoon and evening. The Baptists repented; but it was too late. I preached, in the afternoon, to four thousand people; in the evening, to near five thousand. Collected £200. I have a little headache, but mv voice is not hurt. Liverpool, September 25, 1802—I have just arrived here, and found yours, after a long and tedious journey of 225 miles; in which I put off my clothes only for two hours since Thursday morning. On Monday, September 20, I was seized, at Glasgow, with violent sickness, and vomiting of bile, and kept my bed till three in the afternoon. While in bed, I was visited by Mr. L. and the deacons of the Baptist church. I learnt that the refusal of their pulpit was against the will of the church, except two members; that the church at P. with which they are in connection, had sent deputies to oppose my being admitted to preach and commune with them; and these, with the two members, carried their point: but on Lord’s-day noon, the church were so hurt at my being refused, that they resolved to invite me. The two deacons were deputed to request that I would look over the affair of Lord’s day, and consider them as one with us. Accordingly, I preached there in the evening, and collected £45 after about £200 had been collected, on Lord’s day, at the Tabernacle. Tuesday morning, set off, in a chaise, for Greenock: preached and collected £33. Wednesday, returned, and preached at Paisley: have not yet received their collections, but suppose it may be about £40. I found myself getting better daily, though travelling and preaching. On Thursday morning, I met with all the members of the Baptist church, who appear to be a simple-hearted people, and regret my not preaching and communing with them. They wished for a connection with the English churches. I told them that the distance was such that our connection could answer but few ends. We might, once in a while, hear from each other, might pray for one another, and if the minister or members of either came to the other, they might be admitted to communion; but that was all. They assented to this. I then told them that I had heard of the Baptists in Scotland being negligent of free preaching to the unconverted, and of family-religion. Whether this charge was true, or not, I could not tell: but I earnestly exhorted them to make it evidently appear that they were far more anxious that those around them should become Christians, than that they should embrace our opinion as to baptism: if sinners were converted to God among them, and made Christians, they would probably be Baptists also, of their own accord; but I reminded them that, if family religion was neglected, Paedobaptists would be furnished with the most weighty objection against our sentiments

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as Baptists. They seemed to receive what I said in love, and to approve of it. I prayed with them, and so parted. Thursday noon, September 23, 1802—Being disappointed of a place in the mail, I ordered a post-chaise, and advertised for a partner to Liverpool. A Jew wanted to go thither, and we took a post-chaise together. He proved an intelligent, but rather profane man. We had much talk on Christianity, and sometimes I thought him somewhat impressed. We had scarcely got out of Glasgow, before he observed something of the dissatisfaction we found in all our enjoyments. I acquiesced, and suggested that there must be some defect in the object, and thence inferred a future state. He did not seem free to pursue the subject; but said, “I am a Jew, and I consider you as a Christian Divine: I wish to do everything to accommodate you during the journey.” I thanked him, and said, I wished to do the same towards him, in return. I presently found, however, that he was a Sadducee, holding with only the Five Books of Moses, and those very loosely; suggesting of Moses that, though he was a great and good man in his day, yet, it was his opinion, there had been much more learned men since. He also began “accommodating” me with curses and oaths, on the most trifling occasions. Finding I had a compound of infidelity and profligacy to contend with, and about a fifty-hours’ journey before me, in which I should be cooped up with him night and day, I did not oppose him much at first; but let him go on, waiting for fit occasions. I asked for a proof of Moses’ ignorance. Jew. “He spoke of the earth as stationary, and the sun as rising and setting.” F. “And do not those that you call learned men speak the same, in their ordinary conversation?” J. “To be sure they do.” F. “They could not be understood, nor understand themselves, could they, if they were to speak of the earth’s rising and setting?” J. “True.” After a while, he praised the ten commandments. I acquiesced, and added, “I have been not a little hurt, Sir, in observing, since we have been together, how lightly you treat one of them, Thou shall not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain!”³⁰⁴

 Exodus 20:7.

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J. “I must own, that is a bad habit: I have been told of it before.” We had no more swearing. He talked, after this, of the merit of good works, and told me, at my request, much about their worship and ceremonies; particularly, their great day of atonement, which he said was very impressive. F. “Do you offer sacrifices?” J. “No: not since the destruction of the temple, except it be a fowl or so, just as a representation of what has been.” F. “And do you really think that the blood of any animal, or any of those ceremonies, can take away sin?” J. “If you deny that, you deny the laws of Moses.” F. “No: the sacrifices of Moses were not designed to take away sin, but to prefigure a greater sacrifice.” He paused … I added, “Sir, you are a sinner, and I am a sinner: we must both shortly appear before God. I know not upon what you rest your hopes. You have talked of human merit. I have nothing of the kind, on which to place my trust. I believe, we have all merited the displeasure of our Creator, and, if dealt with according to our deserts, must perish forever. Sir, if our sins be not atoned for, by a greater sacrifice than any that were offered under the law of Moses, we are undone.” He seemed impressed by this, and owned that, according to their law, and confessions on the day of atonement, they were all sinners, and that their good works could not save them. I then endeavoured to point him to Christ, as the only hope: but he began to make objections to his conception by the power of the Holy Spirit. F. “That was no more impossible than God’s making the first man and woman.” J. “True: but God having made these, the rest are born by ordinary generation.” F. “You might as well say that God, having given the sea its laws, it moves in future according to them, and, therefore, the Red Sea could not have been divided. Your argument goes to deny all miracles.”

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J. “We think charitably of you, but you do not of us.” F. “How can you think well of us, when you consider us as deluded by an impostor?” J. “We think well of all that do good.” F. “So do we. But what a singular impostor must Jesus have been, if he was one! Did you ever know or read of such an one, either as to doctrine or manners?” J. “Who wrote the life of Jesus?” F. “Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.” J. “Very well: were not they his disciples, and therefore partial to him?” F. “You might as well object to all the books of the Old Testament: they were not written by adversaries…” J. “Ah, he should have come down from the cross, and then all would have believed on him!” F. “If evidence had been the thing that was wanted, why did not the resurrection of Lazarus satisfy them?”³⁰⁵ J. “That was a doubtful matter. I reckon Jesus was a learned man: Lazarus might not be dead, but only apparently so; and he might make an experiment upon him; as many have done since, and restored suspended animation.” F. “Did you ever read the New Testament?” J. “Yes, I read it, when a boy of eight years old.” F. “And not since?” J. “No.”

 See John 11.

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F. “What then can you know about it? You only take up the objections of your Rabbis (whom he had a little before acknowledged to be many of them no better than learned knaves): if you had read and considered the history of the resurrection of Lazarus, you could not object, as you do.” After this, I asked him what he thought of prophecy? “Prophecy!” (says he) “I have often, when a boy, looked at the clouds, and seen in them horses and chariots, and I know not what!” F. “I understand you; but it is strange that imagination should find, in the prophecies, the substance of all succeeding history. Were not all the great empires that have been in the world, from the times of Daniel to this day; namely, the Babylonian, the Persian, the Grecian, and the Roman, with their various subdivisions, clearly foretold by him?” He would make no answer to this, but treated it all as fable. “They talk,” said he, “of our being restored to the promised land. I will tell you the whole mystery of it. Those of us who have plenty, wish for no other promised land; but those that are poor, would be glad enough to better their condition!” He complained of the persecutions that the Jews had undergone from Christians. I disavowed all such treatment, as the conduct of wicked men. “But,” said he, “you have been, even in this war, fighting for your religion.” I answered, “Those who profess to fight for religion, fight for the want of it; and Christianity employs none but spiritual weapons.” I also assured him that real Christians felt a tender regard towards them, and loved them for their fathers’ sake. “Yes,” said he, sneeringly, “the good people at Glasgow pray, every Sunday, for our conversion!” I answered, “Very likely: it is what I have often done myself.” When we got to Liverpool, he requested that, when I came to London, I would call and see him. I told him I would, on one condition, which was that he would permit me to present him with a New Testament, and promise to read it carefully. He consented; but that he might put far from him the evil day, proposed that if, when I called to see him, I would bring one with me, he would read it. I saw no more of him: but meeting with a Gospel Its Own Witness, in Liverpool, in which is an Address to the Jews,³⁰⁶ I wrapt it up in paper, and sent it to him at his inn, having written inside, as follows: “A

 Andrew Fuller, “To the Jews,” in The Gospel Its Own Witness: Or the Holy Nature, and Divine Harmony of the Christian Religion, Contrasted with the Immorality and Absurdity of Deism (Clipston: J. W. Morris, 1799), 249 – 255.

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small token of respect from the author, to Mr. D. L. A., for his friendly attentions to him, on a journey from Glasgow to Liverpool, September 23, 24, 25, 1802.” After all, in reflecting upon it, I felt guilty in having said so little to purpose; and was persuaded that if I had been more spiritually-minded, I should have recommended my Lord and Saviour better than I did. In riding from Manchester to Harborough, in the mail, I found myself in very profane company. I, therefore, for the greater part of the journey, composed myself, as if asleep. Near Loughborough two gentlemen followed us in a post-chaise, one of them wishing to take my place when we got to Harborough. We dined at Leicester, and the gentleman being in the inn-yard, I went to him, and offered him my place from Leicester, proposing to ride on the outside as far as Harborough. He thanked me, but declined it. He added, “I think I have seen you, Sir, before.” He dined with us; and, while at dinner, seeing my portmanteau marked A. F. K. he asked me, before our company, if my name was not Fuller? I told him it was. He then thanked me, not only for my kind offer of my place, but for a late publication, which he had read with unusual satisfaction. I made but little answer; only inquiring his name, which I found to be Lee, of the Old Jewry, a hearer of Mr. Newton.³⁰⁷ As soon as we had got into the coach (Mr. Lee was not with us, but followed in a post-chaise), my former swearing companions were all mute, and continued so for the greater part of the journey. One of them, however, who had been more civil and sober than the rest, addressed himself to me. “I perceive Sir,” said he, “by what was said at dinner, that you are an author. Will you excuse me, if I ask what it is that you have published?” I told him, I was a Christian minister, and had published a piece in defence of Christianity. He expressed a wish to see it. He then talked to me, as one would talk to a literary man, on the English language, composition, etc. I asked him if he was an Englishman? He answered, “No; I am a Prussian.” He inquired, if I had Junius’s Letters?³⁰⁸ I told him I had heard pretty much of them, but had not read them, as they were not particularly in my way. “O,” said he, “you must read them, by all means; I will send you a copy of them.” I thanked him, and, as he had expressed a wish to see what I had written, we would, if agreeable to him make an exchange. To this he agreed, and we ex-

 John Newton.  Junius, A Complete Collection of Junius’s Letters, with Those of Sir William Draper (London: A. Thomson, 1770). These are a series of 69 letters written by an anonymous polemicist called Junius criticizing King George III’s government. These letters were written between 1769 and 1772.

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changed addresses. His was Count D. at the Prussian ambassador’s, London.³⁰⁹ Finding him to be one of the Prussian ambassador’s suite, I asked him many questions about the civil and ecclesiastical affairs of Prussia. Respecting the former, he said, what advantages we had by the law, they had, in a good measure, by custom; that, though the king’s will was law, yet custom so swayed it, as to be very little oppressive. He mentioned the king’s having a desire for a poor man’s field that lay near his; that the owner was unwilling, and the matter was referred to the College of Justice, who advised the king not to insist upon it; and he did not. He spoke of religious matters, as attended with toleration. The Mennonites, who I suppose are Antipaedobaptists, he described as enthusiasts, much like the Quakers, who have no regular Clergymen, but any of them get up and speak, as they feel themselves inspired. How far his account is to be depended upon, I cannot tell. On parting with my company, I came home, and found all well. Thanks, as dear Brother Pearce said, after his journey to Ireland, thanks to the Preserver of men! Mr. Fuller visited Scotland a third time in 1805, and wrote from Lincoln, June 19th (where he preached, and had a collection for the Mission): “I have been up to the top of the cathedral:³¹⁰ it was 338 steps; and the height of the hill on which it stands, above the level, is, perhaps, equal to the height of the building. Boston tower,³¹¹ 35 miles off, seemed near.” Hull, June 21, 1805—I got hither yesterday: was two hours in crossing the Humber. My health is good: have collected, this morning, nearly £60. Scarborough, June 26, 1805—Hull and Cottingham collections amount to upwards of £150. The weather has been very trying to my lungs: my cold has rather increased. I have been sometimes dissolved, in a manner, in perspiration; and sometimes cut up with a north-east wind, as the case was yesterday, in riding hither in an open chaise. After collecting here, and preaching, at night, for Mr. Hague,³¹² the venerable Baptist minister, I hope to set off for York, and get into the mail for Edinburgh. I have enjoyed much peace and calmness of mind in my work. Sometimes, preaching has been pleasant,

 This is 9 Carlton House Terrace, London.  Lincoln Cathedral or Lincoln Minster.  This is probably the tower of St. Botolph’s Church in Boston, Lincolnshire.  William Hague (1736 – 1831) was born at Maton, Yorkshire and became the minister of the Baptist congregation at Scarborough in 1756, where he served for forty-eights years. See Ernest A. Payne, “A Yorkshire Story,” Baptist Quarterly 19, no. 8 (1962): 366 – 69.

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and private prayer, in which my dear family, and Christian friends, are always remembered. Dundee, Thursday, July 11, 1805—I left Edinburgh on Tuesday morning: preached at the Burgher meeting: collected about £26 there; and a Baptist church in the town made it up £31. On Wednesday morning, called on Mr. Ebenezer Brown, at Inverkeithing: dined at Burnt Island, on the Firth of Forth: preached in a Burgher meeting in Kirkaldy, where they collected £40: these were most friendly people. Dr. Fleming,³¹³ the minister of the church, joined with all the other Clergymen in his neighbourhood, and all the Seceders and Scotch Baptists, in exerting themselves to the utmost. This morning, we went to Cupar to breakfast, having come twelve miles on our way, last night, after nine o’clock. Here we were in company with a warm Sandemanian. I was silent. Dr. S. and he talked. We crossed the Tay, which is here one or two miles over, and came to Dundee, where I am to preach tonight. While I was at Edinburgh, I called on Mr. M’Lean, and sat an hour with him. We had much explanation, in a very friendly way. They make a collection for us next Lord’s day. They said, I should do but little this time: but, if it do not amount to as much or more than heretofore, I am mistaken. Mr. Haldane’s are proposing to send out three Missionaries of their own; and I told them, I hoped they would give nothing which would interfere with their own undertaking; yet our collection on Lord’s day, was upwards of £126. If the people will give, how can I help it? Aberdeen, July 14, 1805—On Thursday night, after preaching at Dundee, to about 2000 people, my strength so failed that I was obliged to leave all the company immediately, and go to bed. I had a sore throat, which Dr. Stuart, my kind companion in travels, treated plentifully with hartshorn.³¹⁴ Next morning, after a good night’s rest, I was almost well. We travelled, on Friday, about 35 miles, to Montrose, where I preached with ease, having nearly lost my sore throat and cold. Yesterday, we travelled about 36 miles, and got here about six in the evening. I was engaged till ten, in waiting

 Thomas Fleming (1755 – 1824) was born at Kirkmichael, Perthshire and studied at the University of St. Andrews. Following his ordination, Fleming moved to Kenmore in 1779 and to Kirkcaldy in 1788, where he ministered until 1806. Fleming was then moved to Lady Yester’s in Edinburgh. During his life, Fleming translated the Westminster Shorter Catechism into Gaelic. Marjorie Fleming (1803 – 1811), the child writer and poet, was Thomas Fleming’s niece. See James J. Hunter, Historical Notices of Lady Yester’s Church and Parish, Edinburgh: Being the Substance of Four Lectures Delivered before the Members of the Congregation (Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, & Co., 1864), 42– 44.  Hartshorn is male red deer antler, which was used medically to treat diarrhoea and fevers.

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on the ministers, Professors, etc. I am to preach at one place, in the afternoon, and in the evening, at another. Here is a little company of Baptists, who beg I would be with them in the morning. This city contains about 26,000 people. Professor Kidd, and Professor Bentley, who called to see me when I was ill, in 1801, are very cordial; and so is Mr. Doig, a Clergyman. When the day is over, I will add a little more. I feel better this morning than when I set out; so good has the Lord been, in proportioning my strength to such a series of labours, as made me almost despair to look at them. I have also to be very thankful that, in all places, I have met with nothing but kindness. I have been able to heal some differences; and to succeed in collecting, beyond all expectation. Hitherto the Lord hath helped,³¹⁵ and I hope he has preserved my dear family and Christian friends. On Monday, I spent the forenoon with some Baptist friends: in the afternoon and evening, preached and collected at the Independent places. This morning, at six, I baptized three persons; I am to go forty miles, and preach at Brechin tonight. Perth, July 15, 1805—I am considerably better in health than when I set out. Riding, yesterday, through a charming part of the country, with Dr. and Miss S., we could not help wishing much for your company. I travel about forty miles a day, and preach and collect every night.³¹⁶ Lancaster, August 1, 1805—The last letter I wrote you, was from Glasgow, Tuesday, July 23. [This letter is wanting.] Since then, I have preached and collected at Paisley, Greenock, Saltcoats, Kilmarnock, Killwinning, Ayr, and Dumfries. I am now on my way to Liverpool. I have not been in bed till tonight, since Lord’s-day night, at Irvine, in Scotland. I have felt my strength and spirits much exhausted; yet hitherto the Lord hath helped, and my health is good. I feel not a little pleasure in drawing near home. I shall be at Mr. W. Hope’s, Liverpool; at Mr. Robert Speare’s, Manchester; at the Yorkshire annual meeting, perhaps, at Leeds, on Wednesday, August 7; at Ewood Hall, on Thursday; and, if I do not stop at Cosely, shall be at Kettering on Saturday. From Liverpool, he wrote thus to Dr. Stuart: The remembrance of your kindness, and of all that passed between us, occupies much of my time, when alone; but that I have not been, since between Ayr and Cumnack. I know not how to express my obligations. The pleasure of the journey will not soon be forgotten; but the heavy tax on  1 Samuel 7:12.  Ryland omits “[The next letter is wanting],” placing this note in the text of the next letter instead (see Ryland [1816], 320).

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your friendship takes from it, and must furnish an objection to its being repeated. On Lord’s-day morning, I am to preach for Mr. Davis; afternoon, for Mr. Lister;³¹⁷ evening, for Mr. Davis, when both congregations are to be united. Your estimation of my company, preaching, etc. must be placed to the account of the partiality of friendship. I have, upon the whole, enjoyed a greater share of happiness and brotherly kindness in Scotland, than perhaps I ever did before; no small part of which, was from my companions in travel. If I have sometimes been a little severe on the Northern heresy, I am somewhat more at rest about it, in that it was principally confined to our travelling conversations; that is, it was between ourselves. My language is, as you know, often too strong; though, whether it was so, when pointed against the heresy in question, I do not know. I collected £85 here, on Friday and Saturday. Last night, there was a public collection; but I have not learnt the amount. This forenoon, I set off for Manchester. The amount at Liverpool is £132, which is £50 more than last time. Mr. Fuller’s fourth journey was in 1808. On September the 30th, he writes from Brigg, twelve miles south of Barton. He had travelled sixty miles on Wednesday and preached for Mr. Nichols at Long Collingham,³¹⁸ who went with him on Thursday to Lincoln; whence he went on to Brigg in a chaise with two gentlemen, the mail being full. Here he met with a friend from Hull, “In conversation with whom, about the continent (which he visited some years since, on account of trade), I learned,” says Mr. F., something of the righteous acts of the Lord. His visit was in 1803, when there was peace. At that time, he said, the Hamburghers had a good stroke of trade, in common with their neighbours; but having been used to the privilege of neutrality in all wars, at which time they engrossed nearly all the trade to themselves, they were not satisfied. Their language then was, “Let us have a good war; and then we shall have the trade of the world.” They have had a war, and it has proved their ruin! But what a picture, or sketch, does it give of human nature! Selfishness is a gulf that swallows up every

 James Lister (ca. 1779 – 1851) was from Glasgow and pastored the first “English” Baptist church in Scotland, in Glasgow in 1801. Lister later moved to Lime Street in Liverpool. The church separated from Byrom Street after Samuel Medley’s (1738 – 1799) death. Lister served at Lime Street until his death.  William Nichols (d. 1835) was a hosier and became a deacon of the Baptist congregation at Friar Lane in Nottingham. In 1807 Nichols became the pastor at Collingham, where he served until his death. See F. M.W. Harrison, The Story of the Collingham Baptist Church in the County of Nottingham (Neward: Collingham Baptist Church, 1970), 10 – 11.

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feeling of equity and mercy. And what a change is left for the gospel to produce in Christianized Europe. At the last stage between Lincoln and this place, I took up a book to read. It was a Life of Oliver Cromwell. ³¹⁹ The author would not believe that he was such a fool as to believe anything about regeneration and grace; but supposed that all he said about these things was only talking to people in their own way: “for,” said he, “Cromwell was well educated, and read much!” Another sketch of human nature as depraved. O, my dear, what a blessed thing it is for us to have been delivered from these delusions, and taught to know the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom he has sent! God be thanked that we were servants of sin, but we have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine into which we were delivered. Barton, near 12 at noon: I have got to preach, tonight, at Hull; but shall not be able to sail till between three and four. Here is a Prussian in the room, who speaks broken English. F. “What countryman?” P. “A Prussian.” F. “Why, are we not at war?” P. “O no: no Prussian like war with England: it is all force.” Thus they come and trade, in spite of Buonaparte and his decrees. Hull, October 1, 1808. Arrived here, last night, at six: at seven, preached and collected. On going to my lodgings, a pamphlet was put into my hands, which I found to be a Socinian Magazine, containing a letter addressed to me, by a minister of that stamp, who resides in this town: it is full of pretty heavy charges, but concludes with the offer of his mite to our treasury, if called upon. So I waited upon him this morning, partly to receive his mite, and partly to justify myself from his charges. I took two friends with me, and came away with a whole skin, and a guinea for the Mission. Monday: Have had a good night, after the labours of yesterday, when I preached at three places. Trade is very flat; so that if I get £100 it will be as much as I expect. P. S. This I have got, and have taken my place to go to York tomorrow morning. Alnwick, October 6, 1808—I have not been able to touch pen or paper since I left Hull. On Tuesday, at twelve o’clock, I reached York. I had consented to

 This may be William Harris’s Historical and Critical Account of the Life of Oliver Cromwell (London: A. Millar, 1762).

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preach there, in the Baptist place, and they circulated printed hand-bills, to give information. I suppose we had near 1000 hearers. After the sermon, being requested, I administered the Lord’s supper; many churchmen stayed, as spectators. At twelve o’clock that night, I set off for Newcastle, where I arrived the next day at noon, and preached in the evening, when £28 was collected for the Translations. Set off, at five in the morning, for Alnwick, and arrived here by ten. I was told at Hull that they had been informed that we wished for an annual meeting for the Mission in London, but that Mr. Booth opposed it. Whereas the fact is that the proposal did not originate with us; and when I found it opposed by some, I dissuaded others from insisting on it. And as to Mr. Booth, though it is true he was not for the meeting, yet it was for this reason: lest the opulent friends there should, by degrees, assume the power, which, he said, he thought was as well employed where it was. I feel weary of the last three days’ work, in which I have travelled 150 miles, and preached every night; yet I am quite well. I collected about £30 this evening. I arrived at Berwick, about two o’clock: preached in a Relief meeting (Mr. Thompson’s) and collected about £20. After supper, took the mail for Edinburgh, where I arrived at six on Saturday morning. I have waited on almost all the ministers of my acquaintance. I preach, tomorrow, for Mr. Anderson in the morning,³²⁰ and Mr. Aikman in the evening. The Memoir of the Translations has made a strong impression.³²¹ Dr. Stuart has reprinted it. I have collected about £200 in England and “our town of Berwick-upon-Tweed.” My week is about filled for dining and preaching. My work opens on every hand. I must go, I believe, to Aberdeen; but I am well, and shall, I trust, be carried through.

 Christopher Anderson (1782– 1852) was born at Edinburgh and worked as a banker’s clerk. Under the influence of the Haldane brothers, Anderson experienced conversion in 1799 and became a Baptist. Though he wished to join Carey in India, poor health forced him to minster at home. After studying at the Bristol Academy and under John Sutcliff, Anderson ministered in Edinburgh and became a main supporter of the Serampore mission. See Derek B. Murray, “Christopher Anderson (1782– 1852),” in The British Particular Baptists 1638 – 1910, ed. Michael A. G. Haykin (Springfield, MO: Particular Baptist Press, 2003), 3:171– 178; Michael A. G. Haykin, One Heart and One Soul: John Sutcliff of Olney, His Friends and His Times (Darlington: Evangelical Press, 1994), 274– 279.  When efforts to secure funding for additional translations with the newly formed British and Foreign Bible Society dragged on, Joshua Marshman conceived of Memoir Relative to the Translations of the Sacred Scriptures: To the Baptist Missionary Society, in England (Dunstable: J. W. Morris, 1808) as a means to help Fuller raise funds. Stuart reprinted this Memoir, and it was published in Edinburgh by J. Ritchie in 1808.

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Edinburgh, October 14, 1808—This has been a week of great labour and fatigue, attended with no end of visiting. On Tuesday forenoon, I attended the ordination of Mr. Innes, over a part of Mr. James Haldane’s people, who meet in Bernard’s Rooms.³²² Mr. Ewing, of Glasgow, and Mr. Aikman preached. In the evening, I preached at Dalkeith. On Wednesday, at twelve o’clock, I preached at the Magdalene Asylum,³²³ where a number of females were concealed behind a curtain. I felt much on the occasion. I went to dine with Mr. James Haldane, and, in the evening, preached for him.³²⁴ This evening, I heard Mr. Anderson, at his place: many came, expecting to hear me; but I had a headache all day, and therefore declined it.³²⁵ I should have mentioned that I preached at twelve o’clock, at a Burgher meeting (Mr. Hall’s) and collected £65, 13s. 11d. Friday, October 14, 1808—Last night, I was very ill with a cold, bathed my feet in warm water, shut myself up this morning, which is snowy, wet, and cold, declining all visits and company, and nursing myself as well as I can. Lord’s day, October 16, 1808—When I wrote the above, I was not without apprehension that I should be stopped in my progress by illness. I was under Dr. Stuart’s directions all the forenoon; but dreaded what I had to do in the afternoon—in a cold, rainy day, to go to Haddington, sixteen miles, and preach in the evening. But, going in a post-chaise, I took no harm, and am now nearly well.³²⁶ I never was so hurried in Edinburgh before. The col-

 28 Thistle Street in the New Town was known as Bernard’s Houses. The French wax sculpture artist Marie Tussaud (1761– 1850) set up her exhibition here when she arrived Edinburgh in 1803.  The first Magdalen asylum (or Magdalene laundry) was opened by Protestants in Whitechapel, England in late 1758. It was designed to facilitate “fallen women,” who worked in prostitution, became pregnant outside of marriage, or who were otherwise left without familial support. In exchange for lodging, women had to work in the large commercial laundries operated by the institution. The Edinburgh Royal Magdalen Asylum was founded in the Canongate in 1797. See Rebecca Lea McCarthy, Origins of the Magdalene Laundries: An Analytical History (Jefferson: McFarland, 2010).  Ryland omits: “A change has taken place, which reminded me of that in 1 Kings 14:26 – 27, when the shields of gold were exchanged for shields of brass. But I shall say nothing yet … After showing him a little more kindness, I intend to tell him all my heart. Yesterday, Mr. Robert Haldane has sent to invite me to dine with him, with which I shall comply. My concern is to be kind to all parties in order to do them good” (Ryland [1816], 326).  Ryland omits: “Here I saw Mr. James Haldane, and walked home with him, and told him all my heart; entreating him to consider that he was fallible; that he had been as positive about Paedo-baptism as he now was about exhortation, discipline, and the kiss; that I strongly suspect that it is one of Satan’s devices to draw his attention to these little things like the tub which they throw out for the whale, to divert him from attacking his kingdom etc.” (Ryland [1816], 326).  Ryland omits: “Yesterday I dined with Mr. R. Haldane. His brother James was with us. We had only general talk about the Mission, but when I came away James walked with me and we had much

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lections amount already, in Scotland, to near £200. I have yet to collect at Mr. Anderson’s, this afternoon; at Mr. Aikman’s, in the evening; and, on Tuesday, at a Burgher meeting. A collection will also be made at the Tabernacle, but it will be by themselves as a church. Besides them, Mr. M’Lean’s people will probably raise £50 or £60 in their own way. Monday, October 17, 1808—A great day’s work, yesterday. Preached, for Mr. Innes, to 800; at Mr. Anderson’s, to 500; at Mr. Aikman’s, to about 1800. Collected, in the day, above £200. I am much better than could be expected, only my voice a little rough. Dr. Stuart, who wrote a few lines to Mrs. Fuller in this letter, observes, “Differing from one another, all Christians agree in helping this cause.” Edinburgh, October 18, 1808—It is truly astonishing to see the effects produced by the Memoir, of which Dr. Stuart had printed a new edition, of 1000, before I arrived. Mr. J. Haldane³²⁷ gave me their collection, which was £200. Nearly £100 more was collected, on Lord’s-day evening, at Mr. Aikman’s; and £40 the same day, at Mr. Anderson’s. This evening, I preach for Mr. Lothian, a Burgher Seceder. Tomorrow morning, I go for the north. May the Lord give me strength for the work. Think upon me, O my God, for good!³²⁸ I am concerned to hear of my dear Brother Sutcliff’s affliction.³²⁹ This family desire their love to him. I think my visit has raised their spirits. The Doctor has been so blessedly busy that he has had no time to pore over other things. He fears, his depression will return, when I am gone. I feel a great deal better than I was. Aberdeen, October 22, 1808—It is some satisfaction that I am now at the farthest distance, and all my future movements will be towards home. I left Edinburgh on Wednesday, with Mr. Anderson, who accompanies me. I preached, that night, at Perth; next evening, at Dundee. Got here, this morning, in good health. Drank tea with a large circle of religious friends. We slept at Dundee, at the house of a very respectable Clergyman, a Mr. Thompson,³³⁰ and preached, at a Burgher meeting, to a crowded house. In all places in

more talk in which I pleaded for the course which he once walked. He is desirous of more conversation” (Ryland [1816], 325).  Ryland omits: “with whom I have had two or three debates, but in vain” (Ryland [1816], 326).  Nehemiah 5:19.  Sutcliffe had begun to lose the use of his right hand and had difficulty writing. By 1808, he depended on his students to assist him in his correspondence; see Haykin, One Heart and One Soul, 277.  Probably James Thomson, who served as the chairman of Dundee Missionary Society for a period of time.

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Scotland, hitherto, the collections have considerably exceeded anything heretofore; and though I have plainly and freely remonstrated to Mr. H. against some of his late measures, yet we met and parted kindly; and as to all others, I have met with nothing but the most affectionate treatment. I am to preach three times tomorrow, in three different places, collecting at each. Tuesday morning: After preaching at Aberdeen, on Lord’s day, and collecting between £80 and £90, we set off yesterday morning, and returned to Dundee, by ten o’clock, posting sixty-eight miles. I am very weary, and have a sick headache. We shall cross the Tay, in about an hour, and go on to Kirkaldy, where I am to preach this evening. Tomorrow, I shall have to preach twice; namely, at Inverkeithing, for good Ebenezer Brown; and at Dunfermline, for Messrs. Husband and M’Farlane, at Ralph Erskine’s place.³³¹ Glasgow, Friday, October 28, 1808—We have had a terribly wet and stormy week. We crossed the Tay amidst wind and rain, and the fears of good Dr. S. and others for us;³³² but we were all safe, and reached Kirkaldy, though not till after the people were assembled. All day on Wednesday, it blew almost a tempest, but I got comfortably through my work of preaching, at Inverkeithing, and at Dunfermline, to upwards of 2000 people. Yesterday morning, the wind abated; I crossed the Forth in safety, and reached this place very well. It is surprising how God hath prospered my way. Glasgow, October 31, 1808—I preached, on Friday evening, to about 1000 people, when they began their collections. Yesterday, I preached at Mr. Wardlaw’s in the morning; and in the evening, for Mr. Ewing; resting in the afternoon. The collection at the former place was £140, at the latter £163. About 4000 people were out in the evening, who all heard distinctly. The interest, affection, and liberality of the people here is overwhelming. They want a promise to come every two years. I have not given it, however. Tonight, I preach at Paisley, and then return hither, where I am to preach three more sermons among the Seceders, and the Church. They have got me a Chapel

 Ralph Erskine studied at Edinburgh and was ordained assistant minister at Dunfermline in 1711. As a result of the “Marrow Controversy,” Erskine left the establishment in 1737 and formed Queen Anne Street Church in Dunfermline. By the end of the eighteenth century, the church was one of the oldest and most numerous of the Secession churches. James Husband (d. 1821) ministered at Queen Anne Street Church from about 1775 until his death. In 1785, Husband’s future son-in-law, John MacFarlane (ca. 1759 – 1823), was ordained and served as Husband’s colleague for forty years.  Charles Stuart.

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of Ease, which belongs to the Kirk, for Wednesday evening.³³³ It is very large, though not equal to Mr. Ewing’s. Glasgow, Wednesday, November 2, 1808—Yesterday, I returned from Paisley, where, on Monday evening, they collected £114. Last night I preached here and had a smaller collection, at a Burgher meeting, of between £30 and £40. I visit all among the Church of Scotland, and preach at the Chapel of Ease at night. My health is pretty good. Mr. Fuller’s fifth and last journey to Scotland was in 1813. Carlisle, July 1, 1813—On Monday, June 28th, I reached Nottingham, and then rode outside to Chesterfield, and then within the coach, for 40 miles, to Leeds, where I arrived at five in the morning, went to bed, and slept well for three or four hours. Tuesday, July 29, 1813—After calling on a few friends in Leeds, set off for Bradford, by way of Fulneck, where I stopped an hour. Saw two German Missionaries, waiting to go out. Mr. Ramftler, late of Bedford, is the presiding minister.³³⁴ On reaching Bradford, I expected Mr. Steadman would have been ready to go with me;³³⁵ but found he was not expected till next evening, from London. I consented to give them a sermon, and determined to set off, though alone, next morning. Wednesday, June 30, 1813—Took coach from Bradford to Kendal, sixty-six miles; passed through a dreary part of Yorkshire, by Keighley, Shipton, and Settle; about fourteen miles beyond, we entered Westmoreland, and proceeded to Kendal, where we arrived about nine, glad during so wet a day, to

 This chapel was located on Neilston Road, and it was formed under the Kirk Session of the Laigh Kirk. It left the Church of Scotland in 1843 to join the Free Church of Scotland, as the Free South Church.  Christian Frederick Ramftler was born at Barby to a Moravian family. After his training, Ramftler worked as a schoolmaster. In 1803, he was called to England, where he became the master in the Moravian boarding school at Fairfield, Lancashire. In 1809 or 1810, Ramftler served as the Moravian minister at Bedford. Later, Ramftler moved to West Yorkshire and Bristol and helped to form a Moravian church at Brockweir, Gloucestershire.  William Steadman (1764– 1837) was the pastor of the Baptist congregation in Bradford and president of the Horton Academy. Before moving to Bradford in 1805, Steadman pastored for seven years in Devonport. Like Samuel Pearce, Steadman wanted to serve with the BMS but instead made England his mission field (his wife’s ill health and poor eyesight kept him at home). Steadman was an active supporter of the BMS and the Bible Society. He was awarded an honorary D.D. from Brown University in 1815.

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have been withinside. After tea, I found out Mr. K.,³³⁶ a Baptist minister, who with his wife appear serious, intelligent people. I much enjoyed half an hour with them. The good woman seemed hardly to believe that I could be the Mr. Fuller that had written so many books! Bespoke a place in the mail, but found it full when it came in, at four o’clock, on Thursday morning, July 1. So I ventured to go on the outside; but, by six, it began to rain, and never ceased till we got to Carlisle, about twelve. A miserable journey over the bleak Westmoreland and Cumberland mountains; many of which had their tops enveloped in the clouds. The wind and rain beat all the way in my face: but the guard lending me his umbrella, I was not wet through. I have taken a place for Dumfries, on condition I can go withinside. I have hardly been so uncomfortably cold as, since I crossed these uncomfortable moors five years ago, in my way home from Scotland. If I escape taking cold, I hope to make two uses of it. (l) Of encouragement; as it will be an indication of my being less susceptible of cold than heretofore. (2) Of caution; not to venture riding on the outside again, during the journey, at least while the weather is so uncertain. Dumfries, Friday, July 2, 1813—I got an inside place, yesterday, and reached this place comfortably, at nine: the distance is forty miles. Put my feet in warm water, before going to bed, and had a good night. I feel somewhat affected on my lungs, but I hope it will go off. I have very comfortable accommodations, at Mr. Barry’s, an opulent farmer. He is an Independent, and his wife a Baptist. They are godly people. I shall stay here over Lord’s day. Greenock, July 10, 1813—On Lord’s day, Brethren Steadman and Barclay³³⁷ met me at Dumfries, and we had a pleasant day. On Monday we all travelled to Ayr, a large county-town on the seacoast. Here are a few serious, good people: but very few. Socinianism long had a deadly influence here.³³⁸ Our collections at Dumfries amounted to £42, but were only £5 at Ayr. In travelling from Ayr to Kilmarnock on Tuesday, we stopped to call on a minister of the Establishment, Mr. Oughterson, of Monkton;³³⁹ but he was so ill that we  Mr. Key (Ryland [1816], 332).  George Barclay (1774– 1838) ministered at the Baptist congregation at Kilwinning, North Ayrshire from 1804 until his death. Barclay was a strong supporter of the BMS. See Brian Talbot, “‘Forgotten in the Glory of God’: The Vision of George Barclay of Irvine (1774– 1838),” Scottish Bulletin of Evangelical Theology 23, no. 1 (2005): 40 – 59.  Ryland omits: “in the preaching of Dr. McGill, who is now dead” (Ryland [1816], 333).  John Steel Oughterson’s (1770 – 1829) father, Arthur Oughterson (1736 – 1822), ministered at Ayr beginning in 1771. John Steel Oughterson was ordained in 1805 after completing his M.A. In 1812 he was moved to Monkton. See Hew Scott, Fasti Ecclesiæ Scoticanæ: The Succession of Ministers in the Parish Churches of Scotland from the Reformation, A.D. 1560, to the Present Time (Edinburgh: William Paterson; London: John Russell Smith, 1868), 1:91.

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could not see him. I afterwards received a letter, enclosing a guinea, expressing his deep regret that he was prevented seeing me. I was told that he lately became evangelical, through reading some of my publications. On Tuesday evening, to our surprise, we saw Mr. Dyer come into the place of worship:³⁴⁰ he left Plymouth the day before my letter (sent to inform him of Mr. Steadman’s accompanying me) arrived. Seeing both these brethren were here, we planned to make the best use we could of them, for two or three weeks, through the thickest of the work; and then to let them return, while I go down to Inverness and Tarn by myself. We had pretty good collections at Kilmarnock, Irvine, Beith, and Saltcoats; at each of which places we had a double lecture; so that I preached only a short sermon, and told the Mission tale. At Saltcoats, we were in the church. Yesterday, I only preached to a small audience of Baptists in the afternoon; and, in the evening, to a large auditory of above 2000; when I had enough to do to get through, so as to be heard. Mr. Dyer preached twice at other places in Greenock; and Mr. Steadman went to spend the Lord’s day at Paisley, where I am to preach tomorrow evening. Greenock contains about 20,000 people, half of which number attend public worship. The evangelical ministers are, Dr. Scott, in the Kirk;³⁴¹ Mr. Auld, at the Relief meeting,³⁴² where I preached and collected last night; Mr. Wilson, at the Burgher meeting,³⁴³ where Mr. Dyer preached and collected at the same time; and Mr. Harcus,³⁴⁴ the Independent, where Mr. Dyer preached and collected in the morning. They did great things here for the fire. We everywhere meet with the highest esteem, as agents for the Mission and Translations. The collections, here and at Port Glasgow, have been about £66.  John Dyer.  John Scott (d. 1836) was the minister of the Middle Church, Greenock, and a leading minister of the National Kirk. His son Alexander John Scott (1805 – 1866) ministered to Scottish churches in England and was appointed principal of Owens College in 1851.  William Auld (1774– 1849) was brought up in connection with the Reformed Presbytery and was one of the sixteen people who attended the formation of the Glasgow Missionary Society. Auld ministered at Burhead, Dumfriesshire before being moved in 1808. The Relief Church on St. Michael Street, Greenock was formed in 1806, and the church was built in 1807. Auld served as its first minister from 1808 until his death. See George Williamson, Old Greenock Embracing Sketches of Its Ecclesiastical, Educational, and Literary History (Paisley; London: Alexander Gardner, 1888), 137– 138.  William Wilson (1776 – 1831) of Paisley was ordained as the minister of Trinity Church, Greenock on November 16, 1802. Wilson was called to Bolton and (twice) to Leeds in 1807, but continued in Greenock until his death. See William Mackelvie, Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church (Edinburgh: Oliphant and Andrew Elliot; Glasgow: David Robertson, 1873), 561.  John Harcus (1782– 1830) was trained as ship’s carpenter. After his conversion, Harcus studied with Robert Haldane in 1803 and pastored George Square Congregational Church, Greenock from 1805 until his death. See History of George Sq. Congregational Church, Greenock, 1805 – 1905 (Glasgow: Inglis Ker, 1906).

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Glasgow, July 16, 1813—The weather continues rainy, which is against me; yet I have stood it very well. I preached, on Tuesday evening, in Mr. Barns’s church,³⁴⁵ formerly Dr. Witherspoon’s,³⁴⁶ where our collections amounted to £70. Much respect is shown to our Mission, by all parties; I should not wonder, if the churches of evangelical ministers were generally open to us, in a little time. The kindness of friends here is almost overwhelming: it deprives me of all time for writing, except early in the morning. Brother Steadman leaves Glasgow for Edinburgh, where he spends next Lord’s day, while Brother Dyer and I remain at Glasgow. Glasgow, July 19, 1813—I leave this place tomorrow, for Stirling, where Dr. Stuart meets me. Mr. Steadman returns home from Edinburgh, this week. Mr. Dyer goes, with me and Dr. Stuart, to Inverness. I have preached sixteen times. My voice holds out pretty well: it seems rather the better for use; and my health, on the whole, is very good. We had nearly 3000 hearers, last night, at Mr. Ewing’s. Enclosed is a bill of £500. Inverness, July 25, 1813—Here I am, through the goodness of God, and pretty well, considering the wet weather we have had in travelling through the Highlands. Yesterday, it rained all day; the preaching must be principally out of doors. Dr. S. was prevented joining us, by illness. Mr. Dyer is very helpful. Mr. M’Leod, a Baptist minister from Crieff,³⁴⁷ is also with us, and we expect Brother C. Anderson on Monday.

 After his education at the University of Edinburgh, Robert Burns (1789 – 1869) was licensed to preach by the presbytery of Edinburgh on March 28, 1810 and ordained on July 19, 1811. He ministered at Laigh Kirk (St. George’s) of Paisley until 1843, when he joined the Free Church of Scotland. He ministered to St. George’s (Free Church) until 1845. For the remainder of his life, Burns served as the minister of Knox Church in Toronto, as well as a professor of church history and divinity at the newly established Knox College. As an eager supporter of Christian missions, Burns also toured Western Canada and preached the gospel there. See R. F. Burns, The Life and Times of the Rev. Robert Burns, D.D. Toronto (Toronto: James Campbell & Son, 1872).  John Witherspoon (1723 – 1794) served the Laigh Kirk (St. George’s) of Paisley from 1758 to 1768. Witherspoon then migrated to New England and became the sixth president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University).  Alexander McLeod (1774– 1833) was associated with the Haldanes and ministered at the Independent Tabernacle in Dunkeld from 1804 to 1807. McLeod then adopted the Baptist view and received support from Stuart and Anderson. After a few years of itinerant ministry, McLeod became the pastor of the newly established congregation at Crieff. In 1820, he accepted the call from a Gaelic-speaking Highland congregation in Glasgow, where he served until his death. Besides his support for the BMS, McLeod was also a leader of the Baptist Union. See Brian R. Talbot, The Search for a Common Identity: The Origins of the Baptist Union of Scotland 1800 – 1870 (Milton Keynes: Paternoster, 2003), 124– 126.

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This morning, at half-past seven, I preached in the open air to a few hundreds. At eleven, heard Mr. M’Leod at the Methodist chapel. At twelve, Mr. Dyer takes the field; and, at half-past six, I preach out of doors. At half-past twelve, Mr. Dyer preached out of doors. At three o’clock it began raining heavily. I know not what we can do for the evening sermon, unless they lend us the church. This the Inverness Clergy will not grant. I should not have wished for it, but for the rain. Eight o’clock. Well: the weather has been fair, and we have done very well out of doors. We had a large audience; and the Clergy themselves were in it, though they would not grant us the use of the church. Wednesday: I have been to Dingwall, and found much kind treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Stewart: returned to Inverness yesterday, and preached last night. Mr. Anderson is just arrived from the Isle of Skye. We leave Inverness, for Nairn; and so on, for Elgin, Bamff, Aberdeen, on Lord’s day; Montrose, Arbroath, Dundee, and Edinburgh—Every day now brings me nearer home. Aberdeen, August 2, 1813—I am now going to Montrose, and have a great deal more before me—Arbroath, Dundee, Cupar of Fife, Kirkaldy, Edinburgh, Leith, Musselburgh, Haddington, Dunbar, Berwick, Alnwick, and Newcastle. The detail throughout this journal is very brief. He mentions little more, indeed, than the names of several persons with whose character, conversation, and kindness he was particularly pleased. August 3, 1813—Arrived at Arbroath, a town on the eastern coast, of about 9000 inhabitants. Mr. Penman,³⁴⁸ the Independent minister, is a fine, friendly character, full of heart. I preached in the evening to about 700 people. Dundee, August 4, 1813—Just arrived here and met Mr. Chalmers, of Kilmany;³⁴⁹ an extraordinary writer. It is said that, being lately engaged to draw up an article in the Scotch Encyclopedia, on Christianity, the writing of

 Richard Penman (1777– 1841) was born in Symington, near Biggar, Peebleshire. After serving as the minister of the Congregational church in Arbroath, Penman left for Aberdeen in 1814 and served the Congregational church on Frederick Street in Aberdeen for twenty years. His son James F. Penman (1810 – 1838) was the pastor of the church in Peterborough.  Thomas Chalmers.

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that paper became the means of thoroughly impressing his own heart with evangelical truth.³⁵⁰ Cupar of Fife, August 5, 1813—Crossed the Tay at six this morning; breakfasted with good old Dr. M’Culloch of Dairsie, whose father was so useful at Cambuslang in Mr. Whitfield’s days.³⁵¹ Here we met with Mr. Paton, an Independent minister, of St. Andrews, a very worthy man. There are about eighty churches of this denomination in Scotland, the remains of Mr. H’s connection.³⁵² Tonight, we go, after preaching, to sleep at Mr. Chalmers’s house, at Kilmany. On Saturday noon, he arrived at Edinburgh, where he expected to stay about ten days. I have given the preceding sketch of his journeys into Scotland in succession: but shall now go back to notice some other instances of his prudent and diligent exertions on behalf of our Mission. When we were informed, in April 1807, of some very unpleasant restrictions laid upon our brethren in India, respecting their labours among the natives, Mr. Fuller went to London and obtained an interview with several persons of rank and influence by whose advice he pursued the wisest measures for their security. It would be improper to detail particulars, but few men could have acted with equal prudence and firmness in these affairs. In June, he was obliged to take a second journey to town on the same business. He then drew up a statement which was presented to the Directors of the East India Company, the members of the Board of Control, and other persons of consequence who were likely to favour the propagation of Christianity and the cause of religious

 Chalmers was only able to finish his article on Christianity in October 1812, after several interruptions. It was published in 1813. See Thomas Chalmers, “Christianity,” in Edinburgh Encyclipædia, ed. David Brewster (Edinburgh: William Blackwood, 1830), 6:355 – 396.  Robert McCulloch (1739 – 1824) was a son of William McCulloch (ca. 1691– 1771) of Cambuslang. The senior McCulloch received an MA from the University of Glasgow and served at Cambuslang from 1731 until his death. In the summer months of 1742, William McCulloch invited George Whitefield (1714– 1770) to preach on the communion weekends and a surprising revival occurred. McCulloch became a key Scottish supporter of the Evangelical Revival. Continuing his father’s legacy, Robert McColloch entered the ministry in 1771 and served at Dairsie in Fife. The junior McCulloch published his father’s sermons and became a supporter of Christian missions both at home and abroad. See Martin A. W. Allen, “McCulloch, William,” in Dictionary of Evangelical Biography, 2:715 – 716; Arthur Fawcett, The Cambuslang Revival: The Scottish Evangelical Revival of the Eighteenth Century (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1971).  The 1816 edition reads: “the wreck of Mr. Haldane’s connection; but they are beginning to recover the shock they sustained” (Ryland [1816], 336).

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liberty.³⁵³ I omit extracts from many long letters which I received from him about this time, respecting the Mission, as being either of too private a nature or already known by the Periodical Accounts.³⁵⁴ On October 8, he was again in town on his way to Malden, Witham, and Norwich. He travelled 400 miles, preached sixteen times in about as many days, and collected about £130. In London, he had an interview with several respectable gentlemen and laboured hard to obtain redress of some intolerant measures, both in Jamaica and in India. In December he was called up again. He wrote to me thus on the 18th: The war with the Mission is renewed. A Mr. Twining has written a pamphlet against us, and means to call a court of Proprietors. It is a strong effort of the enemies of Christianity to ruin the Mission. The religious body in London are all on the alert. Mr. Owen has answered Twining, as far as concerns the Bible Society. Our friends in the Direction and the Board of Control, are publicly attacked by name. They will do their best. But they want some able pens to answer Twining. I have sent the piece, and a letter of request to Messrs. H. and F., but they tell me, “You must write on the subject. We want to have the public mind impressed in our favour. The more good writers the better.” I have shut myself up, yesterday and the day before, and have done something towards an answer to T. and to another piece, since come out.³⁵⁵ December 23, 1807—The threatened motion has been, this day, made in a general Court of Proprietors. I was present, and heard the whole. I omit transcribing particulars, as this opposition is now abated and I do not wish to give unnecessary pain even to those who have acted an unfriendly part towards us. We would bless God for raising up firm and able friends and frustrating the efforts of those who were then desirous to suppress all attempts to spread the gospel in India. “His counsel shall stand, and he will do all his pleasure.”³⁵⁶ We trust that all his enemies shall be obliged to say of India, as of Europe at the time of the Reformation,

 On the controversy, see Karen Chancey, “The Star in the East: The Controversy over Christian Missions to India, 1805 – 1813,” The Historian 60, no. 3 (1998): 507– 522; Penelope Carson, The East India Company and Religion, 1698 – 1858 (Woodbridge: Boydell, 2012), 110 – 129.  The Baptist Missionary Society published Periodical Accounts Relative to the Baptist Missionary Society beginning in 1800. See J. W. Morris, ed., Periodical Accounts Relative to the Baptist Missionary Society, vol. 1 (6 vols; Clipston: J. W. Morris, 1800).  See Fuller, An Apology for the Late Christian Missions to India.  Isaiah 46:10.

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“The candle is lighted, and we cannot put it out.”³⁵⁷ At this time, the motion in our favour was carried by a show of hands of two to one. In 1808, he was much employed in the same contest with the enemies of our Mission and of all other attempts to spread the gospel in India. February 14, 1808—By a letter from Mr. B. I learn that there has been a strong contest in Leadenhall Street.³⁵⁸ Sir F. B. formally moved, among the Directors, “That the Missionaries be recalled.” A gentleman who spoke in reply to this motion, was two hours on his legs, taking a most able and comprehensive view of the subject, and proving the importance, and even the necessity of Christianity, in a political, and commercial, as well as moral, point of view. There were 20 out of the 24 Directors present. On dividing, seven were for Sir F.’s motion, and thirteen against it. In April, six Directors go out, and six new ones come in; but I trust there is not much danger. I have had delicate ground to walk over in Part II in answering the Letter to the President of the Board of Control, and Dr. Barrow’s Sermon.³⁵⁹ But I have, as much as possible, avoided dividing the Christian army. April 13, 1811—We are in great straits as a Society, for money. Upwards of £2000 in drafts on us is just arrived. I fear we shall be considerably more than aground. We must work to replenish the funds this summer, even though the failure of trade should render it like rowing against wind and tide. In February and March 1813, he was in London and, accompanied by Mr. Sutcliff and Mr. Hinton, obtained an interview with several noblemen respecting provision to be made in the new Charter for the toleration of Christian Missionaries in India.³⁶⁰ The

 See Luke 11:33; Matthew 5:14– 16. The origin of this phrase is unknown, though it is believed to have been an English invention. The text inspired a number of engravings featuring Protestant reformers seated around a candle on a table. See, for instance, Anonymous, “Het licht is op de kandelaar gestalt” (1640 – 1684), Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.  Leadenhall Street refers to the East India House, which was the London headquarters of the East India Company. The building was demolished in 1861, and the site is now occupied by the Lloyd’s building in the City of London.  Fuller, Apology for the Late Christian Missions to India. See William Barrow (1754– 1836), Eights Sermons Preached before the University of Oxford, in the Year 1799, at the Lecture Founded by the Rev. John Bampton, M.A. Late Canon of Salisbury (London: Rivington, 1799).  James Hinton (1761– 1823), a graduate of the Bristol Academy, was called to pastor the only dissenting congregation in Oxford in 1788. Despite Oxford’s hostile climate and the financial circumstances which forced him to run a small school, Hinton’s ministry was irenic and faithful. The congregation was twice enlarged (in 1798 and 1819), growing from 29 to several hundred. Hinton was one of

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subsequent measures pursued of sending petitions to Parliament, and the success that followed, are already known to the public. May 26, 1814, he thus wrote: Between now and the first week in August, I have no rest. I give you my routes that you may write no letters to me at Kettering while I am out, and may write, if occasion should require, to other places. June 6, I set off for Essex, where I shall collect between the 8th and the 20th; from thence, I go to London, to the Annual Meeting on the 22nd; come down to Kettering on the 24th or 25th; set off for the north of England on the 27th, for five Lord’s days. I expect to spend the first at Liverpool; the second, at Manchester; the third, at Leeds; the fourth, at Newcastle; and the fifth, at Hull. His journey to Essex was prevented by sickness, but he went into the north of England, according to his intention, and wrote to me from Durham, July 19th. I have written, this day, an application to the East India Directors for permission for Mr. Yates to go to Serampore.³⁶¹ My hands are full. In the last three Lord’s days and on the weekdays between them, I have collected about £500. And, after doing a little more in this neighbourhood, I hope to reach home, about the 29th instant. In his next letter, from Newcastle, on the 24th, he intimated that he expected to make it £600. January 11, 1815— I have no hope of being able to continue my monthly letters on the system of divinity, though I am at the desk twelve hours every day, or nearly so. Rowe’s Journal from Jamaica is very good.³⁶² Such appears

the founders of the Particular Baptist Union (1813) and both supported and served as an assistant secretary for the Baptist Missionary Society (1816 – 1817).  William Yates (1792– 1845) was trained at the Bristol Academy and was sent to India in 1815. Yates was the first missionary to arrive in India after the new East India Company charter was passed. While in India, Yates married Catherine Grant (1797– 1838), the daughter of the BMS missionary William Grant (d. 1799), who grew up in India under Hannah Marshman’s (1767– 1847) guardianship.  John Rowe (1788 – 1816) apprenticed as a glover in Yeovil. An earnest and studious young man with little formal education, he collected a remarkable library and taught himself Latin. He was baptized at Yeovil Baptist church in 1807, and two years later he was given formal tutoring by local ministers who recognized his gifting. After training at the Bristol Academy (1811– 1813) under Ryland, Rowe and his wife Sarah sailed to Jamaica in response to Moses Baker’s (ca. 1755 – 1822) request for help with the mission work. He arrived in Falmouth, Jamaica in 1814 and received permission from the parish to open a Nonconformist school in April. In addition to working with the children of plantation slaves, Rowe began preaching in his own home, but died only sixteen months after his arrival in Jamaica. See Gordon A. Catherall, “Bristol College and the Jamaican Mission: A Carib-

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to be the self-denial, economy, temperance, patience, and deep devotedness to God, of that young man that, I doubt not, the Lord will eventually bless him. February 25, 1815— I sat down two days last August to write to Felix Carey, Jabez Carey,³⁶³ Moore,³⁶⁴ Rowe, Robinson,³⁶⁵ Judson,³⁶⁶ and I know not how many more. I wrote to you before, respecting your proposal of a meeting at Bristol. If, near that time, we could go to South Wales, I would be willing to come; but I cannot take two journeys and may not be able to take one. Thus did he continue, to the very close of life, watching over the junior Missionaries, counselling and encouraging them, and laying himself out to procure necessary aid for carrying on this important work—though he always disliked violent pressing for contributions and attempting to outvie other societies. He chose, rather, to tell a plain, unvarnished tale—and he generally told it with good effect. May the Lord give wisdom, diligence, and zeal to those that are left behind. We must feel our loss, but the Lord is at no loss to find instruments to carry on his cause (Ps 121).

bean Contribution,” Baptist Quarterly 35, no. 6 (1994): 294– 302; Periodical Accounts 6:72– 73; Leslie Brooke, Baptists in Yeovil: History of the Yeovil Baptist Church (Bath: Ralph Allen, 2002), 13 – 14; Timothy Whelan, Baptist Autographs in the John Rylands University Library of Manchester 1741 – 1845 (Macon: Mercer University Press, 2009), 439.  Felix Carey (b. 1785) and Jabez Carey (1793 – 1862) were William Carey’s sons. Jabez Carey received legal training before he was sent as a BMS missionary to work as a teacher in Amboyna in 1814. While running a school, he translated Isaac Watts’s Catechism into Malay. Jabez Carey retired from the BMS in 1832 and became a judge in Calcutta.  William Moore (1776 – 1844) was trained at Sutcliff’s academy and the Bristol Academy. In 1803, Moore and his wife, Eleanor, were appointed as missionaries to India. In 1812 they settled at Digah, in Bihar, and formed a church.  William Robinson.  Adoniram Judson (1788 – 1850) was originally sent by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions as a Congregationalist missionary to India. While aboard the ship, Judson and his wife, Ann Hasseltine (1789 – 1826), studied on the ordinance of baptism and came to the position of believer’s baptism. Upon their arrival in India, they were baptized by Carey and eventually joined the BMS. On July 13, 1813, the Judsons arrived in Burma.

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Chapter 8 Fuller’s Correspondence This chapter contains, among other things, observations relative to the Modern Question; the harmony of scripture; precepts, prayers, and promises; the affliction of Mr. F.’s correspondent; reference to his interview with Mr. Berridge;³⁶⁷ his correspondent’s removal to Bristol; controversy³⁶⁸ with Mr. Booth; observations on philosophy and the Word of God;³⁶⁹ accurate account of his preaching in Braybrook church; outlines of a sermon to the aged;³⁷⁰ hints to Students;³⁷¹ nature of Christ’s merits; terrible hail-storm;³⁷² hints relative to publishing; visit to Portsea; visit to Ireland; remarks on Mr. Walker of Dublin and on Sandemanianism;³⁷³ remarks on some of the Eclectic Reviewers; Mr. Sutcliff’s illness and death; letter to the Rev. Archibald M’Lean; besides various other observations interspersed.³⁷⁴ Kettering, March 22, 1783 Dear Brother Ryland, The obligations under which you have laid me are such that I know not when nor how I shall repay them. I heartily thank you for what you sent me inclosed, as well as for your attention to remove my difficulties in learn-

 John Berridge (1716 – 1793), a graduate of Clare College, Oxford, became vicar of the parish of Everton in 1755. Around Christmas of 1759, Berridge was converted to “the true way to salvation,” having recognized that his previous belief depended in part on his own works in addition to the mercies of Christ. Revitalized by a biblical understanding of salvation by faith, Berridge’s preaching was transformed. He became an ardent evangelist and itinerant preacher as well as a model preacher for the Fuller circle. In 1794, John Sutcliff published the account of Berridge’s conversation with a mutual friend over the consequences of Berridge’s evangelical preaching, to which Ryland refers in the following note. See John Sutcliff, “An Interview with the Late Mr. Berridge,” Evangelical Magazine 2 (February 1794): 73 – 76; see also Nigel R. Pibworth, The Gospel Pedlar: The Story of John Berridge and the Eighteenth-Century Revival (Welwyn: Evangelical Press, 1987); Pibworth, ed., The Letters of John Berridge of Everton: A Singular Spirituality (Kitchener: Joshua Press, 2015).  The 1816 edition reads: “Dispute.”  Ryland omits the section “Death of Infants,” which was included in the 1816 edition.  This replaces the section “Support under domestic trials” in the 1816 edition.  Ryland omits “Remarks on his journey to Scotland, 1799” from the 1816 edition.  Ryland inserts this material in the 1818 edition.  The 1816 edition reads: “Remarks on Mr. Walker of Dublin—On Sandemanianism.”  The table of contents for the 1816 edition also lacks the feature list reproduced from the first paragraph of this chapter (see Ryland [1816], table of contents).

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ing Hebrew. I rejoice at reading Mr. Guy’s letter.³⁷⁵ I hope things will follow each other in their course. The difficulty sent you from Dunstable, might probably originate with Mr. Cooke.³⁷⁶ It seems to be one of his objections to Edwards’ system.³⁷⁷ When I was there, last August, he started the very same thing, before David Evans, of Thorn,³⁷⁸ and Mr. Pilley, of Luton,³⁷⁹ and me. I observed, as you do, that the will and the understanding influence each other reciprocally, and that the vileness of men’s dispositions prevents them from judging justly of things. He replied, as nearly as I can remember, “That makes no difference: suppose the will does influence the judgment, how came the will to be so inclined to influence the judgment? That act of the will is also governed by the last dictate of a prior act of understanding, and so on, ad infinitum.” I do not see but that what you say of sin arising from a privative cause is just and tends to solve the difficulty. I will submit a few further remarks to your consideration. Mr. D. E. seems to go upon the supposition that any defect in the understanding must be a mere natural defect; for, he says, “the understanding is always considered under the idea of natural ability or inability.” But this must not be granted him, for depravity influences the understanding as well as the will. Mr. Edwards explains the will being governed by the last dictate of the understanding, by its being as the greatest apparent good is. Now, here I would ask: How comes sin to be the greatest apparent good in the view of the mind? Is it owing to a natural or a moral defect that men call evil good and good evil? If the former, why was Israel blamed for so doing? If the latter, then it is to be imputed, as you say, to the depraved state of the mind, which views things different from what they are; like a jaundiced

 I apprehend, this refers to what I since inserted in the Evangelical Magazine, 1802, p. 61. [Ryland]. See “Copy of a Letter from the Late W. Guy, Late Pastor of the Baptist Church at Sheepshead, in Leicestershire,” Evangelical Magazine 10 (February 1802): 61– 62.  This is probably John Cooke (1760 – 1826), who had been the Independent minister at Maidenhead. As a High Calvinist, Cooke wrote to Fuller on the “Modern Question.” See George Redford, Memoirs and Select Remains of the Late Rev. John Cooke, Forty-three Years Pastor of the Independent Church, Maidenhead, Berks (London: Hurst, Chance, and Co., 1828), 512– 13; Anthony R. Cross, Useful Learning: Neglected Means of Grace in the Reception of the Evangelical Revival among English Particular Baptists (Eugene: Pickwick, 2017), 305 n 188.  Jonathan Edwards.  David Evans of Thorne.  Thomas Pilley (1734– 1801) was born in Essex and was baptized by Samuel Burford at the church in Prescot Street, London on June 28, 1753. Pilley was called to ministry in 1767, and he ministered at the church in Luton for thirty years, until his death. See Joseph Ivimey, A History of the English Baptists (London: Holdsworth, 1823), 4:419 – 20.

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eye that discolours an object, or an eye that sees things double, and so gives them a false appearance. This is what the Scripture calls an “evil” eye, Matt 6:3. Further, ought it not to be observed that, though the will always chooses what the understanding suggests is agreeable, yet not always what appears to it to be right. The will, in ten thousand instances, violates the dictates of conscience, which are the dictates of the understanding concerning what is right and wrong. The will of man, by nature, does not consult the understanding concerning what is right and fit, but merely to find out what will afford gratification. And surely it must argue the depraved state of both these powers to be thus employed; the will, to consult the understanding with such a sordid end, and the understanding, to degrade itself so low, as, like the prodigal, to be employed in feeding swine;³⁸⁰ or, in other words, in merely finding out objects for sensual and intellectual lusts. What reason is there for supposing the will only to be corrupted? Surely the whole man is depraved, as it were, from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot.³⁸¹ When we say to people who want to excuse themselves, “Your inability lies in your will;” we do not mean, I suppose, that it is in the will in distinction from the understanding and the affections; but in distinction from a natural inability, consisting in a want of power or opportunity. In all such language, the will is used in a large sense; perhaps, for the whole soul, as being a leading faculty. Suppose a man comes and entreats my pity on account of a misfortune which befell him through being in evil company. I retort, in a tone of rebuke, “You choose such company; that is your wickedness, and the cause of all your misery.” In this case, it is easy to see, I do not blame him merely for first act of choice, in distinction from his judging no better of the matter, and actually going amongst them, and taking delight therein. No: for each of these he was culpable; yea, though the latter acts are supposed necessarily to follow upon the former. I think it is certain, as you observe, that the will and the understanding mutually influence each other. It is allowed, I suppose, on all hands that we are possessed of a world of criminal prejudices. But prejudice, if I understand it, is preponderation of the WILL, wishing to see things in such a light, or not to see them in such a light. As to Mr. C’s reply to this:³⁸² that—“suppose the will does influence the understanding, in various of its acts; yet, how comes the

 Luke 15:16.  Isaiah 1:6.  Probably John Cooke.

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will to be so inclined to influence the understanding? If the will always follows the last dictate of the understanding, then that act of the will which biases the understanding is governed by the last dictate of a prior act of the understanding; and so, ad infinitum.”—if he mean, by this, to suggest that every erroneous dictate of the understanding is a mere natural defect, and so blameless; I reply, “This requires proof.” Nothing of this has, as yet, I think, been given. The order of the soul’s acting affords none. And, if something like a proof could be found in the science of metaphysics, the author must beware, lest he be confronted by the science of common sense. Suppose, for example, a person owes Mr. C. a sum of money, which he lent him in private: he goes and asks him for it; he is told, in reply, “I do not choose to pay you.” “No! Why?” He is answered, (and that with the greatest sincerity!) “My understanding suggests to me that, upon the whole, it will be best for me to keep it, as you have no evidence to show for it!” Would Mr. C. think the suggesting of such a piece of villainy as this to be owing to a mere natural inability? I am persuaded that, if this suggester and dictator had been so unlucky as to have been a man instead of a mere faculty, he would deserve to be hanged for his pains! But if, on the other hand, he own that such erroneous dictates of the understanding are morally evil as well as those of the will (which, by the way, he owned to me at Dunstable), then, I confess, I do not see how this difficulty affects the doctrine of natural and moral inability. What does it affect the argument whether the evil be in this faculty, or in that, or in all the faculties? If it is evil at all, it must be moral inability. Nay; and I think going about to prove the evil to reside in the understanding as well as the will tends rather to aggravate than to lessen that inability; as, certainly, if the will only were depraved, man would not be so bad as he is if his whole soul is depraved. As to your observation on election, it will do, I think, upon the sublapsarian scheme; but a Supralapsarian would not allow of its reflecting any shame upon human nature. I have formerly professed myself a Supralapsarian at a time when, perhaps, I hardly knew the meaning of that hard word. I own, I am not now versed in the arguments on either side. Only, one thing has for some time struck me; namely, that the sublapsarian scheme is of use to me in the conviction of sinners. I can prove to them that they lie absolutely at the discretion of God and have no claim whatever upon him; that to them belongeth nothing but shame and everlasting confusion; that, therefore, God is entirely at liberty in choosing whom he will. I cannot make this use of the supralapsarian scheme; for then I must tell them that, as creatures, God had a right to choose some to a higher degree of bliss than others. This cannot be charged with injustice and, so far, may silence them; but it cannot convict them of sin, or bring them to fall at the

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feet of God and own that they have cut themselves off from all good; and that, through their sin, their everlasting ill or well-being depends upon his mere sovereign pleasure. I am, Yours, very affectionately, A. F. P. S. I suppose you know Mr. Cooke is entirely in Dr. Gill’s system respecting the Modern Question. He seems, I think, a subtle disputant. God forbid I should rejoice in any man’s being averse from what I believe to be truth; yet, all things considered, this may be most for the public good. If there were no man of polemic abilities to oppose our system, the matter could not be fairly tried. Others might say, as Mr. E. did to me, “If Mr. Brine,³⁸³ or some such writer, were alive, he would try the matter.” Thus, it would be insinuated that a conquest had been made, because there were only a few scattered forces without a captain at their head to resist. In this view, I shall not be sorry if Mr. C. should persist in opposing our system till the matter be thoroughly tried. When I was at Dunstable, Mr. Pilley and I conversed very freely on such subjects. I think he appears to be leaning to our system; Mr. C. perceived it,³⁸⁴ too, and gave him some hard blows for it. Mr. P. asked Mr. C. in the morning what he thought of 1 Cor 16:22—“Did it not prove it to be the duty of every man to love Christ?” Mr. C. replied, “Aye, you will make it their duty to believe in him, bye and bye.” Mr. P., however, has some objections to our views which we had not time to discuss. I have been thinking of entering on a correspondence with him to have principles examined; indeed, a letter to him has lain by me for several months, but I have never had courage to send it; merely, because I fear it would seem as if I wanted to instruct those who are more able to instruct me. He is, I think, a very worthy man of good natural abilities, an honest heart, and some influence in our churches. He is particularly acquainted with Mr. Emery whose prejudices might, probably, be softened by his coming over. The following paper was drawn up by Mr. Fuller at my request, August 26, 1783.

 John Brine.  Probably John Cooke.

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A sheet had been published, containing a threefold arrangement of many scriptures, consisting of corresponding commands, petitions, and promises. I am sorry I cannot find a copy of it. It was well designed by the author, but, I thought, would be improved by a more proper key to open its consistency to the view of the reader. There are two extremes into which great numbers of the religious world have fallen. One is an idea of self-sufficiency to obey God’s commands and the other is a spirit of self-justification in neglecting them. Those who entertain the first, seem not to know the plague of their own hearts; they suppose it inconsistent for the Divine Being to enjoin that on them which they are unable to perform; so that, if God command, saying, “Make you a new heart, and a new spirit,” they conceive themselves sufficient to effect it. Those who imbibe the last, deny their obligations; they suppose it inconsistent that those things which God has graciously promised to bestow upon us, should yet continue to be required of us; so that, if God promise, saying, “A new heart will I give you, and a new spirit I will put within you,”³⁸⁵ it frees them from all obligation in the affair. The common language of such persons is, “Such a thing cannot be our duty: that is GOD’S work.” That both these principles are wide of the truth appears not only from the following Scriptures, but from the nature of things. As to the first, it is allowed that it would be inconsistent in the Divine Being to enjoin that on us which we are naturally unable to perform. By naturally unable is intended that inability wherein we cannot do a thing, though we would ever so fain; or that inability which does not at all consist in the want of a disposition, but of opportunity, or else in a debility of our bodily or mental faculties. If our inability to fulfil the commands of God were of this kind, it is allowed, it would be inconsistent in the Divine Being to hold us still bound to fulfil them. God does not require a blind man to read his word, nor an idiot to understand it. But our inability is not natural, but moral: that is, it lies in the want of a good disposition and in being under the dominion of a bad one. Our inability is like that of Joseph’s brethren, who could not speak peaceably to him;³⁸⁶ or like that of the Jews, to whom Christ spake, saying, “How can ye, being evil, speak good things?”³⁸⁷ or like that of those reproved by the Apostle Peter, “having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin.”³⁸⁸ The reason why the mind is not subject to the law of God, nor can be, is its

   

Ezekiel 36:26. See Genesis 37. Matthew 12:34. 2 Peter 2:14.

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being a carnal mind and enmity against God.³⁸⁹ Now it is so far from being inconsistent in the Divine Being to require of us what we are, in this sense, unable to perform, that it would be inconsistent in him not to require it; as inconsistent as for a worthy prince to drop his claims of allegiance in proportion as his rebellious subjects become so averse from his government that they cannot find it in their hearts to yield obedience to him. In this view of things, however, we are unable to obey God’s law—though that inability is our fault. While the heart is entirely averse from God’s law, it is impossible any real obedience to it can be yielded. Hence, God has told us that when the Ethiopian can change his skin and the leopard his spots, then may those do good works who are accustomed to do evil. ³⁹⁰ And hence, the best of men, who are still the subjects of a great deal of moral inability—that is, of carnality—acknowledge that the way of man is not in himself; that it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. Hence also, they unite their prayers with God’s precepts: “Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!”³⁹¹ And hence, likewise, God graciously promises that which he commands, and for which we pray; as may be seen in the following collection of Scriptures. The other principle does not appear at all less beside the truth than the above; for if we are not previously obligated to all or any of those spiritual dispositions which the Holy Spirit actually works in us, then the law of God is not exceedingly broad, but exceedingly narrow. Then, also, the work of the Spirit does not consist in putting his law into our hearts and writing that in our inward parts, but in something else which his law did not require, nor know anything about. The views which saints in old time had of these things, will appear, by the following collection of Scriptures, wherein we may observe, first, God commanding; by this they understood his just authority over them and their great obligations to him. But, secondly, conscious of their moral inability to obey his righteous requirements or, in other words, of their propensity to neglect and disobey them, they return them, as it were, to heaven, accompanied with earnest prayers that God, by his Holy Spirit, would work those very things in them which, by his law, he required of them. Then, thirdly, we see the Lord mercifully sending down both precepts and prayers, accompa-

 Romans 8:7.  Jeremiah 13:23.  Psalm 119:4– 5.

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nied with exceedingly great and precious promises, wherein, as the God of grace, he engages to bestow those very things which, as a lawgiver, he requires. “Here,” says Mr. F. “I would place the collection of Scriptures, and then, at the conclusion, add the following paragraph”: And now, reader, judge whether, in this view of things, the preceptive and promissory parts of Scripture do not gloriously harmonize. Here, in one part, you see the divine authority of the lawgiver; in another, the moral insufficiency of the creature; and, in the other, the all-sufficiency of the God of Grace. The Lord grant you may have grace to understand and digest every truth! Then will you cease from self-sufficiency, on the one hand, and self-justification, on the other. You will happily escape Arminian pride and Antinomian presumption. You will own your obligations, feel and mourn your defects, pray for what you want, praise for what has been granted, and trust Jehovah for what he has promised.

December 10, 1783³⁹² Through the goodness of God, I am safely returned; though I was very ill last week with a violent sickness and fever for some days. I find you have heard, though by what channel I cannot conceive, that I have had a little dispute with a certain ingenious gentleman, who has been used to plead for the innocence of mental error. The point was whether every one ought to believe the truth? If this had been granted, his innocence of error must have fallen. The substance of the conversation, as far as I can remember, was this: Gentleman. ³⁹³ “Well, Mr. Fuller, I am told there is a revolution of principles among some of you. Mr. L. of N. tells me we are all going to be learned how to preach. Mr. Hall has written a book, and Mr. Fuller, another; but it is only the old story over again, about repentance and faith being the duty of sinners.” “Now I told him,” continued the gentleman, “faith could not be a

 Ryland moves this letter from the appendix of the 1816 edition to this chapter, ostensibly because it better illustrated Fuller’s theological convictions—particularly, in this context, his understanding of the inherent, binding, moral obligation of all human beings to worship Christ.  This gentleman has been identified as Robert Robinson, pastor of Yardstone Street Baptist chapel (St. Andrew’s Street Baptist Church) in Cambridge. See Basil Manly, Jr., ed., “Andrew Fuller and Robert Robinson,” American Baptist Memorial, A Statistical, Biographical, and Historical Magazine 15 (November 1856): 345.

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duty, because that is the effect of examination and what, when a person does, he cannot help doing.” F. “It is as you have heard as to Mr. Hall’s having written a book.³⁹⁴ His book, however, is not wholly on that subject. He had occasion to say something on natural and moral inability, and so touches on the subject you mentioned.” Respondent. “Natural and moral inability! Well, I think that a very just distinction.” F. “Do you not think, Sir, it is every one’s duty to believe the truth?” R. “No, it is every one’s duty to examine the truth, and if they do that fairly, they will necessarily believe it; but believing itself can no more be said to be duty, than it is my duty to be warm when I stand by the fire. Being warm is the effect of my standing by the fire, it is the influence of fire upon me; so faith is the effect of examination, the effect or influence of truth upon the mind.” F. “If to be the effect of some prior cause cannot consist with duty, then love is not a duty; for love is the effect of discerning the beauty of an object, and it has also the other property of faith you mentioned, that is, when we love, we cannot help doing as we do, can we?” R. “No.” F. “And is not love the effect of discernment too?’ R. “Yes.” F. “Well, is not love a duty?” R. “No, properly speaking, it is our duty to examine the excellence of an object and, if we do that, we must love it, if it be lovely; but love itself is not, properly speaking, a duty.” F. “What, then, did God mean by commanding us to love him with all our heart,³⁹⁵ and Christ, by commanding us to love one another?³⁹⁶ Are we commanded to do what is not our duty?” [No answer that I remember.]

 Robert Hall, Sr., Help to Zion’s Travellers (1781).  Deuteronomy 6:5.

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F. “Is it not our duty to choose the good and refuse the evil?”³⁹⁷ R. “Not, philosophically speaking.” F. “Sir, what duty can you point out that is not the effect of some prior cause? No action, I presume, of any kind; for that is the effect of thought and choice.” R. “Yes, but whatever is a good action, I allow to be duty; but faith is not an act.” F. “Nor love? nor choice?” R. “No” F. “What, then, are mental acts? And why are the verbs, to believe, to love, to choose, actively expressed?” [No answer.] F. “What think you of 1 John 5:10: ‘He that believeth not God hath made him a liar, because,’ etc.” R. “Aye, that is, he believeth not the gospel.” F. “Very well, and what then? Is it no sin to make God a liar?” [No answer.] F. “Suppose Mr. ––– should go home and tell a fact from his own knowledge.³⁹⁸ His son affects to doubt it. ‘What! Cannot you believe me?’ ‘Father,’ replies the boy, ‘I am examining the affair. Possibly, you may be mistaken, or may tell me a lie.’” R. “Very well, it would be his duty merely to examine.” F. “I should be loath to be in the boy’s clothes, if you had a stick in your hand. I think, Sir, the sum is, we each suppose the soul to move by a number of movements, as it were, by gradation. First, I think, judge, then choose, love, act, etc. Now, I suppose duty to be predicable of each of these; you, only of the first in the series. I judge it to be every one’s duty to act right and, in order to that, to judge right, choose right, etc. You suppose it duty

 John 13:34– 35.  Isaiah 7:15.  Robert Robinson.

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to examine in a right manner and then, because the other will follow of course, they can be no duties; and so there is no virtue in doing a good action, or vice in an evil one; nor in good choice or evil; but barely in examining these matters. This, I own, reduces good and evil to a very narrow compass.”

February 26, 1783³⁹⁹ I return you Edwards on Original Sin, and thank you for the use of it.⁴⁰⁰ I hope it has been of use to me. A week or two ago, I was at R. to see Mr. Tweltree.⁴⁰¹ He brought up a conversation relative to my intended publication, of which he had heard.⁴⁰² He wished to see the manuscript, before it was published. It is in a sad, interlined condition; but he pressed me so that I could not deny him. In conversation, Wayman’s Farther Inquiry came up,⁴⁰³ which he greatly prefers to Mr. Brine’s writings.⁴⁰⁴ I told him, I thought Mr. W. had mistaken the definition of faith,⁴⁰⁵ as he proceeds all along on the supposition that it is a believing our own particular interest in Christ’s death. ⁴⁰⁶ This he denied, and said, “You must read him again,” adding, “if that had been the case, he should have committed his piece to the flames.” I asked him what he thought faith was? He said, “An application to, and trust in Christ, for salvation.” I said, “Very well, I will not dispute with you about that definition, but if that is Mr. W.’s idea of it, why does he charge his antagonist all the way with making it people’s duty to believe a lie? Would there have been anything of believing a lie in the four lepers applying to the Syrians and trusting them for salvation, supposing them to have fallen into their  Ryland omits the location (Spratton) from which the letter was written.  See Jonathan Edwards, The Great Christian Doctrine of Original Sin Defended; Evidences of Its Truth Produced, and Arguments to the Contrary Answered. Containing, in Particular, A Reply to the Objections and Arguings of Dr. John Taylor, in His Book, Intitled, “The Scripture-Doctrine of Original Sin Proposed to Free and Candid Examination” (Glasgow: R. Urie, 1768); Clyde A. Holbrook, ed., Original Sin (The Works of Jonathan Edwards; New Haven: Yale University Press, 1970), 3:102.  Robert Tweltree (d. 1798) was the pastor of the Baptist congregation at Ringstead, a small village 15 miles northeast of Northampton, between 1753 and 1798.  Fuller, Gospel Worthy of All Acceptation.  Lewis Wayman, A Further Enquiry after Truth. Wherein Is Shewn, What Faith Is Required of Unregenerate Persons; And What the Faith of God’s Elect Is, Which Is a Blessing of the Covenant of Grace. Occasion’d by a Pamphlet, Entitled, A Modern Question Modestly Answer’d (London: J. & J. Marshall, 1738). Wayman (1717– 1764) ministered at Kimbolton and was a student of Richard Davis (d. 1714). Wayman embraced Davis’s High Calvinism and showed sympathy towards Tobias Crisp’s antinomianism.  John Brine.  Lewis Wayman.  See Wayman, Further Enquiry after Truth, 4– 13.

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hands and even supposing them to have killed them?⁴⁰⁷ Where all help fails from every other quarter and a possibility of help remains from one only, is it not the duty of the party to apply for that and even trust in it? If a company of traitors were under condemnation, and the prince were to declare a purpose of mercy to some of them, would not that be a ground why all should apply? Yea, and, whatever might be the issue, surely, they ought not to deny their crimes and so trust in falsehood, but to own them and trust in the prince’s clemency. There would be no belief of a lie in this case, even supposing they should find no favour when they came there. But Christ has promised indefinitely, ‘Him that cometh I will in no wise cast out,’⁴⁰⁸ and this cannot make that the belief of a lie, which would not have been so without it.” He could not get over this argument, but went off to another saying, “These cases were not similar; for that these criminals had power to go and trust, but sinners had not power to come to Christ.” I denied this. I said, “There were many cases in which a traitor had not power to humble himself and ask pardon, that his heart would not let him, that his pride and enmity were such as to be invincible, and that many an one had proved that he could not submit, and that he would rather a thousand times be beheaded, or even hanged, than do it.” Here he seemed at a loss and appeared never to have considered that sort of inability. Here we ended. He promised to read over the manuscript candidly and make any remarks that might occur, and I promised I would give them all the weight I could; and that, if I thought he had rendered one argument void, I would erase it. Yours, sincerely and affectionately, A. F.

February 2, 1787 I have often been in pain for you, since I saw you; but God is good, and will support you. I was thinking whether it might not be of use to you, to read over the latter part of your own sermon, on God’s Experimental Probation of Intelligent Agents. ⁴⁰⁹ God has long tried you, my Brother, by a series of tri-

 2 Kings 7:3 – 20.  John 6:37.  Ryland’s first wife, Elizabeth Tyler, died on January 23, 1787, several weeks after giving birth to their only child, John Tyler (1786 – 1841). Ryland’s sermon, God’s Experimental Probation of Intelligent Agents. A Sermon, Preached at a Meeting of Ministers, at Kettering, in Northamptonshire, October 3, 1780 was published in 1780 (Northampton: Thomas Dicey). The sermon, originally given at Fuller’s

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als; under which you have had one to feel with you, and for you. The Lord, it may be, has taken her away that you may have a more direct recourse to him. It was much to me, when my child died, to think, “The Lord liveth, and blessed be my Rock!”⁴¹⁰ It is no small comfort, to think, you are not parted forever. Your dear departed might have adopted the words of her Lord, to you —“I shall see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, etc.”⁴¹¹ O what a meeting shall we have at last! I have just now received yours, and am very glad to find you are so well supported. God is good, and a strong hold in a day of trouble. Blessed be God, we have several young people, who are concerned about their souls’ salvation.

Kettering, January 7, 1791 … As to my Everton journey, I wrote something, as it was then fresh upon my mind, better than I can now. I greatly admired that divine savour which, all along, mingled itself with Mr. Berridge’s facetiousness and sufficiently chastised it.⁴¹² His conversation tended to produce a frequent, but guiltless smile, accompanied with a tear of pleasure. His love to Christ appears to be intense. I requested him to give us a few outlines of his life and ministry. These were interesting, but too long to write. They will enrich an evening’s conversation if I come to Northampton.⁴¹³ When he had gone through, I asked him to pray for us. He said he was so faint he could not yet and requested me to pray. I prayed and concluded, as usual, by asking all in Christ’s name. He, without getting off his knees, took up the prayer where I had left it, in some such manner as this: “O Lord God! this prayer has been offered up in the name of Jesus; accept it, I beseech thee,” etc. for five or six minutes, in a most solemn and savoury manner. We then took leave, with solemn prayer for blessings on each as if we had been acquainted for forty years—and were never to see each other again in this world. The visit left a strong and lasting impression on my heart of the beauty of holiness—of holiness almost matured.⁴¹⁴

church in Kettering, expands on God’s purposes in testing and thus refining his people through suffering.  Psalm 18:46.  John 16:22.  John Berridge.  See Evangelical Magazine, 1794, p. 73. [Ryland].  In the text of Fuller’s letter in the 1818 edition, Ryland omits the following: “Dr. Jamieson’s Letters to MGill, and to the General Assembly, are nervous, close, and pointed, and uncommonly serious.

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Kettering, December 3, 1793⁴¹⁵ My dear Brother, I have no other occasion for writing, than to express my earnest desire that your important removal may be for good.⁴¹⁶ I am satisfied you are in the path of duty: on this consideration, I am willing to part with you. I loved Carey, but I loved the cause of Christ better; and, on that account, I could not be sorry at his departure, though it was with a probability never to see him more. Your views of divine truth, I consider as of great importance in the Christian ministry. Go then, my Brother, pour them into the minds of the rising generation of ministers. Perhaps, there could not have been a station in which you would have had so fair an opportunity of propagating gospeltruth. Let us do all we can in our different stations. Respectability of character and situation affords great opportunity of doing good. We have several of us, in different ways, hereby, fresh openings for usefulness. It is a trust, as well as other things, of which we must give account; and I hope our account will be with joy and not with grief. I have found, the more I do for Christ, the better it is with me. I never enjoyed so much of the pleasures of religion as I have within the last two years, since we have engaged in the Mission business. Mr. Whitfield used to say, “The more a man does for God, the more he may.”

His work and that which I have in hand are quite different, and I think that he is not always sufficiently temperate, and takes more for granted than he ought, etc.”  In the text of Fuller’s letter in the 1818 edition, Ryland omits the following: “I pass over many letters in 1792 and 1793, mostly relative to the commencement of our mission, the chief particulars contained in them being known to the public already. In January 1793, I was on a visit at Bristol, when he wrote me a long letter, giving an account of the meetings held at Northampton and Kettering, on January 9th and 10th, and their determination to send out Mr. Thomas, etc. Part of this may be worth inserting” (1816, 361). In the 1818 edition, the letter from Fuller, dated January 16, 1793, has been moved to chapter 7 (see p. 227). John Jamieson and William McGill (1732– 1807) were Scottish ministers.  Here Fuller refers to Ryland’s call to Broadmead and the presidency of the Bristol Academy, a dual vacancy that had occurred after Caleb Evans’s death in 1791. In 1792, Ryland was asked to fill the Broadmead pulpit for a month; pleased with his ministry, the church extended a call for him to fill the dual post. This caught Ryland, who was then forty years old and completing his twentieth year of ministry in Northampton, by surprise. After more than two years of protracted discussion, Ryland accepted the call to Bristol on January 24, 1794, and two weeks later assumed the post he would retain for the remainder of his life. Despite Fuller’s love for Ryland and the benefit of his friend’s proximity in Northampton, he recognized the value of Ryland’s appointment for the strengthening of Baptist congregations across England—much in the same way that William Carey’s departure for India in 1792 was both a personal loss and an immeasurable gain for the global cause of Christ.

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I should have been glad to have seen you at Kettering. As that cannot be, the Lord God of Israel prosper your way! I am, Very affectionately, yours, Andrew Fuller P. S. I will write as often as I find something interesting to write about and opportunity admits. I hope you will do the same.

April 21, 1794 I have read Dr. Edwards on Free Grace and Atonement with great pleasure. I suppose I read it sometime ago; but I never relished it so well before. I thank you for it. I would not take half-a-guinea for that pamphlet, though I do not coincide with everything it contains.⁴¹⁷

January 1, 1795 I received, about a week ago, the packet of pamphlets for which I am much obliged to you. I very much longed for West on the Atonement, and if I could have Spring on Duty,⁴¹⁸ I should be very glad. I am concerned to hear of Dr.  See Jonathan Edwards, Jr., The Necessity of Atonement, and the Consistency between That and Free Grace, in Forgiveness: Illustrated in Three Sermons, Preached before His Excellency the Governor, and a Large Number of Both Houses of the Legislature of the State of Connecticut, during Their Sessions at New Haven (New Haven: Meigs, Bowen and Dana, 1785).  Here Fuller refers to Stephen West’s The Scripture Doctrine of Atonement, Proposed to Careful Examination (New Haven: Meigs, Bowen and Dana, 1785) and to Samuel Spring’s (1746 – 1819) A Friendly Dialogue in Three Parts between Philalethes & Toletus upon the Nature of Duty (Newburyport, MA: John Mycall, 1784). West and Spring were both students of the Congregationalist minister Samuel Hopkins, and thus proponents of Hopkins’s Edwardsianism, which was often referred to as “New Divinity,” “New England Theology,” or “Hopkinsianism.” Ryland corresponded with Hopkins, West, and Jonathan Edwards, Jr. over what Ryland saw as helpful developments in New Divinity on the doctrine of atonement. In 1787, Ryland admitted to Dr. Edwards that he and others were “rather boggled” by Joseph Bellamy’s understanding of the cross, and that some of his fellow ministers “begin to have less objection than we had to allow the sufficiency of Christ’s death to have saved more than will be eventually saved.” The notion, championed by the New Divinity men, that the cross was sufficient to atone for all sin but only efficient for the sin of the elect was slow to take root among Particular Baptists— especially due to its similarity to the Arminian scheme. Nevertheless, the idea had biblical and logical merit. Ryland also conceded the danger of the purely commercial terms in which Christ’s substitu-

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Edwards’ illness. The Lord preserve him, if he be yet alive! Should you write to him, give my sincere love to him and thank him for his remarks on my letters, as well as for the pamphlets. I hope soon to begin a third edition and shall make use of them, as far as I can see their propriety. You ask if I have seen Paine’s⁴¹⁹ Age of Reason. I have not. You do not know what reading is to me; one hour would bring on the headache. A newspaper is as much as I can read at a time. I could do many things, if strength would allow it. Plans of various works have entered my mind; but all must be dropped, or nearly so, for want of strength. Reading is worse to me than thinking or writing.⁴²⁰

April 2, 1795⁴²¹ Sin is to be overcome, not so much by maintaining a direct opposition to it, as by cultivating opposite principles. Would you kill the weeds in your garden, plant it with good seed: if the ground be well occupied, there will be less need of the labour of the hoe. If a man wished to quench fire, he might fight it with his hands, till he was burnt to death; the only way is, to apply an opposite element. tionary work was often defended, insightfully noting that “probably nothing contributed to the spread of antinomianism in England as good men’s treating all who verged [towards a more governmental understanding] with contempt and neglect” (John Ryland to Jonathan Edwards, Jr., June 29, 1787, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University, New Haven). Theologians who rejected moral government theory out of hand, he argued, could subtly encourage an Antinomian tendency to regard the atonement as a licence for further sin. In light of Bellamy’s argumentation, Fuller would alter his view on the nature of the atonement between the first and second editions of The Gospel Worthy of All Acceptation—eventually arguing against a commercial understanding and for a more nuanced view, which embraced both the moral government and the substitutionary theories of atonement. Ryland concluded the same. Beginning in 1814, Ryland and West were frequent correspondents, and the latter was eager to see Ryland produce Fuller’s memoir (see Edwards Amasa Park. “Contributions to History: Letters of John Ryland to Stephen West,” The Bibliotheca Sacra and Theological Eclectic 30, no. 117 (January 1873): 178 – 87).  Ryland has corrected the 1816 edition’s rendering of “Payne” to “Paine.” Thomas Paine (1737– 1809) wrote The Age of Reason; Being an Investigation of True and Fabulous Theology (1794) shortly before his imprisonment during France’s “Reign of Terror” in December of 1793. The influence of Paine’s deism, a product of the Enlightenment’s rational empiricism, was a major concern for Particular Baptists. Ryland and Fuller found Jonathan Edwards’s writings profoundly helpful in addressing the “vain pretence” of “the sufficiency of reason without revelation to guide men into the knowledge of God” (John Ryland, Divine Revelation Variously Communicated. [Bristol: E. Bryan, 1811], 26). Perhaps the most significant rebuttal of Paine’s ideas was Fuller’s The Gospel Its Own Witness (1799).  Ryland omits the final section of this letter, which discusses Fuller’s recent remarriage ([1816], 366 – 67). However, this portion of the letter is included in chapter 9 of the 1818 edition (see p. 361).  Ryland omits: “In a letter dated April 2, 1795, he remarks.”

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He observes, respecting a certain person: “He seems to confound the subordinate character under which Christ acted, with an inferiority of nature. There is a kind of economical subordination ascribed to the Son and Holy Spirit; which yet does not suppose any inequality, or inferiority of nature.” August 28, 1795 I cannot but think Mr. B.’s ideas on the subject of your letter to him are unjust. I acknowledged, as you did, that no good disposition whatever was required to warrant our application to Christ; but urged that a good disposition was necessary to the act of coming; that, in the order of things, repentance must precede faith in Christ, as well as follow it, since, without a conviction —a spiritual conviction of the evil of sin—there could be no sense of our need of a Saviour. While the heart is not broken by repentance, the sinner is whole and needs no physician. He owned, men must consider themselves as lost perishing sinners. I answered, “If this conviction include no change of disposition, it will never lead a sinner to Christ. With a heart at enmity with God, he will not come to Christ, that he may have life. Pray, Sir, does not a sinner’s considering himself in a lost, perishing condition, include repentance?” B. “No; Judas felt this.” F. “And will any man come to Christ, who possesses merely the disposition of Judas?” He would not say, they would. F. “I really think the sickness of which our Lord speaks, implies such a conviction of the evil of sin, as well as of the perishing state of the sinner, as is accompanied with a justification of God, a condemnation of themselves, and a despair of help from every other quarter; and this includes the first principles of repentance, and of all true religion.” B. “To talk of repentance, as being previously necessary, is leading the soul from Christ, to centre in self.” F. “Yes, if that repentance be made a ground, warrant, or encouragement, to come; not else.” B. “You may say that the sinner is not to consider his good disposition as a ground, but if you preach it as necessary, he will so consider it, and thus turn his attention to it, and be dwelling upon his own penitence.”

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F. “Be it so. Your argument then is this: Because we cannot keep people from abusing our sentiments, therefore they cannot be true. Would you, as Brother R. asks, plead for an impenitent application to Christ, in which the heart is still hard?” B. “No, but I conceive of the sinner being changed by faith; and not previous to it. The Word is the means of his change. I read Sandeman some years ago; and, though I disapproved of many things, yet I approved of that. He proves that the sinner must come to Christ, without any good disposition whatever.”⁴²² F. “If he had said, as the ground, or warrant of his coming, I should say the same.” B. “You cannot turn people’s attention from it: if you make it necessary they will dwell upon it.” F. “Pray, Sir, how do you go daily to Christ? Do you not still go, as a perishing sinner?” B. “Yes; but not as an unconverted sinner.” F. “That is, you are conscious that you are the subject of a good disposition, and yet you make it no part of your warrant to apply to Christ: why may not a penitent sinner, on his first application to Christ, do the same?”

October 9, 1795 I received your parcel, containing several American publications. I have not had time to read them through, though I have looked over some of them. I did not quite like Mr. Bell’s mode of appealing to “the unerring oracles of

 Under the influence of his father-in-law, John Glas, Robert Sandeman advocated for a Christian primitivism that, among other things, taught an intellectualist faith. Glas had become convinced that both Calvinists and Arminians were undermining justification by faith through an excessive introspection which prioritized repentance and obedience in place of faith. In Letters on Theron and Aspasio (1757), Sandeman argued that repentance was a result of faith rather than an aspect of faith. Instead, all that was required for salvation was “bare faith,” a concept that tended to result in faith as mental assent to the truth of the gospel, apart from repentance. Fuller’s Strictures on Sandemanianusm, in Twelve Letters to a Friend (1810) was the key polemic against Sandemanianism written by an English Calvinist. See Fuller, Apologetic Works 5: Strictures on Sandemanianism, ed. Nathan A. Finn (The Complete Works of Andrew Fuller 9; Berlin/Boston: De Gruyter, 2016).

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true philosophy and the Word of God.”⁴²³ God’s Word is, or is not a sufficient rule, from whence the man of God may be thoroughly furnished. What is philosophy, that it should become an ‘oracle,’ by which to try sentiments in divinity? See Jonathan Edwards’ Thoughts on the Revival. Part I. p. 4. Dr. Edwards, Dr. Hopkins, and others of their best divines, justly inveigh against human authority in religion: I mean, taking up with a sentiment, on account of the men of great name that have held it; but what is philosophy, but human opinion?⁴²⁴ Has it not varied in every age? I have no objection to such a way of advancing truth, as consists in pointing out its rationality: on the contrary, it is a great satisfaction to feel both Scripture and reason on our side; and so it is to find great and good men agreeing with us in important doctrines; but, as I would not make an ‘oracle’ of them, neither would I of a set of human opinions, though they may go under the name of philosophy. Philosophy seems, to me, out of its place, when seated upon the bench by the side of God’s word: the bar is the highest station to which it ought to be admitted.

October 26, 1796 The report of my preaching in Braybrook church is true, but the report that the clergyman or myself have suffered any inconvenience, is not so. Nor have I any apprehensions on that score. The fact was thus: Mr. Broughton of Braybrook Lodge had a son, about 20 years of age, who died. The young man’s desire was that I should preach a funeral sermon at his interment from Jer 31:18 – 20. Mr. Ayer, the Baptist minister, came to me the day before his burial to inform me.⁴²⁵ I said to him, “And where are we to be?  The Rev. Benjamin Bell (1752– 1836), a graduate of Yale College, was ordained the pastor of the Congregationalist church in Amesbury, Massachusetts in 1784. The author of a number of sermons and tracts, Bell was connected with the New Divinity theologians, who were heirs of Jonathan Edwards.  Philosophy is human opinion, formed without the Bible. Is that more an oracle, than human opinion formed from it? I grant that right reason never errs; but what is, at all times, called philosophy, may: and, to say that we make right reason or true philosophy our oracle, is taking it for granted that we have found out what right reason and true philosophy is, in all cases, which is more than can be justly pretended. [Ryland]. Dr. Jonathan Edwards, Jr., son of Jonathan Edwards, and Samuel Hopkins were heirs of the elder Edwards’s theological vision and correspondents with both Ryland and Fuller. Fuller’s essay “Spiritual Pride: Or the Occasions, Causes, and Effects of High-Mindedness in Religion” bears many of the same ideas as the section under the same title in the elder Edwards’s Some Thoughts on the Present Revival of Religion in New England (Boston: Kneeland, 1742).  John Ayer (1741– 1821) was converted at Kettering in 1770, under the ministry of Moses Deacon. Ordained to the ministry at Walgrave, Ayer became the pastor of the congregation at Baybrook in 1792. He was present at the October 2 meeting in Kettering at which the Baptist Missionary Society was formed.

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The meeting-house will not hold half the people.” He said, he did not know. “I do not know,” said I, “where we can be, unless they would lend us the church.” This I said merely in pleasantry and without the most distant idea of asking for it. Mr. A., however, went home and told the young man’s father what I had said. “I will go,” said he, “and ask the clergyman.” He went. “I have no objection,” said the old man (who is a good-tempered man, but lies under no suspicion of either evangelical sentiments or of being righteous overmuch), “if it could be done with safety, but I reckon it would be unsafe.” Mr B. took this for an answer in the negative. But, the same day, the old clergyman rode over to Harborough and inquired, I suppose, of some attorney. He was told no ill consequences would follow towards him; if any, they would fall upon me. He then came back and, just before the funeral, told Mr. B. what he had learned, adding, “I do not wish Mr. F. to injure himself, but if he choose to run the hazard, he is welcome to the church.” Mr. B. told me this. We then carried the corpse up to the church and the old man went through the service out of doors. It was nearly dark, very cold and damp and about 500 or 600 were gathered together. The meeting would not hold above 100, and I should have taken a great cold to have been abroad. I did not believe the attorney’s opinion that they could hurt me, unless it were through the clergyman. I, therefore, went up to him, thanked him for his offer, and accepted it, He stayed to hear me and, I can truly say, I aimed and longed for his salvation. After the sermon, he shook hands with me before all the people; saying, “Thank you Sir, for your serious, pathetic discourse. I hope no ill consequences will befall either thee or me.” Next day, I rode with him some miles, on my way home. “I like charity,” said he, “Christians should be charitable to one another.” I have heard nothing since and expect to hear no more about it.⁴²⁶ We have had nearly twenty added this autumn. Our place is crowded more than when we enlarged before.

January 1, 1799 I was gone to Nottingham, when yours arrived. Last Lord’s day, I preached a sermon to old people, from Ps 71:9, in which “O Absalom, my son, my son!” had a place, but that is a subject I could only touch.  The Bishop, however, at a visitation, did speak to the clergyman on the subject, who admitted the fact. “Well, did he pray for the king?” said the Diocesan. “Yes, very fervently.” “And what did he preach about?” “Why, about the common salvation,” was the reply. On which the Bishop only told him he must not do so again. [Ryland]. The controversy here was the use of All Saints Church in Baybrook, rather than the adjacent, smaller Baptist chapel.

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First. The blessing desired—that God would not cast him off, nor forsake him in old age. I supposed the Psalm written about the time of Absalom’s conspiracy. God had cast off his predecessor, Saul, and things looked as if he now meant to cast him off. His people also seemed, by joining with Absalom, disposed to cast him off. Hence, the force of the petition. Old men do not always put up this petition. If the desires of many of them were put into words, they would be that they might save money, retain power, etc. Covetousness is particularly the sin of old age. The reason may be, in early life, corruption has a number of channels to flow in—sensuality, pride, etc. but, in age, these are stopped, or nearly so, by the decay of the natural powers and passions; and, from hence, the whole flows in one or two channels. But these things will soon forsake us, or we must soon leave them. The favour and presence of God should be the object of our desire. I considered, secondly, some of the peculiar circumstances of old age which render this blessing necessary: (l) Old age is a time of little natural enjoyment, 2 Sam 19:35. The more need therefore for others. It is a soil on which that kind of pleasure will not grow, but the joys of true religion will, Ps 92:14. “Fruit in old age,” Isa 40:30, 31, “Be this, therefore, our object.” (2) It is a time in which the troubles of life are often known to increase. Many are poor and can struggle no longer with penury, and so sink under their hardships. Poor old men! This prayer befits your lips. Others have families and live to see their children’s miseries or, what (if we fear God) is worse, their evil courses. How fit the language from the lips of those whose gray hairs are going down with sorrow to the grave! Others lose their friends by death. Youth is the time of forming connections, which is a source of pleasure, and age, of those connections being dissolved, which is a source of pain. How many poor widows do I now address, who are left in a world of care and sorrow, to serve alone! Does not this prayer befit your lips? Finally, it is at this period that we often have to reap the bitter fruits of the sins of earlier years. Disobedience to parents is often followed by disobedience in children; neglect of family government, by family ruin, as in Eli’s case; and criminal indulgences in youth, by similar practices in our children. David had his troubles in younger life; but they were light compared with those which respected Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom. Here, impurity and blood re-appeared and wounded his heart. (3) Old age is a time in which the troubles of life not only increase but become less tolerable. Young people will weather theirs, but it is not so with the aged. Pains of mind resemble pains of body; young people will work them off, but, in old people, they remain and are carried to the grave. Jacob had hardships, when at Padan-aram; the heat by day and the frost by night; but he forgot them in a little time; not so, when, after having lost his beloved Rachel, a garment was brought to him covered with blood! Is this, or anything like it, the condition of any here? So much the more necessary the pe-

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tition. (4) Old age is a time that ought to command respect, and does so among dutiful children and all serious Christians; but it is often known to be accompanied by neglect. This is the case, especially, where they are poor and dependent. It has been the case where public characters have lost their youthful vivacity and the brilliancy of their talents. In these cases, how fit the petition. (5) It is a period bordering on death and eternity. The enjoyments of life are more than half gone, and the remainder hang on a thread more than half broken. Thirdly. I inquired, in what cases there are grounds to hope this petition will be granted? Not all old men enjoy God’s favour and presence. There are men tottering on the brink of the grave, and yet wicked; yea, ripe in wickedness. Mercenary, deceitful, crafty, oppressive; even those sins which they can no longer act, through a failure in their powers, they will recall in their defiled imagination and repeat in conversation, to the corruption of youth. Ah! wicked old man! God will cast you off. Age itself entitles you to no respect from man, nor will you find mercy from God. Think, particularly, of two passages, Isa 65:20 and Ps 68:21. Who then will be found sharers in this blessing? (1) It is certain that if we have been God’s servants from our youth, he will not cast us off in our old age. David pleaded this, vv. 5, 17. O how was this truth verified in the old age and death of Jacob, Daniel, Paul, etc. (2) Though we should not have been his servants in youth, yet if, in old age, even from thence, we seek him with all our hearts, he will be found of us and will not forsake us. He will not refuse, even at the eleventh hour. (3) Though you should never have been his servants unto this day, but have grown gray under Satan’s yoke and are now a poor, miserable creature, just ready to fall into hell … yet, if from hence you shall seek the Lord our God with all your heart and with all your soul, he will be found of you; for the Lord our God is a merciful God! If with all your heart you only put up this prayer, Cast me not off in the time of old age, etc. he will not cast you off, but will stand your friend, when you are forsaken by the whole world. Thus, I have half-filled my letter with a sermon; but you will excuse it. I do not think it will be in my power to come to Bristol this year. You know Brother Pearce’s condition.⁴²⁷ I am rejoiced to find he gets a little better, and that  Samuel Pearce studied at the Bristol Academy and was ordained the pastor of Cannon Street Baptist Church in 1790. He was present with Fuller, Ryland, and others at the formation of the Baptist Missionary Society in 1792. Hoping to be appointed for missionary service, Pearce studied Bengali, but his friends encouraged him to remain in Birmingham to help raise support for the BMS. Pearce contracted tuberculosis sometime in 1797 and died on October 10, 1799.

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they propose obtaining an assistant for him, but, if he should recover, he cannot do that at present for the Mission, which he has done. Ward says, if one of us could go to Manchester and Liverpool, we might get £100 at each place.⁴²⁸ I suppose we must try in the spring, and that may fall, perhaps, to my share. I thank you, however, for your love, and should feel as much pleasure in coming as you would in receiving me. Nottingham people were very friendly; they mean that Brother Pearce and I should go alternately, and have an annual collection etc.

April 5, 1799 I remember my visit to Bristol with pleasure, and the treatment of friends there with gratitude. My love to all who may inquire after me. I hope the students do not smoke more, or longer, than when I came. I must say, however, that I relished several pipes in their company. I earnestly wish they may steer clear of the ditch and the quagmire. It is of vast importance for a minister to be decidedly on the side of God, against himself as a sinner, and against an apostate world. Nor is it less important that he have an ardent love to Christ and the gospel of salvation by free grace. I wish they may so believe and feel and preach the truth as to find their message an important reality, influencing their own souls and those of others. Let them beware of so preaching doctrine as to forget to declare all the counsel of God; all the precepts of the word. Let them equally beware of so dwelling upon the preceptive part of Scripture as to forget the grand principles on which alone it can be carried into effect. We may contend for practical religion and yet neglect the practice of religion. I should not write thus, if I did not know that they would take kindly the hints I may give of this sort, or any other.

January 27, 1800⁴²⁹ Dr. Erskine, in a short note, told me, as well as you, that he did not agree with me in Part II Chap. IV of The Gospel Its Own Witness, Note. Dr. Stuart

 William Ward, a student of John Fawcett at Ewood, offered himself for service with the Baptist Missionary Society in 1798. With his experience in printing, Ward sailed to Calcutta with his fellow missionary Joshua Marshman in May 1799. Ryland had trained Joshua Marshman in Hebrew and Syriac at the Bristol Academy.  Ryland omits the following commentary and letters from the 1818 edition: “This year (1799), Mr. Fuller paid his first visit to Scotland, on which journey he set out immediately after a ministers meeting at Kettering. He wrote to me from Bourn in Lincolnshire, and mentioned a subject of which it will be proper to take some notice:

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is also alarmed about it. I have received a long letter, from a very mild and judicious man, Mr. Aikman, of Edinburgh, which I have answered.⁴³⁰ The question wholly turns on the nature of Christ’s merits. If they be a purchase in a literal sense or (to speak in other language), if they merit in a way of condignity, I am wrong: but if only in a way of congruity, it is otherwise. At October 3, 1799. I received yours while our brethren were at Kettering. Our people are several of them very uneasy about my frequent absence. They mentioned their uneasiness to the ministers; proposing for the Society, for at least one year as a trial, to engage a young man whose residence might be at Kettering, who might supply for me when absent on Mission business, or any other minister of the connection; and assist me in writing, etc. They hoped that a young minister in spending a year that way might get no harm, but some good. They expressed their apprehensions also in pretty strong language that if something of the kind was not done, I should soon follow Brother Pearce, and they suffer as a people the meanwhile, for want of those pastoral visits, etc. which my frequent and long absence, and continued labours when at home, rendered impossible. What think you of it? It would be £50 a year at least to the Society? As Mr. Fuller’s own most laborious services were from first to last, employed disinterestedly and gratuitously in the service of the Mission, I should have thought is a most unreasonable thing indeed to make the least objection to this proposal, which was accordingly agreed to by the Society, and carried into effect. If other accounts of our Mission were lost, the letters I have received from Mr. Fuller would go far towards furnishing a history of the principal events. But I pass over what is already before the public. Having already extracted from his letters to Mrs. Fuller, an account of his journey to Scotland, I also omit the information I received from thence, except a few sentences contained in a letter from Glasgow: October 19, 1799. Dr. Erskine is all and more than all that expectation could have depicted him. I write all I can about men and things in a private journal, which you shall see at Northampton ordination. We have kept mostly on the defensive, and in fact have met with nothing hostile. We could not hear Dr. Erskine, as he did not preach the Lord’s day we were in Edinburgh; so we worshipped in the morning at Mr. M’Lean’s. The Baptists do not attack us. We have said little by way of opposition; only that we are sorry to see that Sandeman had so much influence with many; and that we wished them to learn their religion from the New Testament, and not from his writings. I told Mr. M. ‘You are all right here exclusively. The Kirk is right; the Seceders are right; and you are right. I think it is the character of your countrymen to be very decided in their views!’ The Baptists at Glasgow seem mild and affectionate. Dr. James Watt (1762– 1821), a physician, who is a preacher among them, has been with me today and expressed his regret that we could not be invited to preach with them. He seems an amiable young man. We expect Dr. S. and some other friends from Edinburgh, will come forty-three miles to spend another Lord’s day commonly attached to us, though we talk very freely to him against the frigid scheme of Sandeman” (Ryland [1816], 380 – 82).  John Erskine ministered at Old Greyfriars Church in Edinburgh from 1768 until his death. A man of considerable literary activity, Erskine had regular intercourse with contacts in New England and was responsible for editing and publishing several of Jonathan Edwards’s works in Glasgow. Ryland and his father were frequent correspondents with Erskine. As Ryland mentioned in the preface, Dr. Charles Stuart published the first biographical account of Andrew Fuller in August of 1815 (Charles Stuart, “A Short Memoir of the Late Mr. Andrew Fuller,” Christian Herald, 1815). Stuart, a Baptist pastor in Edinburgh, was a frequent host and travelling companion to Fuller during his trips to Scotland for the BMS. John Aikman (d. 1834) was a university student who joined with James Haldane in forming the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel at Home (1797). Aikman regularly preached at the Independent congregation on North College Street, Edinburgh.

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present, the latter appears to me to be the truth. (1) Because it seems inconsistent with the perfection of the divine nature to suppose that anything done by any being whatsoever, can lay him under obligation to bestow favour. “Who hath given to him, and it shall be reckoned to him again?” (2) The sixteenth Psalm appears, throughout, applicable to Christ and is applied to him in the New Testament; and the person there speaking says, “My goodness extendeth not to thee,” etc. (3) Christ was made under the law, which must mean as a covenant, seeing it was to redeem us from under it. But, if so, must not the nature (I do not say the degree or value) of his merits correspond with what ours would have been, had we kept the law? In coming under the law, he took our place; and he found us exposed to the curse and cut off from all hope of everlasting life. By being made a curse, he atoned for the one and, by being obedient unto death, he merited the other; that is, he did that which was so well-pleasing to God that he (who always delighted to pour forth blessedness in a way that should show his love to righteousness) for his sake, could, in perfect consistency with his character, bestow eternal life on all that should believe in him. I take it for granted that God’s love to his creatures⁴³¹ is such that he naturally delights to pour forth the riches of his goodness upon them, provided it can be done without dishonour to his character. We had placed ourselves in such a situation that this could not be done; but Christ, by his life and death, did everything that was lovely in his sight and, being a divine person, his obedience was of sufficient value to induce the Father to justify millions for his sake. There was a glorious congruity in God’s pardoning sinners out of regard to his sacrifice, and blessing them with grace and glory, as the reward of his obedience. Such appears, to me, to be the Scripture account of Christ’s merits; and not that he laid the Father under such obligations, that all he did would be a matter of strict right. It is true, the forgiveness of our sins and every other blessing is bestowed in perfect consistency with justice; yea, is an exercise of remunerative justice towards Christ. Thus I understand 1 John 1:9, “He is faithful and just,” etc. See 2 Thess 1:6 – 7.

 Yes, and the righteous Lord loveth righteousness: he delights to honour obedience to his own law; how much, then, must he delight to show himself well-pleased, with that obedience of his incarnate Son, by which the law is magnified and made honourable, more than it could have been by the unfailing obedience of all mere creatures, both men and angels, if no one of either species had ever been chargeable with the least transgression. [Ryland].

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March 5, 1800 If the term, ungodly, in Rom 5:6 means destitute of holiness, must it not follow that Christ did not die for the Old Testament saints, who were at that time in heaven, nor for his own disciples, or any of the good people who lived at that time?

April 1, 1800 ⁴³²I have written Dr. Erskine a respectful letter, giving my reasons for what I said in Part II of The Gospel Its Own Witness, Chap. IV, explaining more fully and proposing some little alteration in the note, which he since acknowledges to be satisfactory. I have much headache; my wife, who has been ill, is absent; my children ill; my head and hands full; but my heart is supported. I had a melting time, at the Lord’s supper, last Sabbath.

May 6, 1800 You have heard of the death of dear Brother Grant! Well; how mysterious is God’s way! But we shall approve it, when we fully understand it. We had a terrible hailstorm on Lord’s day, between noons. The stones were as large as pigeons’ eggs and broke all our windows which stood in a southwest direction. People fled to the meeting, I thought, like Joab to the altar. I preached to them on Jesus delivering us from the wrath to come (1 Thess 1:10). The storm was accompanied with terrible thunder and lightning.

September 9, 1801⁴³³ I had a letter about a week ago from one of the Scotch Baptists about order, discipline, etc. Ill as I was, I scratched but the following parable. Dr. Stuart [who was then on a visit at Kettering, on account of Mr. Fuller’s severe ill-

 Ryland omits: “I am just returned from London. Mr. Booth seemed friendly but reserved.”  This letter is found in the appendix of the 1816 edition (see Ryland [1816], 528 – 30). Ryland omits the following: July 31, 1800. O my dear Brother! My heart is oppressed; yet I am supported. Yesterday I fasted and prayed the day through. Many scriptures were sweet to me; particularly Matt 15:25, “Lord help me!,” a petition in which a parent was heard for a child, after repeated repulses. And Ps 33:22. I believe I shall live to see good in some way come out of it. My soul is at rest in God. His letters in 1801 relate chiefly to Missionary concerns.

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ness] saw it and he was so much amused with it, that he must needs copy it. “In one of the new Italian Republics, two independent companies are formed for the defence of the country. Call the one A and the other B. In forming themselves and learning their exercise, they each profess to follow the mode of discipline used by the ancient Romans. Their officers, uniforms, and evolutions, however, are, after all, somewhat different from each other. Hence, disputes arise and B refuses to march against the enemy with A, as being disorderly. A gives his reasons why he thinks himself orderly, but they are far from satisfying B, who not only treats him as deviating from rule, but as almost knowing himself to do so, and willfully persisting in it. A, tired of jarring, marches against the enemy by himself. B sits at home, deeply engaged in studying order and discipline. “If your forms and rules,” says A, “are so preferable to ours, why do you not make use of them? Discipline is a means, not an end. Be not always boasting of your order and reproaching others for the want of it; let us see the use of it. It is true, like the Quakers in 1745, you have bought waistcoats for our soldiers, and we thank you for them; but we had rather you would fight yourselves.”⁴³⁴

December 1, 1801 I allow you and Brother Sutcliff to excel me in wisdom; especially in foreseeing difficulties: but I fancy I excel you both (if it be an excellence) in courage. I, therefore, wish to advise with you both; but to execute without you.

December 21, 1801 I have lately had another heavy trial. Yet, under all? Blessed be God, my heart is fixed, trusting in him. I have seldom enjoyed more habitual rest in God, than of late. O how sweet it is to have no will of my own, but that of God! 1 know I have an interest in your intercessions, and those of many other dear friends.

 Though Mr. M’L. pleads for addresses to the unconverted, yet I understand he scarcely ever addresses them. And I am informed that it is very rare for any instances of conversion to be heard of, under their preaching. [Ryland]. Ryland mentions Archibald McLean, a Scottish Baptist who had fully embraced Sandemanianism, which presented subtle dangers to a correct understanding of the role of religious affections in the Christian life. Fuller and Ryland managed to maintain strong friendships with McLean whilst aggressively critiquing Sandemanianism. As pacifists, the Quakers generally refused to support the legitimacy of war. However, in November of 1745, Quakers supplied flannel waistcoats to Cumberland in hopes of his success against the Jacobites in the 1745 Rising.

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A respected friend has repeatedly pressed me to write a treatise on Spiritual Pride, on the same plan as the Backslider. I have thought somewhat on the subject and begun writing. This would tend to detect that subtle spirit, which is, I am persuaded, fostered by Sandemanianism—Stand by thyself, for I am holier than thou. But I feel myself much more capable of depicting Antinomian pride, than the other. For this purpose, I have procured Huntingdon’s works.⁴³⁵ But, in reading them, I am stopped for a time. I have eight or nine volumes! I never read anything more void of true religion. I do not think of naming him, or his works, or those of any other person; but merely to draw pictures and let the reader judge who they are like. ⁴³⁶I received a long letter from him on the 19th of August 1802, containing the copy of a very mild, respectful, and Christian expostulation with an aged and venerable minister, who had indulged some unjust suspicions towards him and spread reports pretty extensively to his disadvantage; but, as they are now both together in a world full of light and love and will never misunderstand one another again, I choose rather to omit inserting it. I think it would be much to the credit of my dear departed brother, in the judgment of all impartial readers, but I shall wave publishing it unless I should, hereafter, be compelled to do so, by such as resemble the other glorified saint in little else but his defects. This letter was received just before his journey to Scotland. I had another from Glasgow on the same subject, September 18th, and a third after his return, October 8th. In the last, he observes, “The kindness of the Scotch and their attention in hearing has been very great. On the weekday, all denominations came to hear; and many, who had been prejudiced, seemed to have their prejudices removed.” December 2, 1802 As to my writing about Antinomianism or answering M’L, the truth is, I have, for the last six or eight months, had such a throng of other labour that I cannot write anything. Two or three days is all I have been able to bestow on M’L, either to read or to write. I never meant any direct attack on the system of Hunt; but was writing, when Messrs. Palmer and Lowell spoke to me, something on Spiritual Pride, in which that system had a conspicuous sta-

 William Huntingdon (1745 – 1813) was a provocative and prominent London pastor whose haughty spirit and dangerous teachings made him a number of enemies among Particular Baptists. Huntingdon argued that the moral law no longer had binding applicability for Christians. Huntingdon’s works were published in a twenty-volume set in 1811.  Ryland omits: “From above twenty letters in 1802, I shall only insert the following extracts. January 26, 1802. ‘This day I have been in the public ministry 28 years, and if I live eleven days till February 6, I shall be 48 years old’” (Ryland [1816], 387).

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tion. But I have not been able to touch it, since last February. Incessant journeys confound me and lead to incessant correspondence.⁴³⁷

⁴³⁸March 6, 1803 You ask in your notes on my manuscript on imputation, “Did not Christ deserve (at least by compact) that his seeing of the travail of his soul should be insured to him?” Certainly; and I think it is an exercise, not merely of faithfulness for God to forgive our sin for his sake, but of remunerative justice; it is fit and right that the God of righteousness should so express his approbation of the sufferings and death of Christ. So far, I think Christ merited, deserved, or, if you please, purchased our redemption; but it was not with such a kind of purchase as that wherein a creditor, for value received of a surety, liberates a debtor; which renders the deliverance an act of justice and not of grace. [Were it so,] whatever grace there might have been in the provision of the surety, there would be no room for the creditor to be said to have freely forgiven the debt. If we had borne the full penalty of the law in our own persons (could that have been), our liberation would have been an act which justice might have required in a different sense from what it does now. But as the penalty, though fully borne, was borne by a substitute, we can have no claim for deliverance, except what arises from promise, that is, from grace; we have no more claim than if Christ had not died, but can only plead for mercy in his name. As to your neighbour’s question, I freely answer, Christ had respect, in laying down his life, to the elect only, as those who should be ultimately benefited by it. He asks, “Is there any great difference between saying that, in consequence of the mediation of Christ, God may pardon returning sinners, if he willeth so to do; and [saying that he may] exercise mercy in all the methods which sovereign wisdom sees fit to adopt?” Answer: The former leaves it to the free-will of man to return to God; the lat-

 John Hunt (d. 1709), author of The Saints Treasury (1704), pastored the Congregational church at Castle Hill in Northampton until 1709. The poet, writer, and Calvinist theologian Anne Dutton (1692– 1765) was a member of Hunt’s congregation for a time. The hymnist and prolific author Phillip Doddridge (1702– 1751) succeeded Hunt at Castle Hill.  Ryland omits: “I have looked over sixteen letters in 1802, and copy from them the following” (Ryland [1816], 389). The manuscript to which Fuller refers is his Six Letters to Dr. Ryland, an attempt to respond to Abraham Booth’s concerns regarding Fuller’s revised A Gospel Worthy of All Acceptation, which had been published in 1801. Fuller’s response to Booth was presented in the form of a conversation between Peter (Booth), James (Fuller), and John (Ryland), which appears in Fuller’s collected works as Three Conversations on Imputation, Substitution, and Particular Redemption (WAF, 3:680). For more on the substance of this controversy, see Robert W. Oliver, “Andrew Fuller and Abraham Booth,” in “At the Pure Fountain of Thy Word”: Andrew Fuller as an Apologist, ed. Michael A. G. Haykin (Studies in Baptist History and Thought; Eugene: Wipf & Stock, 2007), 203 – 22.

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ter gives the Holy Spirit, according to promise made to Christ, to insure believing and salvation, which is the turning point between Arminianism and Calvinism. As to Mr. M’Lean’s complaint, I did suppose him to be the author of a pamphlet to which I referred in my Appendix; but, long before his answer came out, I discovered my mistake and desired Mr. Broughton, who was then at Edinburgh, to make my respects to him and to say I was very sorry for the mistake, but could not now recall it. He complained, not to me at the time, but in print, that I did not advertise my mistake in a magazine, to which I should have had no objection, but the thing escaped me through a multitude of other concerns.

March 29, 1804 I hope Mr. ——’s conduct will be of some use to me. I had had enough of “good report” for a sinful creature to bear, and am now inclined to think, though I was not aware of it before, that I have too much rested in the approbation of men. The “evil reports” which have been set on foot, have tended to drive me from that uncertain ground and to cause me to feel more deeply the necessity of doing everything with an eye to the approbation of God. The state of our churches much affects me. I do not like removals, when lightly made. Some of our ministers seem bitten by a gad fly. ⁴³⁹In January 1804, he visited Portsea, where he informed me that he met with much kind treatment and collected £107, 15s. 3d. ⁴⁴⁰ He preached at Frome, by the way, to a large congregation. Some of the good people at Portsea had been rather prejudiced against him and he had heard some unfavourable reports of them, but both sides parted, seemingly with a better opinion of each other. One person said to him, “Sir, I was greatly disappointed in you.” “Yes, and I in you.” “I mean, in hearing you last Lord’s day morning; I did not expect to hear such a sermon from you.”  Ryland omits: “October 31, 1804. Mr. R. of Leicester, says my answer is writing in a good spirit, but he is still a church-man. So I expected” (Ryland [1816], 391).  £107 in 1800 would be equivalent to £9,021 in 2020.

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“Perhaps so; and I did not expect such treatment from you. I had heard things of the Portsea people, which gave me but a mean opinion of them; but I have hitherto no cause to complain; so that we are both agreeably disappointed.” “Well, but I do not like your book.” “You do not understand it.” “Oh, I cannot believe faith to be a duty; we cannot believe.” “You seem to think we ought to do nothing but what we can do.” “True.” “And we can do nothing.” “True.” “Then we ought to do nothing … and if so, we have no sin, and need no Saviour.” “O no, no, no! I want to talk more with you.” “Yes, but the mischief is, you cannot count five.” “What do you mean?” “First, you say, we ought to do nothing but what we can do. Secondly, we can do nothing. Then I say, thirdly, we ought to do nothing. Fourthly, we have no sin. Fifthly, we need no Saviour.” After all, this person and all of that stamp were greatly interested in the preaching and pressed me to go to their houses; would have it, that I was of their principles, etc. and were much concerned when I went away. I told them I thought very differently from them, in various respects; but they took all well, and I prayed with them before we parted. In February, he drew up a memorial which was presented to the Privy Council, against a law passed by the Jamaica Assembly, subversive of liberty of conscience; which was favourably received. The particulars are too long to be inserted here.

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In June, he visited Ireland. He wrote to me from Dublin on the 6th, mentioning that he arrived there on the preceding Saturday and had preached three times on the Lord’s day, but the congregations were small. He says, My heart is dismayed to see the state of things here. The great body of the people are Papists. Even the servants, in almost every family, are Papists. The congregations are only a few genteel people, scattered about the place. They appeared to me like the heads at Temple Bar, without bodies.⁴⁴¹ A middle class of people is wanting, and the poor are kept distinct by what appears as strong as the caste in India. I preached at the Baptist meeting, in Swift’s Alley, morning and evening, and for Dr. M’Dowal, at the Presbyterian chapel.⁴⁴² I might preach, perhaps, to 50 in the morning; to 200 in the afternoon, in a place that would hold 1000; and to 50 more, in the evening. I have been much engaged in company, yesterday and Monday. I was visited yesterday by Mr. Walker, a Sandemanian Clergyman, who has considerable influence in this city and who pronounces, of one of the dissenting ministers here, that he preaches the gospel (because he seems likely to embrace Sandemanianism),⁴⁴³ but the Baptist and the Moravian⁴⁴⁴ ministers do not! I found him, like most of the sect, calm, acute, versed in the Scriptures, but void of feeling. He reminded me of Dr. Byrom’s lines,

 For over 200 years, the Temple Bar stood at the junction of Fleet and Strand streets as the principal ceremonial entrance to the city of London. In the eighteenth century, the heads of traitors were displayed on the iron spikes which protruded from the top of an archway designed by Sir Christopher Wren (1632– 1723). Dismantled in 1878, Wren’s archway was moved several times before eventually being rebuilt in Paternoster Square opposite St. Paul’s Cathedral in 1976.  In response to John Owen’s call for missionaries to Ireland, Thomas Patient (d. 1666) was chosen by Parliament as one of six men to be sent to Dublin. After arriving in Kilkenny in April 1650, Patient moved to Waterford, and then on to Dublin by 1651. He established a Baptist congregation in Swift’s Alley and Francis Street in Dublin around 1653. Fuller’s reports on the state of the church in Ireland raised concern as to the propriety of drawing funds away for the BMS and for India when the Irish church was in such poor condition. John Saffery led the effort to establish a Society for Propagating the Gospel in Ireland in 1814, with the BMS supplying initial financial support and Rev. Joseph Ivimey (1773 – 1834) serving as secretary. Fuller mentions the pastor of the Presbyterian chapel in Dublin, Dr. Benjamin McDowell (1739 – 1824). Born in Elizabethtown, NJ and educated at Princeton, McDowell arrived in Ireland in 1766 and accepted a call to the Capel Street meeting house in 1778.  He is since recovered from this infection. [Ryland]. John Walker (1769 – 1833), a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin was ordained a priest in the Church of Ireland in 1791. He was a chaplain at Bethesda Chapel from 1794 until 1804, when, as part of the primitivist movement of begun by John Glas and Robert Sandeman, he resigned from the Church of Ireland in favour of returning to the practices of apostolic Christianity. Walker took part in revivalist activity alongside Roland Hill (1744– 1833) and James Haldane in County Armagh, where Thomas Campbell (1763 – 1854) ministered.  Mr. Hartly, a most pious, amiable, and intelligent man, now made perfect. [Ryland].

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[’Tis] Athens’ owl, and not mount Zion’s dove, The bird of learning, not the bird of love.⁴⁴⁵ I am told that one of this stamp lately prayed in public, “Lord, give me headknowledge; the rest I leave to thee.” The Clergyman said to me, “There are many who call themselves Calvinists who are as far from the truth as Arminians.” I asked, what Calvinists he referred to, and what sentiments? He said, “Those who hold with qualifications as necessary to warrant a sinner’s believing.” I answered, I did not know who they were that believed so. Mr. Stennett, who sat by, said, “Some of the High Calvinists might.” I assented to this, but said I utterly disapproved of it; though I could not, as Mr. W. seemed to do, condemn all as graceless who held it. He seemed surprised, and expressed his pleasure that I disapproved of the principle, plainly proving that he, with other Sandemanians, confounds our pleading for an holy disposition as necessary to believing (or necessary to incline us to believe), with pleading for it, as giving us a warrant to believe. I omit entering on a detail of the state of the Baptist church at Swift’s Alley, into which they invited Mr. Fuller to examine and to give them his advice. Discipline had long been neglected, very discordant sentiments were entertained by the members of the church, and some were sadly conformed in their manners to the dissipation common among those who are wholly men of the world. Mr. F. certainly acted a very conscientious and decided part, under the evident influence of inflexible integrity and zeal for truth and purity. But his efforts, at that time, had but little success. All our Irish churches had long been in a very low state. Yet things are now more promising in that kingdom, than for many years back.⁴⁴⁶ ⁴⁴⁷August 20, 1804 I have, of late, been much tried in preaching. When I have gone into the pulpit, I have had, in a manner, nothing to say; and yet, when engaged, have not only been carried through, but have felt the subject more than usually interesting. My heart often shrinks at the state of the churches in our Association, and of my own congregation and, what is worst of all, at my own unfruitfulness. The week before last, I was much impressed in reading

 John Byrom (1691– 1763) was a fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge and an English poet whose system of shorthand Fuller adopted for his own use.  See the Reports of the Baptist Society for promoting the Gospel in Ireland, by establishing Schools for teaching the Native Irish, etc. [Ryland].  Here Ryland omits a letter from July 6, 1804 and inserts it later in the text, when he recounts the travails of Fuller’s eldest surviving son, Robert (Ryland [1816], 396; see p. 368). Andrew and Sarah lost their first sons, twins Andrew and John, in infancy in 1779.

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John 15:5 – 7, concluding that, if I dwelt in Christ, and Christ’s words in me, I should be more successful in prayer. The next Lord’s day, I preached from the seventh verse, with much interest, on the connection between these things. Yesterday, having been discouraged by several things in the church, I preached from 1 Thess 3:8, “We live, if ye stand fast in the Lord,” on the connection between the latter and the former. I have, of late, felt some earnest longings of mind that I might know Christ and the power of his resurrection, etc. All that I have yet known seems to be as nothing. I dare not pray for trials, but, if the heaviest affliction might but issue, as did that of Brother M., I think I could welcome it. At those times in which I have felt my unfruitfulness most, I have thought of John 15:2 and have trembled lest God should take me away, and prayed that he would not do this, but purge me that I might bring forth more fruit; while such are the exercises of my mind, the idea of establishing one’s reputation at the expense of another is foreign and odious, nor am I conscious of such a desire ever crossing my mind, even in the worst of frames.

⁴⁴⁸February 28, 1805 I have read Mr. Walker, of Dublin’s pamphlet, on leaving the church, and made a few remarks on two blank pages of it. There is a great mixture of good and evil in these writings. He is ingenious and seems conscientious, but the general cast of his religion appears to have little of the humble, the holy, and the affectionate. Strife seems to be his element. You have pressed me to answer Mr. M’L. Others have been averse from it. I believe I should have answered it long ago, but for the length of it. It is not what he has written, but the quantity of it that has confounded me. I preached, lately, on John 3:13: No one hath known the mind of God, save he that was always with him, and is still with him, dwelling as in his bosom. See Deut. 30:12. The design is to teach us that no man shall be able to find out the heavenly wisdom but he that cometh to Christ and taketh him for his guide (Matt 11:27). I proposed (1) To notice a few particulars in which men have, in all ages, been striving to ascend to heaven, but striving in vain. (2) To show how that in which all men have failed, is accomplished by Christ.

 Ryland omits: “I omit further extracts from this year’s letters and pass on to 1805” (Ryland [1816], 398).

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March 9, 1805 My remarks on Walker are but few. They are as follows: (1) What he states as the gospel (p. 7– 9) is most surely believed by us; and the belief of it with all the heart, considered as saving faith. (2) But, though the terms he uses when explaining the gospel be, for aught I see, unexceptionable, yet he appears, all along, to affix such ideas to them as renders the gospel in his mouth something different from what it is in ours, and upon this undefined difference, he seems eager to condemn the body of those whom we hope to be serious Christians, as unbelievers. (3) Though we do not call the belief of the gospel “a barren speculative notion” (p. 11), yet we think there is such a thing, and that it is very common among professing Christians, and nowhere more so than among the admirers of Sandeman. Such we reckon the “faith without works,” spoken of by James. (4) Though we lay no stress upon faith, “as an act or exercise of the mind,” as “forming the ground of our hope;” yet we think it is an act, and an holy one too, as much as repentance, hope, love, or any other grace; and that upon “the right performance of this,” or, in other words, upon the mind of man being brought to agree with the mind of God in the gospel, depends the reality of our personal religion. (5) His former reasons in favour of establishments were, some of them, ingenious, of which he seems sufficiently aware (p. 2– 9); but, like many other of his reasonings, they are distinguished more by their subtlety than by simplicity. (6) His present reasons for leaving the Church and his statement of the nature of a Christian church appear, to me, very good. His gloss on 1 Tim 3:15 (p. 24, 25) and his supposed case of the answer of the church at Philippi (p. 44– 46) are excellent. Whether his church, at Dublin, answers to the picture he draws, is another question. If what I heard be true, they are too much eaten up with spiritual pride, and employ much of their time in condemning others. (7) With respect to forming churches on the apostolic plan, there certainly are “general rules” (in many cases, however, that is all), and to these rules we ought inviolably to adhere. All connections in which these rules or commandments cannot be observed, ought, for anything I see to the contrary, to be withdrawn from. We should, however, be careful, lest we make rules where Christ and his apostles have not made them. (8) The reasoning from prayer and praise to the Lord’s supper, is, I think, sophistical. These are moral duties, binding on all. Whether they join in them or not, they ought so to do. But baptism and the Lord’s supper are positive institutes, which are not the immediate duty of unbelievers. I acknowledge, however, that when engaged in prayer and praise, and using the plural pronouns, as when I say, We desire, etc. I always consider myself as joining with as many as do join in it, and that all others are mere spectators. It is my duty to pray for them, and that in their presence; but not to consider them as parties in the petition. Yet it is not for me to draw the

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line. There may be some who are out of the pale of visible communion, who may join; and others in it, who may not join. If I were the head of a family where I had no reason to think there were any Christian but myself, I would pray publicly, without using any pronouns, plural or singular; and should do the same before a congregation like that of Stephen. I had understood that Mr. W. refused to admit any but the church in time of prayer and praise; but this, according to his last page, does not seem to be accurate. I have heard that the church and spectators are in different rooms (or have a visible mode of separation). If so, I believe it is far from the spirit of the gospel.

February 3, 1806⁴⁴⁹ … Our enlargement will cost 1000 guineas. We have full 400 yet to raise. I believe nearly 1200 people crowded in at the funeral of one of our members, with whom you were long well-acquainted. We were in great danger of mischief through some rude boys who excited an alarm of the galleries giving way. We have humbled them before the justices and, yesterday, they publicly begged pardon of the congregation. [And, at the same time, a paper with their signatures expressing their contrition, was read in the other places of worship.] Mr. G. made a good end. He said to me, a little before he died, “I have been a great sinner; but I have loved the Lord Jesus Christ … I have indulged in speculations; but I have never lost sight of Christ, as the only way of salvation. Speculations are nothing now … Christ is all and in all. He is my only hope … Works are nothing … I think nothing of them, but as evil.” He repeated several hymns with much feeling, particularly “A guilty, weak, and helpless worm,” etc. and “Jesus, lover of my soul,” etc. He had all his servants and several of his workmen round him and talked to them very impressively. Eight of our members have died within a few months and have all ended their course happily.

 Ryland inserts this letter in the 1818 edition. Here Fuller refers to the enlargement of the Kettering church building and to the death of Thomas Gotch (1749 – 1806). A member of the Kettering congregation since 1771, Gotch was a wealthy businessman who played a significant role in William Carey’s life—ultimately providing financial support to Carey so that he could leave the shoemaking trade to devote himself to pastoral ministry.

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June 6, 1806 While in London, I had an uncommon share of labour. I collected upwards of £800 in three weeks. Our Association, at Leicester, was very pleasant. The increase this year, was 88. The prayers of some of our young ministers did my heart good. A poor collier, at Loscoe, seems to have been very useful among the poor—29 were added this year to that church. A poor man also, of the church at Braunston, went up, a few years since, to work at Ivinghoe in Buckinghamshire; and, by talking to the poor, ignorant people, has been the instrument of raising a church of above 20 members. A day or two ago, I received a letter from Mr. Robert Ralston of Philadelphia, informing me that the 1000 guineas taken thither by Capt. Wickes had, by the benevolence of our American brethren, become 6724 dollars (about £1550), 6024 of which had been sent to Mr. Carey in the Bainbridge, Capt. Josiah, free of freight, and most of them gratuitously insured, by kind friends underwriting them. I have written answers, with thanks to the parties.⁴⁵⁰ … The great defect of Sandeman’s faith is its being denied to have anything holy in its nature. Mr. Scott’s piece, therefore, is to the point. The faith which justifies, supposes repentance.⁴⁵¹ This is manifest by all those Scriptures which teach that repentance is necessary to forgiveness, which forgiveness is an essential part of justification. It is not enough to say faith produces repentance. This it does, as all the graces promote each other, but it includes it —as much as justification includes pardon, without being pardon.⁴⁵² The gospel is, indeed, suited to men’s circumstances, as guilty, ungodly, etc. but not to their propensities, which it must be if it were such as an ungodly mind could comply with. “No blessing can be obtained, previous to faith in Christ.” True—but if it be not bestowed previously, how came we to believe? We are apprehended, in order to our apprehending. Mr. M’s reasoning would explain away all divine influence as necessary to believing, or any influence, except that of evidence. He has “read no controversy,” he says, but he has got his ideas from others. I wish he would read Mr. Scott. If seeing the Son were made an entitling qualification to believing in him, it might be in-

 Robert Ralston (1761– 1836) was a wealthy businessman with interests in East Indian trade. In 1808, Ralston and several others (including Benjamin Rush [1746 – 1813], a signatory of the American Declaration of Independence) founded the Bible Society at Philadelphia in Pennsylvania.  Thomas Scott (1747– 1821) was an Anglican clergyman and a close friend of Ryland and John Newton. Scott met Fuller while serving as vicar at Olney. His Family Bible and Commentary (1788 – 1792) was a popular resource for evangelical readers.  Or, as the terminus ad quem must include a terminus à quo; the object to which we turn, must include somewhat from which we turn. [Ryland].

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jurious, but to make it necessary in the nature of things is different. Believing the gospel is an immediate duty—but in what way? Believing it impenitently? Surely not. By this reasoning, it is not a sinner’s duty to think and examine evidence till after he has believed, lest such thinking should be an entitling condition. Respecting the priority of repentance and faith: if by faith, be meant faith in God as a righteous Governor, it precedes repentance, for we cannot be sorry for offending God, without believing him to be holy, just, and good; but faith in our Lord Jesus Christ follows repentance towards God, for there is no grace in the gospel, but upon the supposition of God being in the right and we in the wrong; and consequently, none to be believed in.⁴⁵³ Mr. Fuller then refers to a most amiable and promising young man who soon became so infected with the spirit of Irish Sandemanianism as to refuse to unite in any act of worship with a person pretty nearly of the same sentiments, merely because the latter would not refuse to kneel down at family prayer with those who were not of their caste nor to stand up while another Christian asked a blessing. No other species of Sandemanians have I heard of, who carry their marked separation from all other professors of religion to so extravagant a length. The spirit of the gospel resembles the principle of attraction in the natural world, but this spirit is like the principle of repulsion, which would crumble the whole church into discordant atoms. The whole of this letter was three folio pages, closely written. Mr. F. adds: “I have several more letters to write.” The amount of his writing to correspondents was almost incredible. In the next letter but one, he complains of being quite overdone with it. January 13, 1807, he mentions hearing from Mr. Ralston⁴⁵⁴ that the Americans had more than doubled 1000 guineas. “They have done great things in the city and neigbourhood of Boston. Could I but get time to draw out the Cash Account, our next Number would presently be out. But I am interrupted continually, by strangers coming to see me. I almost wish I could shut myself up in a monastery.”

 Can I believe a surety paid ten thousand talents for me, to a person to whom I never believed that I owed an hundred pence? If I admitted such a fact, I must think the creditor unjust and the surety unwise. While I verily believe the claim to have been illegal, whatever might have been my surety’s kind intention in paying it, I must secretly think myself injured by his admitting it as well as by the creditor’s demanding it; and, certainly, I cannot sincerely admire the kindness of the latter in accepting payment from the former instead of demanding it from me. If a mediator has plainly admitted that I was infinitely to blame, can I be much obliged to him unless I view my conduct in the same light? Surely, a man still at enmity with the law cannot embrace the genuine gospel. No man can come to Christ, with his back towards him; no man can think well of Christ’s salvation and still think favourably of sin. [Ryland].  The 1816 edition reads: “In 1807, I had at least twenty-one letters. In the second, January 13, the mentions hearing from Mr. Ralstone, that the Americans had more than doubled the 1000 guineas” (Ryland [1816], 405).

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March 1, 1807 I am distressed to think of our want of humble, spiritual, and disinterested characters to send on evangelical expeditions. [He has immediate reference to Ireland.] Poor dear Brother Sutcliff is beginning to recover from the dreadful typhus fever; but his family continues afflicted. Richards, the student from Wales, who was given over for dead and raised as from the dead, is now in imminent danger of a decline. Mr. R. Hall is with us. He made the annual collection for the Mission at Leicester, and has consented to go to Nottingham on the same business. He is well and seems more than ever ardent in his attachment to evangelical religion. Though I certainly think with you that the spirit of Sandemanianism is hostile to the great law of attraction and disapprove of several of its leading doctrines, yet there are many things, which some would call Sandemanianism which are things of the first importance. The Eclectic Review of my Dialogues was designed, I believe, to make me appear to be an Arminian, as, no doubt, the reviewer was. They were chagrined on receiving my letter but knew not what to do with it. I desired it might be inserted verbatim, or else returned, that I might consider of some other means of making it public. They did very well, and its appearance in that form will do more towards making known my real sentiments than anything I could have published. Their review of Thornton Abbey was very dishonorable. It appeared to be the work of an Episcopalian, yet it was not so. It was written by Mr. –––– and was so full of sneers against the Baptists that the editor found it necessary to suppress a part of them. I have no doubt but that the Episcopalian was assumed, merely to cover the antipathy of the Paedobaptist. In the answer to Mr. Satchell’s letter to them, he makes him to have declared the reverse of what he did declare and now refuses to acknowledge it. I am sorry that this obliges me to think of him lower than I was used to do. In a letter dated October 31, 1807, he mentions having been on a journey in company with a very respectable Paedobaptist minister, of whom he relates several particulars that do honour to both, but which I should not like to insert without full permission from the person to whom they refer, with whom I have not the pleasure of being acquainted. I take the liberty of copying a few lines. I never saw more godliness, candour, or humility in anyone. He talked with me, among other things, about Baptism and Strict Communion. “I think,” said he, before a number of his friends, “you have a catholic heart; I should

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like to know the grounds on which you act, and I am almost sure they are not temper or bigotry.” When I had stated them, he answered, “Well; I think I can see the conscientiousness of your conduct and am, therefore, glad I asked you.”⁴⁵⁵

May 27, 1808 I lately found sweet relief under some cares about my children, in Archbishop Leighton’s discourse on 1 Pet 5:7. On the 9th of December, after mentioning some troubles in his church and in his family, he adds: All these things together form a constant load to the mind; yet, I have hitherto been enabled to cast it on Him who careth for us and, considering all things, am comfortably supported. It seemed almost a strange thing, yesterday, that I should be able to emerge from all these cares and sit down and write the review of a pamphlet. As soon as I had done it, I went at two o’clock to our Committee and staid till nearly eight.

March 2, 1810 There appears to be so much of an earnest inquiry after salvation among our young people that I feel it necessary to be absent from them as short a time as possible. We have a weekly meeting in the vestry for all who choose to come for conversation. Four have been accepted and wait for baptism.

Dec 28, 1810 I hope the Lord is at work among our young people. Our Monday and Friday night meetings are much thronged.

 This was true candour, for which it would be in vain to look among many who make the loudest professions of it. I have often thought that, as humility is the worst thing in the world for anyone to boast of, so candour is, in this respect, the next to it. The truly candid man feels it so natural and proper for him to treat his brethren with affection and respect, that he never expresses a kind of surprise at his doing so, nor expects others to applaud him for feeling and acting as he is sensible he ought to do. [Ryland].

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February 27, 1811 The Friday evening discourses are now, and have been for nearly a year, much thronged, because they have been mostly addressed to persons under some concern about their salvation.

January 1813 If I have written under too strong feeling, my dear Brother, it is not because I suspect your want of kindness nor, in general, your want of judgment, but in matters between us and some others, I think you have suffered yourself, from a love of peace, to be misled by flimsy professions. I should be sorry if anything I have written should grieve you or prevent your free remonstrances in future, whenever you think I am getting wrong. If I know a little of your blind side, you know as much or more of mine. I hope we shall get on together and see reason to love and warn each other, as occasion requires. I wish to shun all strife but what cannot, in justice, be avoided. I believe that whoever attempts to guess at the subject to which this letter refers, will probably be mistaken. I insert it only as one instance illustrating the nature of our friendship. May 28, 1813 The Moravian Missions, I hear, suffer a loss of £2000 a year, by the war on the continent, and are in distress. Let us vote them 100 guineas. We have lately received £2000 from America for the loss by fire.

September 7, 1813 I perceive, from my last journey to Scotland, some new tendencies in the Sandemanian system. Its object is to annihilate the ministry of the gospel; to be all teachers; to have no one paid for it, etc. etc. There is some tough work for them, in M’Leod’s Essays, against the Exhortations of the Brethren. ⁴⁵⁶

 Alexander Macleod (1774– 1833), Essays and Inquiries Respecting the Gifts and the Teachers of the Primitive Churches (Edinburgh: J. Richie, 1813).

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March 24, 1814 I have just received an alarming letter from Olney, and must go, if possible, to see our dear brother, tomorrow. Brother Sutcliff was kept ten days in London, took two days to get home, his legs swell, blisters were applied, which drew water. They fear he has water in his chest; he cannot lie down for want of breath, but sits, night after night, in a large chair. Well; the government is on His shoulders; ours will soon be from under the load; but, while we are reducing in number and increasing in labour, it may be the heavier for a time. God grant we may finish our course with joy!

⁴⁵⁷June 25, 1814 Yesterday I returned from London, where we had a pleasant meeting. On Monday morning the 20th, I took a final leave of dear Brother Sutcliff. While I was in town, I heard that he departed on Wednesday evening, very happy in the Lord. I meant to set off on Monday for Liverpool, but must defer it till Wednesday, on account of Brother Sutcliff’s funeral, which I must attend. He has left a passage to be improved: Jude 21. Mr. Kinghorn preached an excellent sermon for the Stepney Institution, on Thursday morning.⁴⁵⁸ I hope, some good will arise to Ireland from the Society formed in London. Other extracts I shall reserve for the Chapter which relates to his afflictions and death, and some I have inserted in that which contains an account of his exertions on behalf of the Baptist Mission. Several more which are inserted in this Chapter might have been connected with the others with equal propriety. But, though I wish to show all due respect to the public, I found myself unable to make a more exact arrangement without a much longer delay; and, if my chief object be obtained, which is the profit of my readers, by a faithful representation of the spirit, principles, and exemplary conduct of my departed friend, I must be content though I should not obtain any further applause as his biographer. I should have been glad, had I been

 Here Ryland omits a letter from June 11, 1814 (Ryland [1816], 411), including it instead in chapter 10 (see note 535).  This Sermon, and another equally valuable, preached before the Bristol Education Society, on the 3rd of August following, have been printed together, entitled, Advice and Encouragement to Young Ministers. Price 1s. [Ryland]. Joseph Kinghorn (1766 – 1832) ministered at St. Mary’s Baptist Church in Norwich from 1790 through the end of his life. The Stepney Institution, located in London’s East End, was opened in 1810. Its promoters unsuccessfully attempted to persuade Kinghorn to become its first president and resident tutor.

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better able to subserve the end I have stated above; but, in a very short time at most, neither the praise nor the censure of men will be able to affect me in the least. I shall only add in this Chapter, two or three valuable letters of Mr. F. which have been transmitted to me by other friends. I have one,⁴⁵⁹ to a worthy minister near London, which would tend, as well as several sent to myself, to show his sincere respect for Mr. B. and his earnest concern to remove the prejudices which that good man had indulged against him: but, as I omitted copying the latter, so I shall, for the same reason, insert only a short extract from the former.⁴⁶⁰ April 29, 1805 For years, I have been labouring to conciliate and satisfy him. Several times, he has advanced charges against me, often changed his ground, but again returned to the charge in another form. In 1802, he understood me to disown the doctrines of imputation and substitution, and circulated it far and wide. I denied the charge; he asked for an explanation. Well; I wrote an explanation of my sentiments to Dr. R., and Dr. R. lent it to Mr. B. He read it, acknowledged he had misunderstood me, was sorry for it, and hoped I would overlook it. I assured him I was satisfied and should think no more of it. He asked me to preach for him. I did so. We parted, so far as I knew, in brotherly love. Yet, without anything fresh occurring, at the monthly meeting, September 22, 1803, he held up my statement, as he supposed, as being “next to nonsense.” Having seen a copy of what he said, I told him again the next time I saw him that he had misunderstood me. He represented me as holding the peculiarity of redemption to consist in the sovereignty of its application, but I had said no such thing. At length he prints the sermon, avails himself of my correction, and yet sets off in his Appendix as if he had not; takes my words, at last, but distorts and perverts them. In the first three pages of his Appendix, he represents me as confounding a thing with its application; whereas my words, even as quoted by himself, prove I do not. I place the peculiarity of redemption not in the application of the atonement, which he, all along, supposes me to do, but in the sovereign pleasure of God

 Ryland omits: “written April 29, 1805” (Ryland [1816], 413).  Abraham Booth pastored the congregation at Little Prescot Street in London from 1769 until his death. Owing to his conversion from Arminian sentiments, Booth was a strict Calvinist and wrote his most famous work, The Reign of Grace (1768), on the topic. Booth and Fuller engaged in substantial controversy between 1800 and the former’s death in 1806. See Robert Oliver, “Abraham Booth,” 46 – 51; Peter J. Morden and Ian M. Randall, Offering Christ to the World: Andrew Fuller (1754 – 1815) and the Revival of Eighteenth-Century Particular Baptist Life (Carlisle: Paternoster, 2003), 77– 93.

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concerning its application; between which there is an equal difference as between election and vocation.⁴⁶¹ My sentiments may be seen in Hannah Adams’s View of Religions, under the Article, Calvinists, which was of my own drawing up.⁴⁶² But I shall enter no further upon this subject, unnecessarily. I knew much about it at the time and have many documents by me which justify me in accounting that this venerable and excellent man was betrayed into an excess of suspicion, etc. towards my departed friend. But I am sure the latter would not wish me to make the narrative of his life a memorial of some imperfection of judgment or temper in one whom he so sincerely venerated and who was made perfect before him. It is simply from a regard to important truth that I transcribe another letter to the same friend in which Mr. B. is mentioned, unavoidably. It was written a little before Mr. Sutcliff’s death, about April 1814. I had not seen the Review of Mr. B’s Works when I read yours, which was last night on my return from Olney, but have seen it since. If Mr. B. meant no more than to intimate that a consciousness of a holy state of mind was not necessary to believing in Jesus, this were no more than we all say. But surely your construction of Mr. B. is what he himself would have disowned. All through his Second Chapter (Glad Tidings), he confounds a warrant to come to Christ with coming to him. A sinner may be unwilling to come to Christ for life and yet have a warrant to do so, but he cannot actually come to Christ for life while he is unwilling. The title of that Chapter is one thing and its running title another, but he pleads for both; though, when he comes to meet objections, as in Chap. III p. 129, he is obliged to confine it to one. One half of his reasonings are aimed, if they aim at anything, to prove that no holiness is necessary to coming to Christ, any more than to warrant our coming; and, if so, faith must be an act of an ungodly mind.

 In a letter to Mr. Sutcliff, July 4, 1805, he mentioned Mr. M’Lean’s telling him that he was suspected, by his friends, of Arminianism, or what led to it. F. “On what grounds?” M. “On what you have written on the peculiarity of redemption consisting in its application.” F. “I have never said so. My sentiment is that it consists, not in its application, but in the design of the Father and the Son respecting its application.” M. “That is very different from the other, and it is not Armininianism; but, as far as I can see, the truth.” [Ryland].  Hannah Adams was born in Medfield, Massachusetts. With a penchant for learning and literary skill, Adams became a language tutor for ministerial students, and later a prolific author. Dissatisfied with the prejudice of many writers with regard to religious sects, Adams wrote her own Dictionary of All Religions and Religious Denominations in 1748 (2nd ed., 1791). Fuller helped edit the first British edition and also wrote the preface and several articles, including the one on “Calvinism.”

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I should not only admit that a consciousness of holiness is not necessary to coming to Christ, but that such consciousness is impossible. The power of sight is necessary to seeing, but no man can be conscious of possessing that power but by seeing. You do not understand the propriety of calling that influence by which we are regenerated, physical; yet you call it “supernatural” which is the same thing. The influence of means and motive is not supernatural. It is not physical as to what is produced. It is no new power, but the renewal of the moral state of those powers which we already possessed. But physical, as applied to influence, denotes the same as supernatural and stands opposed to the influence of motives presented to the mind, which is commonly called moral influence. The holiness of man in innocence was physically produced, though the thing produced was moral. He was not persuaded or induced to be holy but created in righteousness and true holiness; and so are we in regeneration. If, in the first instance, we are regenerated by means, it is not a creation. See my Strictures on Sandemanianism, pp. 146, 147. The preaching of the gospel certainly has a tendency to bring the sinner back to God; but this it may have and yet not be sufficient to accomplish it, without a supernatural interposition of divine power. The labours of Bunyan’s four captains had a tendency to reduce Mansoul but were not sufficient. If new physical powers were produced or necessary, men would be under a natural inability to believe; but the moral state of their hearts may be such that nothing but a supernatural influence can remove it; while yet there is no other inability than that which arises from aversion. I am affectionately yours, A. FULLER. P. S. If you have read the Eclectic Review for this month, you will see in the first Article some things on this subject. If the evidence for the mind being renewed in order to believing in Christ, adduced in my Strictures on Sandemanianism, pp. 137– 142, be not sufficient, I can say no more. The following letter I have also been particularly requested to insert, which he sent to the late Mr. M’Lean, of Edinburgh, in 1797.

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Kettering, August 1797⁴⁶³ Dear Sir, If your letter had barely contained a statement of your ideas on certain subjects on which I have already written my mind, I might have declined a particular reply; and this, on account of bodily indisposition and various necessary avocations, would have been most agreeable to me. But, by the consequences which you charge on my views of faith and justification by it, I am constrained to be explicit on this subject. The substance of what has been advanced on this subject is reducible to three questions, namely: Whether faith include in it an exercise of the heart? If it do, whether it be not confounded with love and hope? And whether it render our justification, after all, a justification by works? I had asked, “If faith be a mere assent of the understanding and has nothing of moral goodness in it, how can it be the object of command? How can it be a duty?” You answer; “By a mere assent of the understanding you must mean a belief of the testimony of God, grounded upon his authority and faithfulness.” The very point in dispute is whether such a belief does not include more than a mere assent of the understanding. To suppose, therefore, that I must mean this is to suppose that I “must” grant you the very point in dispute. The intellectual faculty, I suppose, is capable of nothing more than knowledge; but that faith, or credence, is something more than knowledge. A man may understand that which he does not believe; yea, he cannot be said to disbelieve it, if he understand nothing about it. An assent of the understanding is a matter of judgment which regards the meaning of the testifier, rather than of faith which relates to the truth of the testimony; and if it be merely an exercise of the understanding, that is, if it be not influenced by any bias of heart, it contains neither good nor evil of a moral kind, but is purely natural. Such an assent is not an object of command and is not a duty, nor is the opposite of it a sin. Diligent and impartial examination is a duty, but I conceive that knowledge itself is not. It is true there is a knowledge to which eternal life is promised which is duty, and an ignorance which is threatened with divine vengeance (2 Thess 1:8) and which, therefore, must be sin. But neither is the former a mere exercise of the intellectual faculty,

 Ryland helpfully inserts the date above rather than below the letter, as he had done in the 1816 edition (see Ryland [1816], 434).

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nor the latter a mere defect of that exercise. That ignorance which is threatened with divine vengeance, you will allow, is a voluntary ignorance, which includes a mixture of that evil temper which hateth the light. See John 8:43. Hence it is called the blindness of the heart (Eph 4:18). Hence also “David” in his dialogue with “Jonathan” (p. 15), very properly describes it as an evil eye. And I suppose that that knowledge to which eternal life is promised includes a mixture of holy love. When the terms knowledge and ignorance are used in this sense, as they frequently are in Scripture, I consider them as used not in a literal but in a figurative sense, as when God is said not to know certain characters at the day of judgment. David in his dialogue admits of the distinction between spiritual knowledge and that which is merely speculative, though he contends—and that justly— that the latter “implies some very essential imperfection and error.” The reason of this imperfection and error is also very properly suggested by David. His words are, “After all that we can say of the speculative knowledge of practical truth, we must still remember that it implies some very essential imperfection and error.” David here seems to intimate that practical truth is not discernible by speculative knowledge. Now, what David calls “speculative knowledge,” I call a mere exercise of the intellectual or speculative faculty, and so, for once we are agreed that the knowledge of practical truth is more than a mere exercise of intellect. Again, what he calls spiritual knowledge and which is the only true knowledge of practical truth, is the same thing as that which I have spoken of as having the promise of eternal life connected with it. But that which is “spiritual,” whether it be knowledge or faith, cannot be a mere exercise of the intellectual faculty, for the very term “spiritual” denotes as much as holy; but holiness necessarily includes some affection of the heart and is not predicable of simple intelligence. That which distinguishes faith from the mere exercise of the intellectual faculty and which constitutes its morality is that it includes a treating of God either as the God of truth, or as a liar. Hence, as you very properly express it, “it is right to believe all that God says and exceedingly wrong to hold him as a liar.” You go on to ask, “Why may not belief be an object of command, as well as love?” Do I deny, then that it is so? If, indeed, belief included nothing more than an exercise of the intellectual faculty I should deny it, because I am persuaded that the heart and its genuine expression is the whole of what God requires of man; but, viewing belief as I do, I readily admit it to be an object of command. You add, “And if it be both right in itself, and the object of command, it must certainly be a duty.” Very true, Sir; and in this short passage, you have said all I wish to plead for. Whether you

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will allow the terms, moral good, moral excellency, virtue, etc. to pertain to the nature of faith, or not, while you adhere to this I am satisfied. If these be your views of faith, which I am persuaded is the case, say what you will; you do not consider it as a natural but as a moral exercise. And while you allow faith to be “right,” you need not argue as you do, “That, though it should contain no intrinsic virtue or moral excellence in itself, yet it does not follow that unbelief could contain no sin.” Nor do I think this argument conclusive. You plead that though there may be no virtue in a thing, yet there may be sin in its opposite, and instance in the abstinence from various crimes, eating when we are hungry, and believing a human testimony, etc. There may, indeed, be no virtue in these things as they are generally performed by apostate creatures, but if they were performed as God requires them to be (which they should to be the opposites of the sins you mention), they would contain real virtue. God requires us to abstain from all sin from a regard to his name, to eat and drink and do whatsoever we do to his glory; and we are to credit the testimony of a friend, “when we have reason to do so.” These things thus performed would be truly virtuous. Whatever is capable of being done by a moral agent, with an eye to the glory of God, ought to be so done and, if it be so done, it is right or virtuous; if not, it is wrong and sinful. It appears to me that the idea against which you argue is merit, rather than duty. I plead only for duty which is the very principle by which, according to the reasoning of our Lord, merit is excluded. Luke 17:10. If it be necessary, in order to “refuse some praise to the creature,” to deny that faith is a virtuous exercise, it must be equally necessary to deny that it is a right exercise, a commanded exercise, and what is part of our duty, for these are the same things. While you allow faith to be both “right in itself, and an object of command, and consequently, a duty,” to what purpose do you object against my contending for its morality? “If we are not justified by faith as a virtue,” you say, “of what importance is it to contend for the moral excellency of faith? Why so solicitous to find something in it more than belief? Why is that held insufficient for qualification?” This, by the by, is a misstatement. I do not pretend to find anything more in faith than belief. Belief itself, I suppose, includes in it all I contend for, and as to the importance of the morality of faith, ask yourself: If we are not justified by faith as a compliance with what in itself is “right,” as obedience to the “command of God,” or as the performance of a “duty,” of what importance is it to contend for it, as being this or that? You can easily give an answer to this question and, by so doing, will answer that which you have put to me.

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And if, while you allow faith to be right, you attribute “all the virtue and influence which is ascribed to it in justification to its object, rather than to any intrinsic righteousness which itself contains,” you do what I heartily approve; and in so doing, whether you can understand my distinguishing between justification by faith on account of its relation to its object, and justification by faith as a virtue, or not, you maintain the same thing. You seem certain that I consider faith “as a temper or disposition of heart corresponding to the truth believed.” If you are certain of it, it is more than I am. I say it includes such a temper; but I do not suppose it would be a proper definition of faith, to call it a disposition of heart corresponding with the truth believed. To give God credit or to discredit him seems better to agree with the idea of an exercise of the soul than of a temper or disposition. It is actually treating God either as the God of truth, or as a liar. It has more of a disposition in it than you seem willing to acknowledge, and more of an assent to truth than the notion of it which you ascribe to me. It is what the Scripture calls a receiving the love of the truth that we may be saved. 2 Thess 2:10. You may easily perceive that I do not consider it either as an exercise of the understanding to the exclusion of the will, or of the will to the exclusion of the understanding. To distinguish the powers of the soul is, in many cases, very proper and to distinguish the natural from the moral powers is of importance, but I conceive there are several mental exercises, and perhaps all those which are of a spiritual or holy nature, which cannot be said to be exercises of a single power but of the soul, without distinction of its powers. Such are repentance, hope, and fear; and such, I conceive, is faith. As to my confounding faith with hope and love which the Apostle declares to be three, I have already answered this objection and I must say that your reply is far from being satisfactory. Whether my considering them as distinct with regard to their objects, include all the distinction there is between them or not, you admit “hope to include desire” which is the same thing as including love. “Hope,” you say, “is a modification of love.” Hope, therefore, according to your own acknowledgment, though distinguished from love, yet is not so distinct from it but that it includes a portion of it. But if this be said of hope, there is no good reason to be drawn from this passage why it may not also be said of faith. If faith include an exercise of the will, David would be at a loss to account for the superiority of love (pp. 18, 19). By the same rule, he would be at a loss to account for its superiority to hope, since he allows hope to “include desire,” that is to say, it includes love and is a “modification of it.” Does not the Apostle himself suggest wherein consists the superiority of love, namely,

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in its perpetuity? “Love never faileth.” Faith shall terminate in vision and hope in fruition, but love shall rise and increase to all eternity. Again, if faith includes the consent of the will with the concurrence of the warmest affections, David would be unable to see why faith and not love unites us to Christ (p. 19). This objection proceeds upon the supposition that faith not only includes love, but that it is love—or that faith and love are the same things. In this case, no doubt, it would be impossible to discern why faith should unite us to Christ, rather than love; seeing there would be no difference between one and the other. But though faith may include a degree of love, yet it does not follow from thence that it is, in no respects, distinguishable from it or that there are not some effects ascribable to faith on account of its peculiar properties, which are not to be ascribed to love. Justification includes the forgiveness of sins, yet it is not the same thing as forgiveness and there are some things ascribable to the former—namely, a title to eternal life (Rom 5:18, 21)—which do not belong to the latter. You seem greatly jealous on the subject of meetness and so does Dr. Stuart; he fears my views on this subject will “hurt my preaching and experience.” I am truly obliged both to him and to you for your anxiety on this head. Both your letters on this subject made a deep impression on my heart. I could have watered each of them with tears. There would, however, have been some difference. Over his, I could have shed tears of trembling self-diffidence lest what he suggested might be true, and lest I should in any degree, though unwittingly, dishonour “him whom my soul loveth.” Over yours, I could have wept for grief. The mixture of tartness and unkind insinuations which, on some occasions, accompany your reasonings, was not the most pleasant; it seemed to me unsuitable to brotherly discussion. But this I pass over and attend to my subject. In my letter to Dr. Stuart, if I mistake not, I asked among other things, “May not faith include the acquiescence of the heart and so be a moral excellency and may there not be a fitness in God’s justifying persons who thus acquiesce, without any foundation being laid for boasting? Though faith be a moral excellency, yet I do not consider that it is on account of its morality, but its relation to Christ, that justification it ascribed to it.” On this account you remark that “the distinction between this and being justified by faith as a virtue is too fine, for if this fitness in God’s justifying arises from the moral excellency of faith, we must undoubtedly be justified by faith as a virtue in some sense or other.” You will admit, I think, of a fitness between justification and believing or that it is wisely ordered that believers should be justified rather than unbelievers. Otherwise, you must suppose that God does what there is no reason

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or fitness in doing. Further, you suppose believing to include a knowledge of Christ—at least such a knowledge as perceives and realizes the object—and this, you will admit, precedes justification and that there is a fitness in its doing so. Yet you do not maintain that a realizing perception of Christ’s righteousness, but that Christ’s righteousness itself is that on account of which God justifies us. Now, why may not I maintain the same, though I consider the belief of the gospel as including a cordial acquiescence in it? If you allege that there is no other fitness in God’s justifying a person on his believing, in your sense of the term, than a fitness of wisdom (none which undermines the freeness of grace, or which bears any resemblance to the notion of those who talk of a merit of congruity), and that for this reason, there being nothing of moral good included in the nature of faith, there can be no ground for a moral fitness in a sinner being justified by it. To this I answer, 1. You do allow faith to include moral good, though in some places you write as though you did not. You allow it to be “right in itself, a command of God, a duty; and the contrary, a sin, as making God a liar.” You must admit, therefore, that though we are justified by that which is right, is a command, is a duty, yet it is not on account of its rightness or of its being an obedience to a divine command or a compliance with duty, but merely on account of the object on which it terminates. And if this distinction be not “too fine” for you, neither will that to which you object in me, for it is the same thing. 2. A fitness of wisdom is the whole for which I plead. It appears to be wisely ordered that no person should share the blessing of justification through the righteousness of Christ till he heartily acquiesce in that way of saving sinners. Yet it is not his acquiescence that is any ground of his acceptance, but that in which he acquiesces. I will try and state another case or two which may throw some light upon that question. Let us suppose Pharaoh’s daughter, who was married to king Solomon, to have been a poor outcast and even a prostitute, yet Solomon sends his servants to invite her to the most intimate and honourable union. At first, she feels attached to her lovers and refuses; at length, however, her mind is changed. She is married to him and, that moment, becomes interested in his crown and possessions. Perhaps you will admit the fitness, in this case, that she should first be united with Solomon, ere she should become interested in his possessions, and with such a kind of union, too, as should include a renunciation of all her former lovers and illicit practices. Yet, virtuous as this union might be, and wicked as it would have been in her to have still adhered to her lovers, you would never imagine that she was put in possession of the crown on account of her own marriage considered as an exercise of virtue or as a reward for it. Nor would she, if a true

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penitent, ever think of arrogating to herself any merit for acquiescing in Solomon’s proposal or consenting to do as she had done, but rather be confounded on account of her former wickedness and, especially, that she should have been so attached to it as for a time to despise the riches of his goodness. If a question had been put to her in the height of her glory by one that had known her in former times, “And what is this that is come to you? On what ground, or title, have you the possession of all these riches?” she might have answered to this effect, “They were not mine; I neither laboured for them nor inherited them from anyone that was naturally related to me. They were king Solomon’s, and he from a wonderful attachment to me in which he seems to have been determined by an act of overwhelming kindness to display his native generosity, conferred them upon me. I have them in virtue of marriage. That which accomplished my union to the king at the same time put me in possession of these riches. All that I enjoy is by marriage; for what was I? It is of marriage that it might be of grace.” I do not pretend to say that this case will, throughout, apply to that of Christ and a believer, but I can conceive they are sufficiently alike to illustrate the argument. Union with Christ is that which, in the order of things, precedes justification: Of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us—righteousness. That I may be found in him, not having on mine own righteousness, but that which is by the faith of Christ (1 Cor 1:31; Phil 3:8). And this, David, in his dialogue (p. 19) admits—that union with Christ is to be of one spirit with him (1 Cor 6:17), and being by faith, it is hence that by faith we are justified. It is here, I think, I can perceive the peculiar relation which faith bears to Christ. Such a belief of the gospel as that whereby we embrace his way of salvation with our whole souls, renders Christ and us no more twain, but one spirit (I allude to 1 Cor 6:17). This is analogous to the joining act in marriage. Whatever love there might be in such an act, and however necessary such love might be to render it sincere, or whatever love might follow after, it is not this but the act of marriage, that so unites the parties as that the one shall be interested in the possessions of the other. In short, by the above representation, I can see a cordial and virtuous acquiescence to be necessary to the enjoyment of an advantage and a fitness in its being so; yet not such a fitness as those maintain who speak of a merit of congruity, but a fitness of wisdom. Again: There is a fitness of wisdom in the established connection between repentance and the remission of sins. That such a connection exists in the Scriptures, I imagine you will not deny. Neither can you doubt whether re-

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pentance be a moral exercise of mind, yet you will not say that this moral exercise is that on account of which we are forgiven but that it is wholly for Christ’s sake, as much as we are justified wholly for the sake of his righteousness. Here, again, you must make use of the distinction which you say is “too fine.” It is true, repentance does not occupy the same place with respect to forgiveness as faith does with respect to justification, for we are not said to be forgiven by repentance; yet the connection is as real in the one case as in the other. Forgiveness follows upon repentance, which is a virtue, and it is fit it should rather than go before it; and yet, it is not for the sake of that virtue, but of the blood-shedding of Christ, that we are forgiven. You allow, and that rightly, that justification includes the forgiveness of sins; if there be no forgiveness, therefore, without repentance (which the Scriptures abundantly teach) there can be no justification without repentance. Repentance, consequently, must be implied or included in the very nature of justifying faith, as much as the forgiveness of sins is included in justification. Nor does this idea confound faith and repentance any more than the other confounds justification and pardon. Again: There is a fitness of wisdom in the established connection between receiving Christ and having power, right, or privilege to become the sons of God. John 1:12. And receiving Christ you will admit to be a holy or moral exercise, including the concurrence of the will. It is the direct opposite of rejecting him or receiving him not (v. 11). Yet, you will not say that it is as a reward for having received him that he confers upon us the blessing of adoption. We are predestinated to that relation merely of grace by Jesus Christ and not as the reward of anything good in us. Here then, you must again admit of a distinction which you say is “too fine.” Adoption follows upon receiving Christ, which is a virtue (and it is wisely ordered that it should), and yet it is not for the sake of that virtue, but from the free grace of God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that we, of aliens, are made sons. If I can find opportunity, I may take some notice of the other parts of your letter at some future time. Meanwhile, I only say that writing upon subjects of difference is as unpleasant to me as it can be to you, and perhaps more so on account of the indisposition which attends me. And, having stated my views, I do not intend to keep up a controversy. If I can receive any fresh light from your communications, I shall be obliged to you; but, probably, I shall not largely reply any more. I am, With sincere respect and esteem,

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Yours, A. Fuller This letter was not communicated to me by Mr. Fuller’s family, but by a friend of Mr. M’Lean to whom he had lent it, giving him express permission to take a copy. He thought it contained a perspicuous, neat, and yet full abridgment of those views in which Mr. Fuller and Mr. M’Lean did not agree and, therefore, as he wished it to be inserted, I could have no objection, who always was equally averse with my departed friend from the sentiments herein opposed by him. I once had a very pleasant interview with Mr. M’Lean and sincerely respect his memory as a very worthy, good man, whose talents were highly respectable; but this is no reason that I should scruple to avow that I considered him in these points to have been mistaken; though, on some other particulars, he dissented from Mr. Sandeman and ably opposed him. In the year 1800, when certain projects were formed to abridge the religious liberties of the Dissenters, Mr. Fuller corresponded with some distinguished senators on the subject and, in a very respectful and judicious but firm and upright manner, pointed out the pernicious tendency of the measures in contemplation. Copies of these letters now lie before me. But, as I should not think it justifiable to publish them without the express approbation of the gentlemen to whom they were addressed, so I conceive there is no occasion to solicit their consent as it is well known the design was abandoned and indeed issued, through the good hand of God and the kind dispositions of government, in the confirmation and extension of our liberties.

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Chapter 9 Fuller’s Family Life MR. FULLER’s first wife was Miss Gardiner, the daughter of Stephen and Sarah Gardiner, people of respectable character, at Burwell in Cambridgeshire; to whom he was married, December 23, 1776. The original name of the family was Gardner, and a tradition has been preserved that it was changed to Gardiner at the instigation of Stephen Gardiner who was Bishop of Winchester in Queen Mary’s reign, though it is hard to divine his motive for wishing this alteration as no reason of relationship is assigned for it, but so it is said that it was. Mrs. Fuller was born in 1756 and died in 1792. She had eleven children, three of whom were buried at Soham, five at Kettering, one in the sea, and two survive. All of those who were removed by death were very young, excepting two: namely, a daughter who was between six and seven years of age, and his eldest son who died at sea when he was about twenty-seven years old. The loss of the former was a very severe trial, of which I shall insert a full and particular account. The latter, as is well known to many, was a source of unspeakable distress for several years; yet, a brief relation of this affliction may be truly instructive both to parents and to young people. Some degree of hope attended it in the end. For the best interests, not only of his children but of all his relatives both by consanguinity and affinity, Mr. Fuller always discovered a great concern. This will appear by his letters to more distant relatives, as well as by those addressed to his own children, and by other interesting documents. With respect to his parental tenderness towards his daughter, I was an eyewitness of the uncommon degree in which it was manifested. She died, May 30, 1786, aged six years and nearly six months. She was a very intelligent and amiable child and gave much hopeful evidence of early piety, as I can attest from my own knowledge as well as from the following narrative drawn up by her father: Sarah Fuller was born at Soham, December 7, 1779. At the time of her birth, I committed her to God as, I trust, I have done many times since. Once, in particular, viewing her as she lay smiling in the cradle at the age of eight months, my heart was much affected; I took her up in my arms, retired, and, in that position, wrestled hard with God for a blessing, at the same time, offering her up, as it were, and solemnly presenting her to the Lord for acceptance. In this exercise I was greatly encouraged by the conduct of Christ towards those who brought little children in their arms to him, for his blessing. At that time, I wrote the following lines: 1

Dear child! for thee my bowels how they roll! Fruit of my body, darling of my soul Thy face creates a smile, thy soul a sigh; Thy life may pleasure give—but—O to die!

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2

To dark futurity my thoughts will run; To that vast world when this is fled and gone: For whom art thou brought forth? for what? for where? For thee thy parent’s heart is pain’d with care.

3

In whose kind hand shall I thy welfare leave? Not in mine own—myself I cannot save; Jesus! to thee an offering here I give: Lord, hear an “O that Ishmael might live!”

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I have frequently, when carrying her in my arms, sung over her such lines as the following, with much affection: May’st thou live to know and fear him, Trust and love him all thy days; Then go dwell forever near him, See his face, and sing his praise. Or this, O may’st thou live to reach the place Where he unveils his lovely face; There all his glories to behold, And sing his name to harps of gold.⁴⁶⁴ She was a child of great vivacity of spirits, but nothing remarkably vicious. The only time in her life that I had any occasion to use a rod was when she was about four years old, for telling a lie. Having one day a great inclination to go out, she asked leave and then said she had obtained it, when she had not. About Michaelmas 1785, she was invited by our kind friends Mr. and Mrs. Ryland and Miss Tyler, to pay a visit to Northampton. She went and stayed 11 or 12 weeks, during which time Mrs. Trinder kindly took her into her school. Her

 Fuller’s letter quotes these lines from Isaac Watts’s “Cradle Hymn” (1715). See Isaac Watts, A Present for Children. Containing Dr. I. Watts’s Second Set of Catechisms, That on the Principles of Religion, Being Interspersed with Dr. P. Doddridge’s Paraphrase of It in Verse. Familiar Dialogues, from the Friendly Instructor, Interspersed with Most of Dr. Watts’s Divine Songs. All Dr. Watts’s Moral Songs, and a Cradle-Hymn. Prayers, and Graces. With Some Other Dialogues, Proverbs, Riddles, Amusing Questions, Fables, etc. To Which Are Now Added, One Collection from the Psalms of David, and Another from the Proverbs of Solomon. for the Use of Children, Either at Home, or at School (Edinburgh: Charles Elliot, 1778), 131.

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proficiency in reading, spelling, etc. gave us much pleasure. But, alas for us! How long will it be, ere we cease to set our eyes upon that which is not? Death was then preparing to blast our rising hopes!⁴⁶⁵ About December, she was taken ill at Northampton; our friends thought her illness to be the measles. After a while, she seemed to get better and, on the 16th of December, I brought her home. From the time of her return, we perceived a remarkable seriousness in her, with an uncommon delight in reading; and in our apprehension, her faculties ripened much beyond her years. But still her illness hung about her. In the beginning of February, she had the measles of a certainty, and we hoped she would have recovered her health after the turn of the disorder; but, from that time, she grew weaker and weaker, and her complaints grew more and more alarming. A hectic fever preyed upon her perpetually. At this time, however, she took great delight in reading accounts of the conversion of little children and seemed to love those children for their godliness. She would read these narratives aloud when she was obliged to pause at every few words to get breath till, indeed, we were obliged to restrain her lest it should overcome her. At the same time, she discovered great tenderness of conscience in respect of speaking the truth and keeping holy the Lord’s day. She would chide her brother Robert if he discovered any inclination to play on that day. In March, I took her to Northampton for the advice of Dr. Kerr.⁴⁶⁶ This cheered her spirits, as she loved Mr. and Mrs. Ryland and wanted to go to see them. She stayed there a fortnight and her aunt with her. The doctor was very attentive and kind to her and we still hoped she might recover. During this fortnight, I went two or three times to see her; and one evening, being with her alone, she asked me to pray for her. “What do you wish me to pray for, my dear?” said I. She answered, “That God would bless me, and keep me, and save my soul.” “Do you think then, that you are a sinner? “Yes, father.” Fearing lest she did not understand what she said, I asked her, “What is sin, my dear?” She answered, “Telling a story.” I comprehend Martha Trinder (1736 – 1790) operated a successful school for the daughters of Nonconformist families from 1765 to 1789. After Trinder’s death in January 1790, Ryland’s second wife, Frances, took on the responsibility of educating the young women at the school—a task which she continued until the Rylands moved to Bristol in 1793. See Timothy Whelan, “Diary of Frances Barrett Ryland,” in Nonconformist Women Writers, 1720 – 1840, vol. 8 (London: Pickering & Chatto, 2011), 337– 38 n 556 – 57, 558.  After briefly serving as a surgeon in the Oxford Blue Regiment, Dr. William Kerr (1738 – 1824) settled in Northampton. In 1763 he was elected surgeon at the Northampton County Infirmary, where he served for over fifty years, overseeing the hospital’s expansion in 1793, the formation of a training programme, and several advances in surgical procedures. His portrait, painted by Thomas Phillips (1770 – 1845) in 1813, hangs at the Northamptonshire Public Library.

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ed this and it went to my heart. “What then,” I said, “you remember, do you, my having corrected you once, for telling a story?” “Yes, father.” “And are you grieved for having so offended God?” “Yes, father.” I asked her if she did not try to pray herself. She answered, “I sometimes try, but I do not know how to pray; I wish you would pray for me, till I can pray for myself.” As I continued to sit by her, she appeared much dejected. I asked her the reason. She said, “I am afraid I should go to hell.” “My dear,” said I, “who told you so?” “Nobody,” said she, “but I know, if I do not pray to the Lord, I must go to hell.” I then went to prayer with her, with many tears. After her return to Kettering, we soon saw, with heart-rending grief, evident symptoms of approaching dissolution. Her mind seemed to grow, however, in seriousness. She had some verses composed for her by our dear friend Mr. Ryland.⁴⁶⁷ These, when we rode out for the air, she often requested me to say over to her. She several times requested me to pray with her. I asked her again, if she tried to pray herself. I found by her answer that she did and was used to pray over the hymn which Mr. Ryland composed for her. I used to carry her in my arms into the fields and there talk with her upon the desirableness of dying and being with Christ, and with holy men and women, and with those holy children who cried, “Hosanna to

 1. Lord teach a little child to pray, Thy grace betimes impart, And grant thy holy Spirit may Renew my infant heart. 2. A helpless creature I was born, And from the womb I stray’d; I must be wretched and forlorn, Without thy mercy’s aid. 3. But Christ can all my sins forgive, And wash away their stain, And fit my soul with him to live, And in his kingdom reign. 4. To him let little children come, For he hath said they may; His bosom then shall be their home, Their tears he’ll wipe away. 5. For all who early seek his face, Shall surely taste his love; Jesus will guide them by his grace, To dwell with him above. [Ryland]. This song was included in Sedgwick’s Hymns (reprint, 1862).

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the Son of David.” Thus, I tried to reconcile her—and myself with her—to death, without directly telling her she would soon die. One day, as she lay in bed, I read to her the last eight verses of Rev 7, “They shall hunger no more, nor thirst,” etc. I said nothing upon it but wished to observe what effect the passage might have upon her—I should not have wondered if she had been a little cheered by it. She said nothing, however, but looked very dejected. I said, “My dear, you are unhappy.” She was silent. I urged her to tell me what was the matter. Still she was silent. I then asked her whether she was afraid she should not go to that blessed world of which I had been reading? She answered, “Yes.” “But what makes you afraid, my dear?” “Because,” said she with a tone of grief that pierced me to the heart, “I have sinned against the Lord.” “True my dear,” said I, “you have sinned against the Lord; but the Lord is more ready to forgive you if you are grieved for offending him than I can be to forgive you when you are grieved for offending me, and you know how ready I am to do that.” I then told her of the great grace of God and the love of Christ to sinners. I told her of his mercy in forgiving a poor wicked thief, who, when he was dying, prayed to him to save his soul. At this she seemed cheered but said nothing. A few weeks before she died, she asked her aunt to read to her. “What shall I read my dear?” said her aunt. “Read,” said she, “some book about Christ.” Her aunt read part of the 21st chapter of Matthew concerning the children who shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David.” As her death drew nigh, I was exceedingly affected and very earnest in prayer for her soul, having now no hope of her life. I used frequently to anticipate her death, when I could think of nothing but the language of Reuben—“The child is not: and I, whither shall I go!”⁴⁶⁸ I thought at that time, if anything were said at her funeral, it must be from some such passage as this. In short, I am sure I was affected to excess and in a way that I ought not to have been, and I believe should not have been, if I had loved God better. About this time, I threw myself prostrate on the floor and wept exceedingly—yet pleading with God for her. The agony of my spirit produced a most violent bilious complaint, which laid me quite aside for several days. I then reflected that I had sinned, in being so inordinately anxious. From this time, I felt a degree of calmness and resignation to God. On the morning of the 30th of May, I heard a whispering in an adjoining room. I suspected the cause and, upon inquiry, found that the child had expired about six o’clock, with a slight convulsive motion, without a sigh or a groan. I called the family to me and, as well as I was able, attempted to bless a taking as well as a giving God and to

 Genesis 37:3.

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implore that those of us who were left behind might find grace in the wilderness. The words of the Shunammite were at that time much to me: “It is well.”⁴⁶⁹ These words were preached from at her funeral by Mr. Ryland. My affliction had prevented my seeing her the last few clays of her life, but I just went and took leave of her body before the coffin was fastened down, though that was almost too much for me in my weak and afflicted state. Our friends were all very kind to her. Miss Hall and Miss Walker had bought her some toys in London in the beginning of May and she counted much of their coming down, but died before their arrival. She was very patient under her afflictions, scarcely ever complaining, even when her bones penetrated through her skin. If ever we were obliged to force her medicines upon her, though she would cry a little at the moment, yet she would quickly leave off and kiss us, saying, “I love you, I love you all; I love you for making me take my medicines, for I know you do it for my good.” Her constitution was always rather delicate, her temper amiable, and her behaviour engaging. Surely, it will now be our concern to flee from idolatry and to hold all created comfort with a loose hand, remembering the counsel of the apostle: “The time is short: it remaineth that those who have wives be as though they had none; and those that weep as though they wept not; and those that buy, as though they possessed not; and they that use this world, as not abusing it; for the fashion of this world [or, this world, which is but a figure, fashion, or form, without substance] passeth away.”⁴⁷⁰ The following verses were composed by her father on this painful occasion: 1

The child is not! and whither shall I go? (My pensive soul thought thus to urge its grief.) To what retreat betake rue, high or low, Where burden’d hearts might find some short relief?

2

Shall I betake me to the grove, or field, Or walk, or hill, or dale, or grassy plain? Alas! what joy can all creation yield? Creation mourns, where death and sorrow reign.

3

Prospects, instead of easing, aggravate: Ah! here she walk’d, there pluck’d the opening flower;

 2 Kings 4:2.  1 Corinthians 7:29 – 31.

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Turn, turn away mine eyes, nor irritate The wound that’s now too deep for earth to cure. 4

But stop … the child is not! hence will I go To God, who, though he frowns, is still the same; She was not mine, though fond I call’d her so; He gave, he took away—I’ll bless his name.

5

Look neither inward, on thy griefs to pore; Nor outward, for relief from creature joys; Look upward, to thy God; thence help implore, And help will come, and good from ill arise.

6

Nor mourn to excess her loss; but say, “’Tis well;” What matter when she died, if but to God? If rear’d for him though young or old she fell, His bosom is her last, her blest abode.

7

Here oft she read of early piety, She read, and loved, and paus’d at every breath, Till dire affliction wore her strength away, And quench’d her powers, and seal’d her lips in death.

8

What then? her powers we trust will now expand; Our views, compared with hers, are childish now; She needs not little toys to amuse her mind, Christ whom she sought, will be her all to know.

9

Surely her sorrows now to joys are turn’d, Yes—sure her infant cries are heard and sped; Her tender hopes to blest fruition chang’d, And all her fears are now forever fled.

10 But must we part? and can I bid farewell? We must—I can—I have—I kissed her dust— I kiss’d her clay cold corpse, and bade farewell, Until, the resurrection of the just! 11 Return, my soul; the works of life attend; A little while to labour here is given; Meanwhile, a new attractive thou shalt find, To draw thee hence, and fix thine heart in heaven.

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I received several affecting letters from her father during this affliction and will now transcribe some extracts from a few of them. On May 12, 1786, after describing the child’s illness, he adds: I preached last Lord’s day from Deut 33:27, “The Eternal God is thy refuge,” etc. and from Ps 72:18, “Blessed be the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.” Have had some very tender times and, when viewing the child as dead, have been contented and resigned. This has lasted for some days. I have, for a day or two past, been greatly afraid of her recovering just so much as to raise my expectations, so that I should have all the work to do over again. But perhaps that is best. If there is a need be for trials, then there is a need for such circumstances to attend the events which befall us as shall make them trials. And one of David’s trials was, “Thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down.”⁴⁷¹ I feel, however, how much I am indebted to mercy for many things which attend this affliction. I sometimes think how if my two other children should be left and grow up wicked and then be cut off like Eli’s sons! Ah, in many of my prayers, I know not what I ask. May God in mercy, do that for me and those that pertain to me, which is best! I feel a sweet satisfaction in the reins being in his hand, the government upon his shoulders. I have just now been preaching from Matt 20:20 – 24. I fear I am not yet able to drink the cup and, if not to drink the cup, perhaps I am less able to bear a deliverance from it. Yesterday, my wife had pretty much talk with her and seemed much satisfied of her piety and resigned to her death. For my part, I feel very differently at different times. But, generally speaking, except when my feelings are attacked by the child’s heavy afflictions or any fresh symptom of death, I find a far greater degree of composure and resignation to God than ever I could have expected. I can easily see it may be best for us to part. I have been long praying—in I know not what manner—that I might be brought nearer to God; find some particular evils in my heart subdued; have my mind enlarged in experimental knowledge; and my heart more weaned from things below and set on things above. Perhaps, by “terrible things in righteousness” God may answer these petitions. O that it may be so, indeed! I feel however that it must be something more than affliction to effect that! I have long found to my shame that, though drawing and living near to God are the happiest things in the world, yet such is the carnality of my heart that I have long been in the habit of despairing of ever attaining them. I have

 Psalm 102:1.

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often of late said of holiness what Solomon said of wisdom: “I thought to be holy, but it was far from me.”⁴⁷² The following extracts are from letters not dated, but certainly written about the same time. … The child is much lower and worse than ever she has been before. We have been up with her two nights and are almost overcome in body and mind. For my part, I consider her as already dead and have had some degree of resignation to it. Have just now been preaching from Ps 94:19, “In the multitude of my thoughts within me, thy comforts delight my soul.” Last Lord’s day, I preached from 1 Thess 3:3, “Let no man be moved by these afflictions, knowing that we are thereunto appointed.” Some time ago, I spoke at a child’s grave and addressed the children. It appears that a little girl was wrought upon, who is since dead. At that time, her father and mother were common church people and very ignorant. She talked much to them before her death. I hope the Lord has lately wrought upon her mother. She seems very tender-hearted and in real earnest after the salvation of her soul. Her husband has opposed her coming to meeting, but in vain. He beat her, but to no purpose. He then despaired and began to think her right and himself wrong. “If it had not been of God,” said he, “I had overcome it before now.” The man invited me to visit his wife. I went, expecting him to dispute with me, as he had threatened to stop me in the street for that purpose; accordingly, I gave him an opportunity, but, says the poor man, “I have done with that now; my chief concern is, What must I do to be saved?” I cannot tell how it may issue as to him; he comes sometimes to meeting and sometimes goes to hear Mr. Lydiat, at Warkton.⁴⁷³ Last Tuesday, I was visited by a lad who has lately been observed to weep very much under the word. He appears to have every mark of true and deep contrition and says a sermon I preached two or three months ago on sinners being under the curse of the Almighty, was first of use to him. The Lord carry on his work! … Last night I preached a funeral sermon for one person and buried two others within nine days. Can I be supposed to be otherwise than dejected? We attend all we can to our own health, but is it to be wondered at that we should be sensibly affected and very ill? To nurse a child with her afflictions is great work for the hands, but to nurse altogether without hope is far great-

 Ecclesiastes 7:2.  Rev. Thomas Troughton Lydiat (1764– 1804), rector of Warkton, Northamptonshire.

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er work for the heart. “But the hope of a better world.” True; and I never felt the worth of that consideration so much as now. Ten thousand worlds seem nothing in consideration of the hope of the gospel. Sure I know something more than I did of the meaning of: “Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!”⁴⁷⁴ and: “Underneath are the everlasting arms!”⁴⁷⁵ with many other passages. And yet, after all, O what shall I say? I am not without hope—hope, as I said, with which I would not part for ten thousand worlds; but I have, as well, painful fears. My dear Brother, the matter is of too great importance to be thought of lightly. However, the nearer I am to God, the better it is with me. I thought last night—it was some relief—that God had enjoined us to train up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Methought, there was never a command but what had a promise connected with it, for God does not say to the seed of Jacob, Seek ye my face in vain. I also felt some satisfaction in reflecting on my conduct towards the child and thought of the Psalmist’s words: “Lord, I have hoped in thy salvation, and have done thy commandments.”⁴⁷⁶ I enjoy great satisfaction and pleasure whenever I think of her having been at Northampton. If there is any change in her, I think your conversation or the instructions she received at Northampton were the means. Those few verses you wrote for her she will still repeat, though obliged to rest for want of breath between almost every word. She says, “Mr. Ryland told me, when I had got them, he would make me some more” and requested I would write to you for them.⁴⁷⁷

   

2 Corinthians 9:1. Deuteronomy 33:2. Psalm 119:16. I sent these, three days before her death: 1. God is very good to me, O that I may thankful be! I upon his will depend, May his glory be my end! 2. When I any sickness feel, God can my diseases heal; If he does not choose to cure, He can help me to endure. 3. If I am to live awhile, Trifles will my heart beguile, Sorrows will my heart molest, If with grace I am not blest. 4. If I am to die betimes,

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While things are as they are, I really cannot leave home and I think it is very precarious whether I can be at the Association. I will, if I can, if it be only a little while on the Wednesday; but all is uncertain. She may live till then or she may die within a few days. Be it when it may, I fear the stroke will be attended with such an additional shock to my feelings that I shall be very unfit for preaching. I should think, therefore, my preaching at the Association should not be expected. If I can come, I do not want to make excuses; but if any other were in my place, I think I should readily excuse him. The poor child is, on the whole very patient. I can only add, let us have the continuance of your prayers. Ever yours, A. Fuller N. B. Mr. Fuller did come and preached, on Wednesday, the 7th of June, from Eph 2:5 —“By grace ye are saved.”⁴⁷⁸ Various references to this affliction occur also in his diary. For example: 1785—Set off for home with my little girl, who has been ill at Northampton. My heart greatly misgives me. If God should take either of my children from me, I seem as if I could scarcely sustain it. On this account, I have many fears. Oh! I could give up their bodies; but I want to see piety reigning in their souls, before they go hence, and are no more seen. I tried, as I rode home, to converse with my child, and to instill religious principles into her mind. O that God would bless my endeavours to that end!

Christ can pardon all my crimes, Make me fit for heaven, and then Death itself shall be my gain. 5. Lord, thy grace to me impart, Cleanse my soul, renew my heart! Else I cannot live to thee, Death will else a terror be. 6. Life is pleasant, if I may All my life thy will obey; Death is pleasant, too, if I Then shall dwell with God on high. [Ryland].  Fuller attended the annual association meeting at Northampton on June 7– 9, 1786 and preached from Ephesians 2:5, despite the loss of his daughter, Sarah, the previous week (May 30, 1786).

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January 8, 1786—Exceedingly distressed on Wednesday night. I fear God will take away my child. I have reason to fear some awful chastisement is at hand —either spiritual or temporal. Methought I was like the Israelites who had little or no heart to call upon God, except in times of trouble. I tried, however, to pray to him now. I think I could willingly submit to God in all things and bear whatever he should lay upon me, though it were the loss of one of the dear parts of myself, provided I could but see Christ formed in her. I know also that I have no demand on the Lord for this; but, surely, I ought to bless his name that he does not require me to be willing to be lost myself or that that should be the end of any whom he has put under my care. The chief exercise of my mind this week has been respecting my poor child. I thought I felt some resignation to Divine Providence. “The Lord liveth and blessed be my Rock.” February 5, 1786—Our dear little girl has, this week, much alarmed our fears. On Thursday morning the measles came out: we hope the illness may be carried off hereby. As I sat by her that morning, alone, she requested me to pray with her; saying, though she was greatly afflicted with pain, yet she would try to lie still. I did so and found some tenderness of heart on her behalf. February 19, 1786— Great are the mercies of the Lord towards us, who has now given me another daughter. Mercy and judgment both visit us. Now, my fears chiefly turn on the child that is afflicted. My Sabbaths, I fear, are spent to little purpose; I have so little love to God and the souls of men; but I felt much impressed tonight in catechising the children. Thought about my own little girl and talked to them concerning her. March 12 to April 16, 1786—For this month past, I have had great exercise of heart on account of my poor little daughter: sometimes, pleading hard with God, on her account; at other times, ready to despair, fearing that God would never hear me. April 19, 1786 (Lord’s day)—A distressing day to me. My concern for the loss of her body is but trifling, compared with that of her soul. I preached and prayed much from Matt 15:25: “Lord, help me!” On Monday, I carried her towards Northampton. Was exceedingly distressed that night; went to prayer, with a heart almost broken. Some encouragement from conversation with dear brother R. I observed that God had not bound himself to hear the prayers of anyone for the salvation of the soul of another. He replied, “But if he has not, yet he frequently does so; and hence, perhaps, though grace does not run in the blood, yet we frequently see, it runs in the line. Many more of the children of God’s children are gracious, than of others.” I know, nei-

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ther I nor mine have any claim upon the Almighty for mercy; but, as long as there is life, it shall surely be my business to implore his mercy towards her. April 21, 1786—Thought I saw the vanity of all created good. I saw if God were to cut off my poor child and were not to afford me some extraordinary support under the stroke, that I should be next to dead to the whole creation, and all creation dead to me! O that I were but thus dead, as Paul was, by the cross of Christ. April 23, 1786—Preached at Woodford, from Ps 50:15: “Call upon me in the day of trouble,” etc. April 26, 1786—Had a pretty good day and some pleasure at the Lord’s supper; but very much dejected towards night. Read a little account of Eliza Cunningham, who died lately, published by her uncle, the Rev. Mr. Newton; it was very affecting indeed. April 27, 1786—Riding to Northampton I think I felt greater earnestness and freedom with God than I ever had before, in this matter. I seemed likewise more willing to leave her in the hands of God. Some tender opportunities in prayer, with her and for her. April 28, 1786—I returned. Went back to Northampton, on Friday, and stayed over Lord’s day. I had some pleasant thoughts on being crucified to the world, and on casting all our cares upon the Lord. I now feel more of an habitual resignation to God. If I could take the reins into my own hand, I would not. I feel a satisfaction, that my times, and the times of all that pertain to me, are in the Lord’s hands. This also I have felt all along— never to desire the life of the child, unless it be for her present and eternal good. Unless she should live to the Lord, I had rather, if it please God, she might not live at all. May 7, 1786—I was tolerably supported under the approaching death of my poor child, which I saw drawing on apace. I saw I must shortly let her fall. With floods of tears, with all the bitterness of an afflicted father mourning for his firstborn, I committed her to God, to his everlasting arms when she should fall from mine. May 14– 21, 1786—Death! Death is all around me! My friends die. Three have I buried within a fortnight, and another I shall have to bury soon! Death and judgment is all I can think about! At times I feel reconciled to whatever may befall me. I am not without good hopes of the child’s piety; and as to her life, desirable as it is, the will of the Lord be done. But, at other times, I am distressed beyond due bounds. On the 25th, in particular, my distress

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seemed beyond all measure. I lay before the Lord, weeping like David and refusing to be comforted. This brought on, I have reason to think, a bilious cholic: a painful affliction it was; and the more so, as it prevented my ever seeing my child alive again! Yes, she is gone! On Tuesday morning, May 30, as I lay ill in bed, in another room, I heard a whispering. I inquired, and all were silent … all were silent! But all is well! I feel reconciled to God. I called my family round my bed. I sat up and prayed as well as I could; I bowed my head, and worshipped, and blessed a taking as well as a giving God. June 1, 1786— I just made a shift to get up and attend the funeral of my poor child. My dear Brother Ryland preached, on the occasion, from 2 Kings 4:26— “It is well.” I feel, in general now, a degree of calm resignation. Surely, there is solid reason to hope that she has not lived in vain; and if she is but reared for God, it matters not when she died. I feel a solid pleasure in reflecting on our own conduct in her education: surely, we endeavoured to bring her up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; and I trust our endeavours were not in vain. Surely, her visit to Northampton, too, was blessed for her good: she has certainly discovered, ever since, great tenderness of conscience, and much of the fear of God; great regard for the worship of God, especially for the Lord’s day; and great delight in reading, especially accounts of the conversion of some little children. But all is over now; and I am, in a good degree, satisfied. June 3, 1786— I felt a sort of triumph over death. I went and stood on her grave, with a great deal of composure! Returned, and wrote eleven verses to her memory. June 4, 1786—Had a good day, in preaching on these light afflictions. ⁴⁷⁹ My mind seems very calm and serene, in respect of the child. June 5, 1786—Though I have felt resignation and serenity, as to the death of my child, since the event was decided by an infallible God; yet, alas! I feel the insufficiency of trouble, however heavy, to destroy and mortify sin. I have had sad experience of my own depravity, even while under the rod of God.⁴⁸⁰ June 8, 1786—I fear, something more awful than the death of the child awaits me. Though I have been in the fire, yet my dross is not removed; nay, it seems

 2 Corinthians 4:17.  The entries for June 5 and 8, 1786 are not included in the 1816 edition.

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to be increased. My family is now afflicted nearly throughout! “For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.”⁴⁸¹ The next scene of family trouble through which he was called to pass was that which issued in the removal of the first Mrs. Fuller, a very amiable and excellent woman. With her I was well acquainted and had many opportunities of witnessing much of his tenderness towards her, under her frequent afflictions. Her death took place during my second visit to Bristol, whither he sent me a most affecting account of that event, which I read to many friends; who though, at that time, they knew but little of Mr. Fuller, yet were exceedingly moved by hearing the recital. I have, ever since, regretted this letter’s being lost by a friend to whose care I entrusted it, as I am persuaded it contained two or three touching expressions which were omitted in that which I afterwards obtained in its place. The latter is contained in a letter written by him to Mrs. Fuller’s own parents. But, as every affliction put him on closely examining whether some faulty cause might not be found in himself on account of which God was pleased thus to chasten him, so it was on this occasion; as appears by the following extracts from his diary, which I transcribe before I copy the narrative. July 10, 1792— My family afflictions have almost overwhelmed me; and what is yet before me I know not! For about a month past, the affliction of my dear companion has been extremely heavy. On reading the fourth chapter of Job, this morning, the 3rd, 4th, and 5th verses affected me—“My words have upholden many. O that now I am touched, I may not faint!” July 25, 1792—O my God, my soul is cast down within me! The afflictions in my family seem too heavy for me! O Lord, I am oppressed, undertake for me! My thoughts are broken off and all my prospects seem to be perished! I feel, however, some support from such Scriptures as these: “All things work together for good, etc.” “God, even our own God, shall bless us.” “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed.”⁴⁸² One of my friends observed, yesterday, that it was difficult, in many cases, to know wherefore God contended with us. But I thought, there was no difficulty of this kind with me. I have sinned against the Lord; and it is not a little affliction that will lay hold of me. Those words have impressed me of late, “It was in my heart to chastise them.”⁴⁸³ Just about this time, he wrote to me as follows:

 Isaiah 5:2.  Romans 8:28; Psalm 67:6; Lamentations 3:2.  Hosea 10:1.

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My domestic trials are exceedingly great, far, very far, beyond what I ever met with before. I was taken very ill last Friday, July 7, with a pain under my left breast, and was bled on Saturday. Yesterday (Lord’s day), I could not engage in anything, nor could I have done so, if Mr. Hall, who providentially was in town, had not been here. I feel better this morning, though I have had but little more than two hours’ sleep. You need not speak of it; but Mrs. Fuller has not slept at all last night and, through the effect of her hysterical complaints, she is at this time as destitute of reason as an infant. My heart has not much sunk, because I look upon the derangement of her mind to be temporary; but the Lord knows what is before us! I feel also an habitual calmness, in finding myself just in that situation that God would have me be in; and I find that now is the time for me to bear witness for him. Dear Brother, we have each of us, at this time, our peculiar trials. O that we may be found unto praise. This was written July 9, 1792. In August, I visited Bristol (where I had before spent four Lord’s days, in March and April) and, while there, received the affecting account of Mrs. Fuller’s illness and death, in substance the same with the following. To Mr. Gardiner, Mrs. Fuller’s Father, August 15, 1792 Dear and Honoured Father, You have heard, I suppose, before now, that my dear companion is no more! For about three months back, our afflictions have been extremely heavy. About the beginning of June, she was seized with hysterical affections which, for a time, deprived her of her senses. In about a week, however, she recovered them and seemed better, but soon relapsed again; and during the months of July and August, a very few intervals excepted, her mind has been constantly deranged. In this unhappy state, her attention has generally been turned upon someone object of distress; sometimes, that she had lost her children; sometimes, that she should lose me. For one whole day, she hung about my neck, weeping, for that I was going to die and leave her. The next morning, she still retained the same persuasion but, instead of weeping for it, she rejoiced with exceeding joy. “My husband,” said she, “is going to heaven … and all is well! … I shall be provided for,” and etc. Sometimes, we were her worst enemies and must not come near her; at other times, she would speak to me in the most endearing terms. Till very lately, she has been so desirous of my company that it has been with much difficulty that I have stolen away from her, about two hours in the twenty-four that I might ride out for the air, my health having been considerably impaired. But lately, her mind took another turn which, to me, has

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been very afflicting. It is true, she never ceased to love her husband: “I have had,” she would say, “as tender a husband as ever woman had … but you are not my husband!” She seemed, for the last month, really to have considered me as an impostor, who had entered the house and taken possession of the keys of every place and of all that belonged to her and her husband! Poor soul! For the last month, as I said, this and other notions of the kind have rendered her more miserable than I am able to describe! She has been fully persuaded that she was not at home, but had wandered somewhere from it, had lost herself, and fallen among strangers! She constantly wanted to make her escape, on which account we were obliged to keep the doors locked and to take away the keys. “No!” she would say to me, with a countenance full of inexpressible anguish, “This is not my home you are not my husband these are not my children. Once, I had a good home … and a husband who loved me … and dear children and kind friends … but where am I now? I am lost! I am ruined! What have I done? Oh, I, what have I done? Lord, have mercy upon me!” In this strain, she would be frequently walking up and down, from room to room, bemoaning herself, without a tear to relieve her, wringing her hands, first looking upwards, then downwards in all the attitude of wild despair! You may form some conception what must have been my feelings, to have been a spectator of all this anguish and, at the same time, incapable of affording her the smallest relief. Though she seemed not to know the children about her, yet she had a keen and lively remembrance of those that were taken away. One day, when I was gone out for the air, she went out of the house. The servant, missing her, immediately followed and found her in the graveyard looking at the graves of her children. She said nothing, but with a bitterness of soul, pointed the servant’s eyes to the wall where the name of one of them who was buried in 1783 was cut in the stone. Then, turning to the graves of the other children, in an agony, she, with her foot, struck off the long grass which had grown over the flat stones and read the inscriptions with silent anguish, alternately looking at the servant and at the stones. About a fortnight before her death, she had one of the happiest intervals of any during the affliction. She had been lamenting, on account of this impostor that was come into her house and would not give her the keys. She tried for two hours to obtain them by force, in which time she exhausted all her own strength and almost mine. Not being able to obtain her point, as I was necessarily obliged to resist her in this matter, she sat down and threatened me that God would surely judge me for treating a poor helpless creature in such a manner! I also was overcome with grief— I wept with her. The sight of my tears seemed to awaken her recollections. With her eyes fixed upon me, she said, “Why, are you indeed my husband?” “Indeed, my dear, I am!” “O! if

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I thought you were, I could give you a thousand kisses!” “Indeed, my dear, I am your own dear husband!” She then seated herself upon my knee and kissed me several times. My heart dissolved with a mixture of grief and joy. Her senses were restored and she talked as rationally as ever. I then persuaded her to go to rest and she slept well. About two in the morning, she awoke and conversed with me as rationally as ever she did in her life; said her poor head had been disordered, that she had given me a deal of trouble, and feared she had injured my health; begged I would excuse all her hard thoughts and speeches; and urged this as a consideration: “Though I was set against you, yet I was not set against you as my husband.” She desired I would ride out every day for the air; gave directions to the servant about her family; told her where this and that article were to be found, which she wanted; inquired after various family concerns, and how they had been conducted since she had been ill— and thus we continued talking together till morning. She continued much the same, all the forenoon; was delighted with the conversation of Robert, whose heart also was delighted, as he said, to see his mother so well. “Robert,” said she, “we shall not live together much longer.” “Yes, mother,” replied the child, “I hope we shall live together forever!” Joy sparkled in her eyes, at this answer: she stroked his head, and exclaimed, “O bless you, my dear! How came such a thought into your mind?” Towards noon, she said to me, “We will dine together, my dear, upstairs.” We did so. But while we were at dinner, in a few minutes her senses were gone; nor did she ever recover them again! From this happy interval, however, I entertained hopes that her senses would return when she was delivered and came to recover her strength. On Thursday, the 23rd instant, she was delivered of a daughter, but was all the day very restless, full of pain and misery, no return of reason, except that, from an aversion to me which she had so long entertained, she called me “my dear,” and twice kissed me: said she “must die,” and “let me die, my dear,” said she, “let me die!” Between nine and ten o’clock, as there seemed no immediate sign of a change, and being very weary, I went to rest; but about eleven, was called up again, just time enough to witness the convulsive pangs of death, which in about ten minutes carried her off. Poor soul! What she often said is now true. She was not at home … I am not her husband … these are not her children … but she has found her home … a home, a husband, and a family better than these!

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It is the cup which my Father hath given me to drink, and shall I not drink it? Amidst all my afflictions, I have much to be thankful for. I have reason to be thankful that, though her intellects were so deranged, yet she never uttered any ill language nor was ever disposed to do mischief to herself or others and, when she was at the worst, if I fell on my knees to prayer, she would instantly be still and attentive. I have also to be thankful that, though she had been generally afraid of death all her lifetime, yet that fear has been remarkably removed for the last half year. While she retained her reason, she would sometimes express a willingness to live or to die as it might please God and, about five or six weeks ago, she now and then possessed a short interval in which she would converse freely. One of our friends, who stayed at home with her on Lord’s days, says that her conversation at those times would often turn on the poor and imperfect manner in which she had served the Lord, her desires to serve him better, her grief to think she had so much and so often sinned against him. On one of these occasions, she was wonderfully filled with joy on overhearing the congregation while they were singing over the chorus, “Glory, honour, praise, and power, etc.”⁴⁸⁴ She seemed to catch the sacred spirit of the song. I mean to erect a stone to her memory, on which will, probably, be engraved the following lines: The tender parent wails no more her loss, Nor labours more beneath life’s heavy load; The anxious soul releas’d from fears and woes, Has found her home, her children, and her God. To all this I may add that, perhaps, I have reason to be thankful for her removal. However the dissolution of such an union may affect my present feelings, it may be one of the greatest mercies both to her and me. Had she continued and continued in the same state of mind (which is not at all improbable), this, to all appearance, would have been a thousand times worse than death. The poor little infant is yet alive⁴⁸⁵ and we call her name Bathoni, the same name, except the difference of sex, which Rachel gave to her last-born child.⁴⁸⁶ Mr. West preached a funeral sermon, last night, at the interment, from 2 Cor 5:1.⁴⁸⁷

 Possibly Isaac Watts’s “Salvation, O the Joyful Sound.”  It died about three weeks afterward. [Ryland].  Genesis 35:18 – 19.

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I am, dear and honoured father, Yours, in great affliction, A. FULLER. About twelve months after, I received a letter from which I extract the following lines: Kettering, August 29, 1793. My dear Brother, My head has been very poorly of late; and my heart, on the return of the 23rd of August, much dejected. Mr. Butler, of Gretton, lately lost a daughter of twenty-tour years of age.⁴⁸⁸ I preached a funeral sermon on the occasion and, riding through Corby woods, the following plaintive lines ran through my mind: I, who erewhile was blessed with social joys, With joys that sweeten’d all the ills of life, And shed a cheerful light on all things round, Now mourn my days in pensive solitude. There once did live a heart that cared for me; I loved, and was again beloved in turn; Her tender soul would sooth my rising griefs, And wipe my tears, and mix them with her own; But she is not! And I forlorn am left, To weep unheeded, and to serve alone. I roam amidst the dreary woods … Here once I walk’d with her, who walks no more with me.⁴⁸⁹ The fragrant forest then with pleasure smil’d: Why wears it now a melancholy hue? Ah me! nor woods, nor fields, nor aught besides,

 John West (1754– 1835) assumed the pulpit at Soham when Fuller was called to Kettering. West was called to Carlton in 1787 and would later serve congregations in Ireland as a missionary with the Baptist Irish Society between 1814 and 1835.  William Butler (d. 1794) served the church at Gretton, Northamptonshire from 1787 until his death. Originally sent from the church at Arnsby in 1774, Butler served at Sutton for some years after Isaac Woodman’s death.  I went, with my wife and sister, into these woods, in the nut-season about seven years ago. [Ryland].

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Can grateful prove, where grief corrodes the heart! God of my life, and Guide of all my years! May I again to thee my soul commend, And in thee find a friend to share my griefs, And give me counsel in each doubtful path, And lead me on, through every maze of life, Till I arrive where sighs no more are heard! With reference to his second marriage, Mr. Fuller writes thus: July 18, 1794— Of late, my thoughts have turned upon another marriage. That passage, which has been with me in all my principal concerns through life, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths,” has recurred again. I have found much of the hand of God in guiding me to one in whom I hope to find an helper to my soul. October 27, 1794— I devote this day to fasting and prayer, on account of my expected marriage, to entreat the blessing of God upon me and upon her who may be connected with me and upon all that pertain to us. This morning, previous to family prayer, I read 1 Kings 8:22– 66. The 38th and 39th verses were much to me, as well as the 28th. I found a tenderness of heart in prayer, after reading. December 30, 1794—This day, I was married; and this day will, probably, stamp my future life with either increasing happiness or misery. My hopes rise high of the former; but my times, and the times of my dear companion, are in the Lord’s hands. I feel a satisfaction that in her I have a godly character, as well as a wife. The above are extracts from Mr. Fuller’s diary. In January 1795, he wrote to me as follows: … I was married on the 30th of December and, though we made as little parade as possible, yet the bustle and visits, etc. have taken up too much of my time. I bless God for the prospect I have of an increase of happiness. It is no small satisfaction that every one of our relations were agreeable that there are no previous prejudices to afford ground for future jealousies. Two days after our marriage, we invited about a dozen of our serious friends to drink tea and spend the evening in prayer, which they did, and Mr. Coles concluded.⁴⁹⁰

 Ryland has included this excerpt from Fuller’s January 1, 1795 letter concerning Dr. Jonathan Ed-

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Mr. Fuller’s second wife—now his surviving widow—was Miss Ann Coles, the only daughter of the Rev. William Coles, who lived at Ampthill in Bedfordshire and was pastor of the Baptist church at Maulden, near that town.⁴⁹¹ The following letter wards’s sickness and Ryland’s inquiry regarding Paine’s Age of Reason (see Ryland [1816], 366 – 67). The balance of the letter is included in chapter 8 above (see p. 301).  Mr. Coles was born at Daventry, in Northamptonshire, March 2, 1735 (O.S.), of pious parents, members of the Presbyterian church in that town. During his childhood and youth, as far as the restraints of education would permit, he walked after the course of this world till about the nineteenth year of his age when, hearing that a stranger was to preach at Flower [Flore], he was induced to go to hear him. This sermon, by Mr. Bond of Toft, together with an affliction with which he was soon after visited, were the means, not only of awakening his conscience but of bringing him to the knowledge of the Saviour; he having had before but very dark and indistinct views of the gospel. The Rev. James Hervey, of Weston Favel, having been much recommended to him as a preacher, he went thither, for some time, to hear him. In 1756, he resided for a time at Northampton and attended on the ministry of Mr. Tolley, who was then pastor of the church in College Lane. He was much interested in his preaching and greatly affected by it; and, becoming acquainted with some of the most serious people, soon felt an attachment to them and their minister. On his birthday in 1757 (being 22 years of age), he was baptized and united to the church, having been led into the doctrine of believer’s baptism by immersion by reading the New Testament only; for the church then admitted of mixed communion, as they do to this day. In September 1757, he was called to the work of the ministry, after which he preached in several neighbouring villages and, in July 1758, removed to Newport Pagnel and preached to the little Baptist congregation there for ten years; at the expiration of which term, he accepted a call to the pastoral office at Maulden where he was ordained, October 28, 1768. {When Mr. Coles came to Maulden, the church and congregation were in a very low state; but by the blessing of God upon his diligent and faithful endeavours, the congregation soon increased and many were added to the church. One good fruit of the Baptist Mission, amongst many which might be noticed, may be here mentioned. In 1795, Mr. Coles was at the Association at Kettering; the interesting services at that time impressed his mind and excited him to consider what might be done for the cause of Christ at Ampthill. This had been thought of before and wished for by him and some of his friends. When Mr. Coles proposed it to them, several cordially acquiesced and a small chapel was fitted up on his own premises for occasional worship, in March 1797; he was at the expense of the building and the friends subscribed for the seats. It was an high gratification to him to see it well attended; his house and his heart were open to the ministers who so kindly supplied it by themselves and their students. This and the village-preaching through the exertions of the Bedfordshire Union, increased the attendance at Maulden so that it was found necessary to enlarge the meeting-house there. When it was re-opened July 1802, it was a gratifying time to Mr. Coles and caused tears of joy, as he observed that some congregations declined as their pastors increased in age, but his was increased. This chapel is still well attended. Mr. Coles continued the affectionate pastor of his people till, disabled by increasing infirmities, he resigned his charge, April 14, 1805, and was succeeded by the Rev. Samuel Hobson, their present pastor who was ordained over the church in 1808. Through the divine blessing on his labours, the meeting-house has been again enlarged. Mr. Coles’s last illness was short; he was taken worse than usual on Wednesday May 17, 1809, and died on Saturday the 20th, aged 74. His bodily sufferings were great during that period, but his soul was supported. A few weeks before his decease and at different times till then, the following expressions dropped from his lips, besides many more which could not be recollected. “Through mercy, I have no distressing fears—I have ventured my all into the hands of Christ; and if I perish, I perish: I have no other refuge—I know in whom I have believed, etc.—I have not those

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from Mr. Coles, written to a friend previously to this union, will be interesting here as affording a testimony of the high esteem entertained by him for Mr. Fuller: Mr. Fuller is a person who possesses such an high sense of honour that you may place an entire confidence in him; he is exceedingly respected both by his own people and by those of the other congregations who do not attend on his ministry. One of Mr. Fuller’s friends, with whom I have been on terms of friendship for the space of thirty-four years, says of him that he knows no man in the world of greater respectability, or more worthy of esteem in every view. Indeed, he seemed to have a good report of all men, and it is a very great satisfaction to me to be fully persuaded of this as it affords a pleasing prospect of happiness for my daughter, and for us all, in a nearer connection with him: I feel an entire confidence in the worthy man who is designed, by Divine Providence, to be the companion of my daughter’s life. I love him; and the more I know of him, the more I confide in him as a good man and a favourite of God. I believe his heart is right with God and that it will be well with him, in life, in death, and forever.⁴⁹² As Mr. Fuller entered on this connection with a well-founded expectation of happiness, so he was by no means disappointed. He had six children by this marriage; but the Lord saw fit to remove three of them in their infancy and I trust, says the surviving mother, we were enabled to say, “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken

ecstatic joys some Christians have been indulged with, but I have a steady hope (the last words were repeated with an emphasis)—I desire entirely to submit to the dispensations of divine providence— What are my sufferings, compared, to those the Lord Jesus endured for me, if I am a believer?—I hope I would not entertain an hard thought of God—‘A guilty, weak, and helpless worm,’ etc. This is what the most eminent Christians must come to, whatever may have been their piety or literary attainments.” He frequently repeated the verse abovementioned and the text, “I know in whom I have believed.” At one time, especially, he spoke with such energy and such a continued flow of spiritual affection, as surprised Mrs. Coles, considering his bodily weakness and sufferings. It was like one on the verge of heaven; but his speaking so quick and other circumstances rendered her incapable of recollecting what he said. Mr. Coles was exceedingly earnest in prayer for the spiritual prosperity of his late charge and for their present pastor. The variety and fervour of his petitions was remarkable in such a weak state. He often desired that the 12th chapter of Hebrews might be read to him. He lamented that he had done no more for his great Master and wished and prayed to this effect: that young ministers might abound in the work of the Lord, etc.} [Ryland]. The footnote is Ryland’s, but the content in {curly brackets} replaces: “He died very happily May 20, 1809, aged 74 years,” which appeared in Ryland (1816), 473. This is the addition to the 1818 edition which Ryland speaks of in the preface.  This letter does not appear in the 1816 edition.

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away, and blessed be the name of the Lord.”⁴⁹³ Three still remain; two sons and one daughter.⁴⁹⁴ May they all know and love and serve the God of their parents. The three that died were all daughters; the eldest, named Ann, was a year and eight months old. Both her parents had been sitting up all night, watching their dear little infant, the last night but one of its life; and “a mournful night it was. I shall ever remember it” (says the mother), and in the morning, my dear Mr. Fuller penned these lines: Sweet babe! why fix thy wishful eyes on us? We feel thy load; but cannot give thee aid! Didst thou know aught, we would direct thine eyes To HIM from whom alone thy help must come. But what shall we do now?—We will convey Thy looks, expressive, up to Heaven’s high throne; And plead, on thy behalf, with HIM who gave A blessing, when on earth, to babes in arms. On babes in arms our Jesus laid his hands; And at the instance, too, of others’ prayers: Were they not parents? Be it so, or not, If others’ suit prevail’d, why should not ours? A mother pleaded once a daughter’s cause, And “Be it to thee even as thou wilt,” Was Jesus’ answer! Oh! our Redeemer, and our God—our help In tribulation—hear our fervent prayer! To Thee we now resign the sacred trust, Which thou, erewhile, didst unto us commit. Soon we must quit our hold, and let her fall; Thine everlasting arms be then beneath! In Thee a refuge may she find in death, And in thy bosom dwell, when torn from ours! Into thy hands her spirit we commit, In hope ere long to meet and part no more.

 Job 1:2. Fuller’s marriage to Ann produced Ann (1796 – 1797), Sarah (1797– 1816), Andrew Gunton (1799 – 1884), William Coles (1801– 1869), Ann (1802– 1802), and Ann (1803 – 1804).  Since the first edition of the Memoir was printed, Mrs. Fuller has had to mourn the loss of this daughter, the eldest of her children, and who seemed to be her principal comfort since Mr. Fuller’s death. Some account of her will be given in a note. [Ryland]. The extended footnote Ryland mentions here begins on p. 371.

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Before I introduce some further instances of Mr. Fuller’s family trials and the tender feelings of his mind under them, I shall take the liberty of inserting part of a letter which I received from Mrs. Fuller since her irretrievable loss, in which she says: I think, dear Sir, there was no one better acquainted with the dear deceased, in his public character, than yourself; we can, therefore, give you no information on that head; but far be it from me, to wish it to be held up in the style of panegyric. I am certain that would have ill accorded with his sentiments and feelings, and I know that this may be safely left to your discretion. But I cannot forbear adding my testimony to my late dear husband’s conduct in his domestic character which, so far as his mind was at liberty to indulge in such enjoyments, I must testify to have been, ever since I had the happiness of being united to him, of the most amiable and endearing kind. But to so great a degree was he absorbed in his work, as scarcely to allow himself any leisure or relaxation from the severest application; especially, since of late years, his work so accumulated on his hands. I was sometimes used to remark how much we were occupied (for, indeed, I had no small share of care devolved upon me, in consequence); his reply usually was, “Ah, my dear, the way for us to have any joy is to rejoice in all our labour and then we shall have plenty of joy.” If I complained that he allowed himself no time for recreation, he would answer, “O, no, all my recreation is a change of work.” If I expressed an apprehension that he would soon wear himself out, he would reply, “I cannot be worn out in a better cause. We must work while it is day” or, “Whatever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might.” There was a degree of bluntness in his manner, which yet did not arise from an unsociable or churlish disposition, but from an impatience of interruption in the grand object of his pursuit. In this sense, he seemed not to know his relations or nearest friends. Often, when a friend or an acquaintance on a journey has called, when they had exchanged a few words, he would ask, “Have you anything more to say?” (or something to that effect), “if not, I must beg to be excused,” at the same time asking them to stay and take some refreshment, if they chose. Yet, you know, dear Sir, he had a heart formed for the warmest and sincerest friendship with those whose minds were congenial with his own and who were engaged in similar pursuits, and I never knew him to be weary of their company. I am fully persuaded that my dear husband fell a sacrifice to his unremitting application to the concerns of the Mission, but I dare not murmur. The Lord has done as it pleased him and I know that whatever he does is right. On Mr. Fuller’s side, he testified his gratitude for this connection in the following words: “I have found my marriage contribute greatly to my peace and comfort and

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the comfort of my family, for which I record humble and hearty thanks to the God of my life!” But a severer trial than any of the former awaited him, which proved the more so in consequence of the hope he had once seen reason to indulge. On May 12, 1796, he thus writes: This day, my eldest son⁴⁹⁵ is gone to London, upon trial at a warehouse belonging to Mr. B.⁴⁹⁶ My heart has been much exercised about him. The child is sober and tender in his spirit; I find, too, he prays in private, but whether he be really godly, I know not. Sometimes he has expressed a desire after the ministry, but I always considered that as arising from the want of knowing himself. About a year and a half ago, I felt a very affecting time in pleading with God on his behalf. Nothing appeared to me so desirable for him, as that he might be a servant of God. I felt my heart much drawn out to devote him to the Lord, in whatever way he might employ him. Since that time, as he became of age for business, my thoughts have been much engaged on his behalf. As to giving him any idea of his ever being engaged in the ministry, it is what I carefully shun; and whether he ever will be, is altogether uncertain. I know not whether he be a real Christian as yet, or, if he be, whether he will possess those qualifications which are requisite for that work. But this I have done: I have mentioned the exercises of my mind to Mr. B., who is a godly man, and if, at any future time, within the next five or six years, he should appear a proper object of encouragement for that work, he will readily give him up. I felt very tenderly, last night and this morning, in prayer. I cannot say, “God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk;” but I can say, “God who hath fed me all my life long unto this day, the Angel which redeemed me from all evil bless the lad.”⁴⁹⁷ In a very short time however, the pleasing hopes he had indulged were blighted. “Alas! alas!” he says, “I have seen that in the conduct of my poor boy, which has almost broken my heart!” And shortly after, he adds, “I perceive I have great unhappiness before me, in my son, whose instability is continually appearing; he must leave London, and what to do with him I know not. I was, lately, earnestly engaged in prayer for him that he might be renewed in his spirit and be the Lord’s, and these words

 By means of the following letters and diary entries, Ryland narrates the considerable challenges the Fullers faced in the life of their eldest son, Robert.  William Burls (1763 – 1837), a wealthy London merchant, was a member of John Rippon’s congregation at Carter Lane, Southwark and a significant supporter of the Baptist Missionary Society. See Ernest A. Payne, The Excellent Mr. Burls (London: Kingsgate, 1943).  Genesis 48:15.

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occurred to my mind: “Hear my prayer, O Lord, that goeth not forth out of feigned lips;”⁴⁹⁸ and I prayed them over many times.” It remains for a future day to declare whether or not this prayer on his behalf was answered. His subsequent conduct, however, for many years, was a source of great distress to his friends, and his father’s heart especially was “tried and wrung with anguish.” In 1797, his father procured him a situation in Kettering, but a restless disposition soon discovered itself and, in 1798, he enlisted in the army. In a letter to me about this time, his father says:⁴⁹⁹ I have, indeed, had a sore trial in the affair you mention; but I do not recollect any trial of my life in which I had more of a spirit of prayer and confidence in God. Many parts of Scripture were precious, particularly the following: “O Lord, I know not what to do, but mine eyes are up unto thee.—O Lord, I am oppressed, undertake for me.— Commit thy way unto the Lord, and he shall bring it to pass. Cast thy burden on the Lord, and he shall sustain thee.— All things work together for good,” etc. Even while I knew not where he was, I felt stayed on the Lord and some degree of cheerful satisfaction that things would end well. I know not what is before me, but hitherto the Lord hath helped me and still I feel resolved to hope in his mercy. In a little time, however, being understood to be an apprentice, he was discharged. Another situation was found for him; but, in vain, for in 1799 he enlisted among the Marines, where he continued till May 1800. He then seemed to be sensible of his folly and, calling to mind the excellent instructions he had received in his father’s house, he bewailed the loss of Sabbaths and religious opportunities and, feeling the misery of his situation, applied to his father to liberate him. This appeal, from a returning son to an affectionate parent, was not in vain; his heart went out to meet him and he procured his discharge. But the poor young man, having acquired a habit of roving, could not brook an application to business and, in about a month, again left his situation and his friends. On this occasion his afflicted father thus writes: July 21, 1800—The sorrows of my heart have been increased, at different times, to a degree almost insupportable; yet, I have hoped in God, and do still hope that I shall see mercy for him in the end. The Lord knows, I have not sought great things for him and that I have been more concerned for the wicked course he was following, than on account of the meanness of his taste. O may the Lord bring me out of this horrible pit and put a new song in my mouth!  Psalm 17:1.  Ryland includes this letter in the 1818 edition to shed additional light on Fuller’s disposition and piety amidst the trying circumstances concerning his wayward son.

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July 31, 1800—O, my dear Brother! My heart is oppressed, but yet I am supported. Yesterday, I fasted and prayed, the day through. Many Scriptures were sweet to me, particularly Matt 15:25: “Lord help me!”—a petition in which a parent was heard for a child, after repeated repulses. And Ps 33:22: “I believe I shall live to see good, in some way, come out of it. My soul is at rest in God.” Perceiving there was no hope of his settling to business, his father was desirous of rendering him comfortable in the line of life he had chosen and, by the kind interest of a friend, procured him a situation in a merchant ship. But, being on shore one Lord’s day before he joined the ship, he was impressed as a sailor! Thus, his father’s heart was pierced through with many sorrows; but the deepest wound was yet in reserve. In June 1801, it was reported that his poor boy had been guilty of some misdemeanour; had been tried and sentenced to receive 300 lashes; that he received them and immediately expired! What feeling heart can forbear the deepest sympathy with my dearest Brother, under this overwhelming stroke? “Oh!” says he, “this is heart-trouble!” In former cases, my sorrows found vent in tears: but now, I can seldom weep. A kind of morbid heart-sickness preys upon me, from day to day. Every object around me reminds me of him! Ah! … he was wicked, and mine eye was not over him to prevent it … he was detected and tried and condemned, and I knew it not … he cried under his agonies, but I heard him not … he expired, without an eye to pity, or a hand to help him! … O Absalom! my son! my son! Would I had died for thee, my son!⁵⁰⁰ Yet, O my soul! Let me rather think of Aaron than of David. He “held his peace,” in a more trying case than mine. His sons were both slain and, slain by the wrath of heaven, were probably intoxicated at the time; and all this suddenly, without anything to prepare the mind for such a trial! Well did he say, “Such things have befallen me!”⁵⁰¹ Thus, though he mourned for his son, yet he did not refuse to be comforted and, in a few days, his mourning was exchanged for joy; and who can refrain from rejoicing with him? For his son was dead and is alive again! “Blessed be God!” says he, “I find the above report is unfounded! I have received a letter from my poor boy. Well; he is yet alive, and within the reach of mercy!” Though this report was altogether erroneous, at that time; yet, long afterwards, he deserted in Ireland and suffered so severe a punishment as to be totally unfitted

 2 Samuel 18:33.  Leviticus 10:19.

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for the service by the dreadful effects it had on his health. This was in July 1804.⁵⁰² On the 6th of that month, his father wrote to me, as follows: I arrived at home, last night [from Ireland], well in health, but greatly oppressed with domestic trials. My youngest child, whom I left well, died a week ago and my poor wife was and is greatly tried by the event, which was the more distressing by my absence. My poor, unhappy son is at Cork. I wrote to him, and he to me, while in Ireland. His letter intimated that he had but little hopes of living, having a complaint, for several months back, in his bowels. He expected to be discharged. I invited him home. Last night, on entering my house, I found all in deep distress; having learnt, by a letter which he wrote to a relation in Cambridgeshire, that his present illness is the effect of having received 350 lashes, for desertion!!!⁵⁰³ In fact, he is, in a manner, killed! I do not expect his recovery; or, if he should live, that he will ever be able to provide for himself. Yet, if this were but the means of bringing him to God, I should rejoice. Pray for us!” Several months afterwards, he was discharged; when he came to Bristol, and called at my house. As I knew that Mr. Fuller would be in London the next day on his way into Essex, I sent him forward immediately to meet him. His father received him with the tenderest compassion and put him under the care of an eminent physician in town, who had formerly resided at Kettering and who expressed his hope of soon curing his dysentery though it had been of so long continuance. Mr. F. was speedily informed that he was getting better and prepared a situation for him when he should be sufficiently recovered. Yet the poor young man seemed, after all his sufferings, as though he could not bear the thought of settling to business. “Alas!” said his father, in a letter to me, dated April 23, 1805, “when he found himself getting better, he asked leave to go to see his uncle at the other end of the town and returned no more! Where he is now, I know not, but should not wonder to hear that he was again in the army or the navy.” It proved⁵⁰⁴ to be the case that he had enlisted among the Marines, with whom he went to sea, and his friends never saw him again.⁵⁰⁵ In December 1808, after his re Here Ryland inserts a letter from Fuller regarding the situation with the latter’s son. This letter has been moved from chapter 8 of the 1816 edition (see Ryland [1816], 396).  I never can hear of these horrible punishments, without admiring the God-breathed humanity of the law of Moses, Deut 25:3, but especially the blessed reason assigned for the limitation—lest, if he should exceed and beat him above these, with many stripes, then thy brother should seem vile unto thee. If Christian legislators had any bowels and mercies such as the love of Christ ought to inspire, would they let the Jews so far exceed them in humanity? [Ryland]. Flogging with a cat-of-nine-tails was a common military punishment that grew to savage proportions during the nineteenth century. Upon a naval court martial, sailors could expect to receive 200 lashings for desertion, three hundred for munity, and up to five hundred for theft.  The 1816 edition reads: “was believed.”

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turn from a voyage to Brazil and in the expectation of orders to sail for Lisbon, he wrote to his father, acknowledging with deep contrition his guilt and folly and earnestly desiring a letter containing a repetition of that forgiveness which he had so often abused; urging it on the consideration that he was on the point of taking a voyage “from which (says he), I may never return!” With this desire, of course, his father complied. It is to be regretted that a copy of the whole letter was not preserved; the following extract, however, has lately been found: December 1808 My dear Robert, I received with pleasure your dutiful letter and would fain consider it as a symptom of a returning mind. I cannot but consider you as having been long under a sort of mental derangement, piercing yourself through, as well as me, with many sorrows. My prayer for you, continually, is that the God of all grace and mercy may have mercy upon you. You may be assured that I cherish no animosity against you. On the contrary, I do, from my heart, freely forgive you. But that which I long to see in you is repentance towards God and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ, without which there is no forgiveness from above. My dear son! You had advantages in early life; but, being continually in profligate company, you must be debased in mind and, in a manner, reduced to a state of heathenism. In some of your letters, I have observed you dashing, as it were, against the rocks of fatalism; suggesting, as if you thought you were appointed to such a course of life. In others, I find you flattering yourself that you are a penitent when, perhaps, all the penitence you ever felt has been the occasional melancholy of remorse and fear. My dear son! I am now nearly fifty-five years old and may soon expect to go the way of all the earth! But before I die, let me teach you the good and the right way. “Hear the instructions of a father.” You have had a large portion of God’s preserving goodness; or you had, ere now, perished in your sins. Think of this and give thanks to the Father of mercies, who has hitherto preserved you. Think too, how you have requited him and be ashamed for all that you have done. Nevertheless, do not despair! Far as you have gone and low as you are sunk in sin, yet, if from hence, you return to God by Jesus Christ, you will find mercy. Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, even  The remainder of this paragraph and the following letter from Andrew Fuller to his son Robert has been added to the 1818 edition. As Ryland explains, the extract of the letter had been discovered after the publication of the 1816 edition.

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the chief of sinners. If you had been ever so sober and steady in your behaviour towards men, yet, without repentance towards God and faith in Christ, you could not have been saved; and, if you return to God by him, though your sins be great and aggravated, yet will you find mercy.” As this poor young man foreboded, this was his last voyage.⁵⁰⁶ He died off Lisbon,⁵⁰⁷ in March 1809, after a lingering illness in which he had every attention paid him of which his situation would admit. From the testimony of his captain and one of his messmates, we learn that his conduct was good and such as to procure him much respect; and, from letters addressed to his father and his sister, a short time before his death, we hope still better things—we hope he was led to see the error of his way and to make the Lord his refuge from the tempest and the storm. His death under such circumstances was less painful to his friends than it would otherwise have been and, in a sermon preached the Lord’s day after the intelligence was received, in allusion to this event from Rom 10:8, 9, his father seemed to take comfort from three ideas: that (l) The doctrine of free justification by the death of Christ is suited to sinners of all degrees. It asks not how long, nor how often, nor how greatly we have sinned: if we confess our sins, “he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” (2) It is suited to the helpless condition of sinners. We have only to look and live. (3) It is suited to sinners in the last extremity. It answers to the promised mercy in Deut 4:29: “If from thence thou seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him.” Some are far from home and have no friend in their dying moments to speak a word of comfort … but this is near! When Jonah was compassed about by the floods, when the billows and waves passed over him, he prayed to the Lord and the Lord heard him. Here he was obliged to pause and give vent to his feelings by weeping and many of the congregation who knew the cause, wept with him! His heart was full and it was with difficulty he could conclude with solemnly charging the sinner to apply for mercy, ere it was too late; for if it were rejected, its having been so near and so easy of access would be a swift witness against him. This last narrative contains many things very painful to surviving friends which they would gladly have buried in oblivion and which I would never have inserted, had they absolutely forbidden me. But the strong room which there seems to be to hope that so affecting an account may be, under a divine blessing, the means of reclaiming some unhappy youth in similar circumstances or of deterring others from rending a parent’s heart with anguish and involving themselves in temporal misery at least, has induced them to yield to my wish for its not being suppressed. Parents also under the like trying circumstances may, I think, derive much instruction from this example.

 Here the 1818 edition rejoins the 1816 edition.  The 1816 edition lacks “off Lisbon.” It is likely that on his final tour of duty, Robert served on the HMS Philomel under the command of George Crawley (1781– 1810).

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Mr. Fuller’s trials, in 1811, though of a different nature from the foregoing, were very painful and accumulated. In November, I received from him the following account of the mercies he had experienced, during the past year, in the midst of domestic afflictions:⁵⁰⁸ I feel somewhat better and Joseph has good nights. About twelve months ago, my family afflictions began. Sarah lost the use of her limbs and had a threatening pain in her side. Andrew wasted away under what the faculty pronounced to be “a confirmed hectic.” In January, when I went to London, I expected the death of both. Our servant also was seized with epileptic fits. In April, I was laid aside from preaching for three months and such a fever hung about me as, when I seemed to be recovering, would often throw me back. Yet after a year’s afflictions, I have much to be thankful for. My daughter, though not well, yet has recovered the use of her limbs.⁵⁰⁹ Andrew seems

 This paragraph, the following letter, and the extended footnote are not included in the 1816 edition. Ryland’s lengthy footnote describes the remarkable piety of Sarah Fuller (b. 1797), the only daughter of Fuller’s second marriage to survive infancy. In a moving tribute, Fuller and his wife, Ann (d. 1825), had named Sarah after Fuller’s first wife, Sarah (Gardiner) Fuller (d. 1792). Fuller’s daughter died on June 11, 1816, after the publication of the first edition of Ryland’s memoir.  Her constitution, however, had received a shock from which she never fully recovered. She was often troubled with a pain in her side and, during the last eighteen months of her life, was frequently attacked with distressing spasms in her stomach and sometimes with spitting of blood. This was particularly the case about the time of her father’s death. In her weak state, this bereavement was peculiarly trying. Her sensations on viewing his corpse were very acute; on quitting it she felt as if it addressed her, “Prepare to meet me!” and she said to a young friend that “she wished her soul was with his.” She afterwards observed to the same friend that if she thought she should see her father again, she had not the least desire to live nor should she have any wish for his return, if she had any hope of going to him. Toward the end of the summer she was better but, as the winter advanced, she relapsed and fell into a deep decline which resisted all medical skill and, in a few months, terminated in death. Her disposition from a child, was amiable. Integrity was a prominent feature in her character. She appeared to possess an habitual tenderness of conscience and was the subject of early convictions of sin which, though transient in childhood, were more permanent as she advanced in years; but owing to a natural reservedness, accompanied by a fear of deceiving herself and others, it was very difficult to ascertain the real state of her mind and feelings; and when she had unbosomed herself, she seemed to repent, as though she had said something which, after all, might not be true; and this suspicion of herself continued almost to the last. About the beginning of her last illness, in reply to the affectionate inquiries of her sister, she said, “I feel a great deal; but am afraid to speak of it, lest I should deceive myself and others. Having had a religious education, it is easy to talk about religion and I am afraid lest what I have felt should be merely the effect of having enjoyed such a privilege and so entirely wear off. I know religion in theory and am fearful lest it should be in theory only.” She wept much and promised to communicate as much of her mind as she could, begging however that her sister would not mention it to anyone, “for” said she, “possibly what I now feel may he only on account of my affliction and then, if I recover, it may all wear off and I may bring a disgrace upon religion.”

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It may be supposed that this interview afforded much satisfaction to her friends which was increased by the certainty that her mind had been greatly exercised on these subjects previously to this illness. She was deeply sensible of the disingenuousness, as well as of the danger, of purposely deferring the concerns of religion to a death bed. On this subject, she was once heard to express her sentiments strongly. On being told of a young person who wished that, whenever she died, it might be of a consumption [and] that time might be afforded her to repent, she said it was “so unreasonable to expect mercy after having lived in sin as long as she could!” In public worship she was a very attentive hearer and clearly understood and approved the doctrines of the gospel. Prayer-meetings were her peculiar delight and her punctuality in attending them was truly exemplary; if any of her friends seemed indifferent to them, observing “It is only a prayermeeting,” she would express great disapprobation. It was pleasant to observe the earnest desire she manifested for the spiritual welfare of others, especially of the young. Her diligence as a teacher in the Lord’s-day school was worthy of observation and she was extremely anxious for the adoption of a plan which had been proposed for the private religious instruction of some of the elder children of the school, nor would she rest till she saw it accomplished, though her diffidence would not allow her to take any active part in it. She once said to her mother in reference to this subject, “Mother, when will you speak about it? I feel as if we were doing no good and it is so wicked to live here only to eat and drink, and sleep!” During her illness, she spent most of her time, when able, in reading the Psalms and the New Testament and, when too weary herself to read, she would hear the Bible read with great pleasure. And from her questions and remarks upon various passages, it was evident that she was deeply employed in meditating upon what she read and heard. If any part of the Scriptures interested her more than others, it was the life and death of Jesus Christ, as narrated by the four Evangelists, with Henry’s Exposition upon it. Dr. Watts’s Psalms and Hymns also, and his Divine Songs for Children, were her companions and she said she never understood them so well as during her affliction. When Mr. Hall, Mr. Toller, or any other pious friends visited her for conversation and prayer, though through her timidity and natural reserve she could say but very little, yet she was evidently very grateful for their kind attention to her best interests. Many interesting expressions might have been preserved if her mother’s grief and fatigue had not prevented. One evening her thoughts seemed to be directed to the glory of the heavenly world and she particularly referred to that passage, “Now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face,” etc. About three weeks before her death, she was exceedingly cast down under an apprehension that her concern might be merely the effect of education and arise rather from the fear of future punishment than from love to God. But this cloud was soon dispelled and light brake in upon her mind. Though doubtless she felt the natural love of life, yet she was never heard to express the smallest degree of impatience under her long and trying affliction, and her mind became more calm and composed as her prospects of being restored to her friends declined. The only concern she manifested in this particular was in the idea of leaving her mother, to whom, after her father’s death, she was especially endeared by her tender and dutiful attentions and who she knew would deeply feel the loss of her society. She one time said to her, “I am quite happy and have little wish to live but on your account.” Seeing her mother greatly distressed, she, in the tenderest manner, endeavoured to reconcile her to the loss of her by saying, “Dear mother, do not lay your account with pining after me; when I am gone, you have other children who will need your care, and you don’t know what trouble you might have on my account if I were to live.” Being asked if she did not feel happy in the thought of meeting her dear departed friends in glory, she replied “I do not think of that so much as of seeing God and praising him.” A few days before she died, she requested her sister to pray for her speedy release. The next day, she said to her mother “I think I am going … I feel so calm and comfortable.” A

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quite restored to health. My eldest daughter is, I hope, comfortably married. And my son John has been lately baptized. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits!”⁵¹⁰ The loss of his nephew, Joseph Fuller, was a trial⁵¹¹ which few would have endured with such ready submission to the Divine will. He had room to indulge the highest expectations of his usefulness in the Christian ministry, and probably was not without an expectation that he would either become an useful Missionary, or else, “as a son with the father,” so would he have served with him in the gospel. On account of his youth, I kept him back from public exercises during the time that he was studying at Bristol; accounting a premature popularity one of the most dangerous trials to

short time before, she said she had no desire to live longer unless it might be for the glory of God and that she might serve him. To a friend who was speaking of his trials being so great that, were it not for his family, he could be glad to leave the world, she said, “Take care of your motives, whether they are to glorify God or merely to get rid of trouble.” In short, the thoughts of serving and glorifying God, whether in this world or another, seemed to take place of all other considerations. She did not however, attach any merit to the best of services, and her reliance for salvation was solely on the atonement of the Redeemer. She said he was all her hope and all her desire. When her younger brothers visited her a few weeks previous to her death, her earnestness with them was very affecting. On the morning of the day on which she died she expressed an anxious desire of speaking to all the young people of her acquaintance (mentioning several by name) in order, if possible, to convey to them the strong impression of the weight of eternal things which filled her own mind in the near prospect of eternity; and said if she had a wish to live, it was that she might see them come forward and declare themselves on the side of Christ. Being asked if she was happy, she replied “Quite so; but I feel no raptures and if my dear father did not, how can I expect it?” At her request, Mr. Hall was sent for, to whom she spoke with much earnestness, lamenting to how little purpose she had lived and desiring, if he thought proper, to improve her death in a sermon to young people, entreating him to be very particular in warning them not to put off the concerns of religion and, especially, the children of the Sabbath school; expressing her regret that she had so much neglected speaking to them on that important subject, and her intention if she had been spared, to have attended more to her duty in this respect. This was her last effort, as she scarcely spoke a sentence afterwards, but lay with great composure and serenity of aspect, waiting for her change, which took place between four and five o’clock in the afternoon of June 11, 1816. Her age was nineteen years and two months. She was interred on Sabbath evening, June 16; when an impressive discourse was addressed to a crowded audience by Mr. Hall from Psalm 102:23, 24: “He weakened my strength in the way: he shortened my days: I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations.” The 548th Hymn in Dr. Rippon’s Selection, the thirty-ninth Psalm (second part), and the one-hundred and second Psalm (second part) were sung. About a fortnight after her decease, Mr. Hall addressed an exhortation to the children of the school on the occasion. [Ryland].  Ryland includes this letter from November 16, 1811, in chapter 10 of the 1816 edition to illustrate the progress of the sickness that took Fuller’s life. In his changes for the 1818 edition, he thought it fit better here in chapter 9 as an illustration of Fuller’s attitude amidst his many “domestic sufferings.”  Ryland omits: “of a very different kind, but” (1816).

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which a young man could be exposed.⁵¹² But I should have expected any congregation whose approbation was worth having, to have been charmed with the first discourse he delivered in the lecture room of the Baptist Academy, on John 12:27. I was obliged to suppress my feelings and hurry out of the room that I might not let a lad of sixteen see how much I was delighted with what he had been uttering. I received the mournful tidings of his death in a letter dated March 26, 1812, which I shall now transcribe: My dear Brother, I have just received yours and, by the same post, one from Little Bentley, dated the 23rd, of which the following is an extract: “This morning, about a quarter after seven o’clock, our dear Joseph left this world of sin and sorrow and, we trust is entered into rest. He could not talk much, but said that gospel which I have recommended to others is all my support in the prospect of death. He was sensible to the last.” Thus God has blasted our hopes concerning this lovely youth. He was eighteen years old, last October. Now it is fresh upon my mind, I will give you a few particulars of such things concerning him, as fell under my notice: In July 1806, I took Mrs. Fuller to Bentley on a visit to my brother and his family. Joseph was then under thirteen years old. We observed in him a talent for learning and his parents seemed to think him not much suited to their business. Mrs. F. therefore proposed that he should come and live with us and improve his learning. The following October he came, and we sent him to school, to our friend Mr. Mason of Rowell. After being there three months, he spent the winter holidays at our house. One day, he was looking over the Greek alphabet, and soon got it by heart. He obtained a few instructions before the holidays were ended and, on his returning to school, I spoke to my worthy friend, the Rev. Mr. Brotherhood of Desborough, near Rowell, requesting the favour of his teaching him the Latin and Greek languages.⁵¹³ With this request Mr. B. not only readily complied, but generously declined  Ryland here refers to the Bristol Baptist Academy, where he served as principal from 1794 until his death in 1825. Both Joseph (1793 – 1812) and Benjamin (1795 – 1853), sons of John Fuller (1748 – 1837), were students at the academy. Joseph matriculated in 1809 and Benjamin in 1821. Benjamin became pastor of Harston Baptist Church (Cambridgeshire) in 1823. In 1835, he accepted a call to a pastorate in Oneida County, New York, and later to Poplar Springs Baptist Church in Travelers Rest, Georgia. Perhaps due to Fuller’s influence, the community was incorporated as the town of Bristol in 1838. His son, John Wallace Fuller (1827– 1891), became a prominent general in the Union Army during the Civil War.  William Brotherhood (1765 – 1835) was a graduate of Magdalen College (1793) and became vicar of Rothwell in Northamptonshire in 1828.

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any recompense for his trouble. On an evening, after the school-hours at Rowell, Joseph would walk over to Desborough and spend an hour or two with Mr. B. who, with Mrs. B., treated him as a young friend rather than as a pupil. His diligence, sobriety, and good sense raised him in their esteem, and he had a great respect and esteem for them. In this course he continued through the years 1807 and 1808. He could talk of religion and, I believe, from his childhood, had thoughts of the ministry; but, as I saw no signs of real personal Christianity, I never encouraged anything of the kind. In the autumn, I think, of 1808, we perceived an evident change in his spirit and behaviour. This was observed not only at Kettering, but at Rowell. I found, too, that he wished to open his mind to me, and I soon gave him an opportunity. The result was we were satisfied of his being the subject of repentance towards God and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ. On April 30, 1809, I baptized him, and he became a member of the church at Kettering. Under these circumstances, I could not but think of his being employed in the work of the ministry, provided his own heart was in it. On gently sounding him upon it, I found it was. He was too much of a child to be asked to speak before the church, and yet we thought no time should be lost in improving his talents. A letter was therefore sent to the Bristol Education Society, through your hands, recommending him as a pious youth, of promising talents for the ministry. In August the same year, he went to Bristol. At the vacation, in the summer of 1810, he went home and, on his return towards the end of July, came by Kettering. At the church meeting, he preached from 1 Cor 2:2: “For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” He was then under seventeen years of age, and a mere lad in appearance, but his thoughts were just and mature. From the first of his religious impressions, he expressed a desire to go to India as a Missionary, if he were thought a suitable person. I did not discourage him, but told him he was too young at present to determine on a matter of such importance. On the above visit to us, in July 1810, I inquired whether his mind continued the same on that subject. He answered, it did. His journey from Kettering to Bristol, which (being very fond of walking) he principally performed on foot was, I fear, injurious to him. He got wet, as I afterwards learned, several times on the road. Towards the following Christmas, he told me he began to feel the complaint on his lungs. It is now nearly a year, I suppose, since he left Bristol to go to his father’s house. After he had been there the greater part of the summer of 1811, he paid a visit for a month or two to the new Academy at Stepney, where he was treated with great kindness by Mr. and Mrs. Newman, as he had been, in the spring of the same

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year, by Mr. and Mrs. Burls. Indeed, I may say, at every place, he “grew in favour with God and man.”⁵¹⁴ Being myself in London early in November, I took him with me down to Kettering. Here he stopped about six weeks, during which we used means for the recovery of his health, but without effect. So far as his affliction would permit, he here enjoyed the company of his friends. He got over to Rowell and to Desborough to see his dear friends, Mr. Mason and Mr. Brotherhood. About December 20, 1811, I took him to Cambridge, whence he was conducted home. On parting, we both wept, as not expecting to see each other again in the flesh. So it has proved. His father informs me that on the last Lord’s day in January, he was very desirous of going with him to Thorpe, to join in the Lord’s supper; which, though with much difficulty, he accomplished. His death is one of those mysteries in providence, not of very infrequent occurrence, wherein God after apparently forming and fitting an instrument for usefulness in this world, removes it to another. But “it is well.” I do not remember to have known a lad of his years who possessed more command of temper, or maturity of judgment, or whose mind seemed more habitually directed to the glory of God. My own ideas of this young man fully coincide with those of his uncle, but I shall only add two or three letters written to him by Mr. Fuller. The first was addressed to him while he was at Bristol and dated: November 7, 1810 … I am glad to hear you are happy in your situation. As to the complaints of the state of your mind, I would not, by any means, reconcile you to a state of mind short of spirituality; and I am aware that the pursuits of literature, however desirable, may be unfriendly to growth in grace. The great point is to keep the glory of God in view, learning that you may be the better able to serve him in your generation. And, while a sense of your own unfruitfulness and carnality (which, I dare say, is much greater than you are aware of) keeps you low, it is necessary to look out of yourself for renewed strength. “I will go (that must be your language) in the strength of the Lord God, making mention of his righteousness and of his, only.” In his strength, you may be a blessing; but if you go forth in your own, all will come to nothing.

 Dr. William Newman (1773 – 1835) was the president of the Stepney Academy from 1811 to 1826. The school—named after Stepney Green, where it was founded in 1810—moved to Regent’s Park in 1856.

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Kettering, May 11, 1811 My dear Joseph, It concerns me to hear that you are not materially better. Possibly, if the weather were different, it might be in your favour; but all is of God, and he will do that for us which is best. I have been very ill for some time, myself, but the soft southern breezes of today have a little revived me. Cleave to the Lord, my dear, and your heart will live. If it please God to restore your health, this school of affliction may be as necessary for you as that in which you learn Hebrew and Greek; and it may be more so. It is good to bear this yoke in youth. Lam 3:27, 30. The mind, in youth, is in danger of being carried away with vain company; but early afflictions, sanctified, cause us to sit alone and think; it is in danger of being lifted up with high-mindedness, but this humbles and so prepares it to receive the divine mercy; and it is in danger of being impatient of control under the ills and injuries of life, but this inures us to bear whatever God sends. There is a number of words used by the Psalmist in the first seven verses of the thirty-seventh Psalm, which are worthy of attention: Trust in the Lord; delight thyself in the Lord; commit thy way unto the Lord; rest in the Lord; and wait patiently, etc. By the time you get home, I may, if well enough, be going my northern journey. I shall be happy to hear of your being better, on my return. Mercy and truth be with you! Newmarket, June 11, 1811 Dear Joseph, Your affliction, as well as mine, seems to hang long upon you. I think you should abstain from preaching, at present. Dr. R has been very anxious to know how you were. You should write to him, before the end of July, to say whether you will be able to return to the Academy or not. I expect he will return from Scotland by the 14th of July. I have been better, last week and this, than for some time past, not having once, during that time, lost any rest through fever. Last night, however, I had pretty much fever, though it did not deprive me of my sleep. I have not yet preached. I think, should I again be restored to the work, it will be of divine favour. I see something of the force of the Apostle’s words: “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach

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among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.”⁵¹⁵ When David’s army had obtained a victory, men were eager to run and carry the tidings. The victory obtained by Christ is not only of greater account, but is unalloyed with what accompanied that victory, and turned the joy of the day into mourning. Should the Lord restore either me or you, and employ us in that work, it will be no small favour, and will involve no small portion of responsibility. May we each have grace given us to fight the good fight, and to finish our course with joy. I am, Affectionately yours, A. F. The concern of Mr. Fuller for the spiritual welfare of all with whom he was connected, will appear further from the following letters. To Two Relatives Kettering, August 1784 My dear –––, The unexpected death of ––– has much affected me. It is an awful thing, to be summoned to appear before God before we are ready. I have frequently many fears, lest this should be the case with myself and my dear relatives. I often long to know how your minds are affected about that great event and whether you have, indeed, been brought with lamentation and bitter weeping to the Saviour’s feet. O my dear! Great sinners as we have been, there is mercy and merit sufficient to save us. The Lord Jesus still says, “Him that cometh to me, I will in nowise cast out.”⁵¹⁶ And is he not worth coming to? Is not his mercy worth asking for? Surely it will appear so, when we come to die, or when we stand before God in the day of judgment! I once thought that it would be a sin for me to pray, because it is said, “The prayer of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,”⁵¹⁷ and I believe many on that account avoid all prayer. But I have since seen that, if the prayer of a wicked man is an abomination, it is because the prayer itself arises from  Ephesians 3:8.  John 6:37.  Proverbs 15:8, though Fuller transposes “prayer” for “sacrifice.”

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wicked motives and is offered in a wicked way; either from pride, as the Pharisee, “God, I thank thee I am not as other men are!” or from hypocrisy, as those who flattered him with their lips, while their hearts were far from him. Let anyone with a sincere and humble heart beg of God, for Christ’s sake, to create in him a clean heart and forgive his sins; and the Lord will not account this an abomination. And, if we find it difficult to return to God, we have encouragement to pray to him to turn us. When Ephraim prayed, “Turn thou me,” etc. the Lord heard him and said he would surely have mercy upon him. I used to think, too, that the doctrine of election was a reason why we need not pray and, I fear, there are many who split upon this rock; who think it is to no purpose to pray, as things will be as they will be. But I now see that the doctrine of election is the greatest encouragement instead of a discouragement to prayer. He that decreed that anyone should be finally saved, decreed that it should be in the way of prayer; as much as he that has decreed what we shall possess of the things of this life, has decreed that it shall be in the way of industry: and, as we never think of being idle in common business, because God has decreed what we shall possess of this world’s goods; so, neither should we be slothful in the business of our souls, because our final state is decreed. We may be sure of this, for the Lord hath spoken it, that the wrath of God will be poured out on the families who call not on his name; while the door of mercy will be opened to all who knock at it. I hope you will excuse my freedom. It is, on some accounts, with reluctance that I thus write, as it goes against me to make you unhappy; but what is present happiness, compared with the happiness of a good hope in a dying hour? My heart longs for you and the dear children. Give my love to them and tell them to seek after the salvation of their souls, for they must soon die, as well as we. Let them not think that to be religious is to be melancholy; for, surely, to live in the fear of God is the happiest life in the world; and to die in his favour, how desirable! May this be the case with us all! I long that none of the family may be left behind. I am yours, Bound by every tie of duty, gratitude, and affection, A. FULLER.

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To His Daughter, Mary Fuller, While at School at Northampton If, my dear, you do really enjoy the presence of God, and so see the greatness of your sin as to abhor it, and yourself on account of it, that is certainly an evidence that God has chosen you out of the world. If there be any doubt in the matter, it is, whether those feelings which you enjoy be excited by the Lord’s presence, and whether the sense you have of the greatness of your sin does lead you to bewail and hate it. I do not mean to discourage you, or to suggest as if I thought otherwise; but it may be well for you to suspect your own heart, which is deceitful. I may add that if you think you “see yourself a great sinner,” it may be, in part, because you, at present, know but little of yourself. You are a much greater sinner, my dear, than you are aware of; and an interest in the dying love of Christ is of far greater importance than you have ever yet conceived. But let not this discourage you. Though your sins be as scarlet, yet the blood of Christ is sufficient to make you pure as snow. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin. Believe his gospel, commit your soul to him as a perishing sinner, and you will be everlastingly saved. See Isa 1:18, 1 John 1:7, 2 Tim 1:12. Follow on to know the Lord, and you shall know him. Call upon him, in the name of Christ; that is, pray him to pardon and accept of you, and grant all your petitions, not for your worthiness’ sake (for you are utterly unworthy), but for the worthiness’ sake of his dear Son, who died for sinners.

To the Same And is it so, my dear Mary, that your desire is to the Lord and to the remembrance of his name? Are you convinced of your having done deeds worthy of death, eternal death; and that all your hope and help is in the Lord Jesus Christ? Is he precious to your soul? And are you willing to give up all your sins and to be his servant forever? If so, I know of nothing that ought to hinder your being baptized in his name. To see you thus put on the Lord Jesus Christ will afford the greatest pleasure to us, though it may be a pleasure mixed with trembling. You are at present, my dear, but little acquainted with the snares and temptations of the world, with the fickleness and sinfulness of your own heart, and with the difficulty on these accounts of persevering in the good ways of the Lord; preserving a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man; but, if God has begun the good work in you, it will be carried on. There is strength to be had from above, and we are encouraged to ask it of him.

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To an Elder Relative Kettering, January 1801 My dear –––, My mind has been, of late, much exercised with a tender concern for my relatives. When I review the providence of God towards our family, I see much cause for thankfulness. You had a pious mother, but she was taken away when you were young and, thus, you were turned into the wide world, to provide for yourselves. Yet God was merciful to you and you have all been provided for, and several of you, amply so. But, my dear –––, I am concerned that we may be provided with an inheritance when we take our leave of the present world. I hope God has taught me the way to everlasting life, and I long for my relations to go with me. You know, when I am in –––, my time is so taken up that I have scarcely any leisure to call on my relations or converse with them; therefore, it is that I now avail myself of an hour’s leisure to converse with you by letter. From my earliest years, I have felt great affection towards you. Your amiable temper and familiar behaviour won upon my esteem, and that esteem now operates in a way of desire for your everlasting salvation. You are aware that you must soon go the way of all the earth. How is it with you, my dear –––, as to the ground of your hope for another life? You have been preserved from most of those evils which disgrace humanity, but you know you are a sinner and stand in need of a Saviour. Though a religious life will be a sober one, yet you know mere sobriety is not religion. We are all sinners against a holy God and have incurred his high displeasure. It is of the last importance that we know and feel this truth, otherwise, our hearts will be whole; and if we be whole in our own eyes, we shall not conceive that we need a physician. In this case, we shall either live without calling on the name of the Lord and so be heathens, in fact, under a Christian name, or if we pray in form, it will be only as form. I remember your giving us Mason on Self-Knowledge;⁵¹⁸ and there are many excellent things in it, suited to young people. Without knowing ourselves as men we shall be ignorant, conceited, and unfit for society; but the main matter is to know ourselves as sinners: without this, whatever decency of character we may maintain, we shall be mere Pharisees in the sight of God. When I consider that all our righteousnesses are filthy rags

 John Mason (1706 – 1763), a Nonconformist minister, pastored a Presbyterian congregation at Dorking, Surrey in 1729 before becoming a minister at Carbuckle Street, Cheshunt in 1746. He published Self-Knowledge: A Treatise (London: J. Waugh) in 1745.

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and will not cover us at the last day; that our very prayers and tears are, at best, mixed with sin; and, if not offered in the name of Jesus or with an eye to his mediation, are sin itself; I flee to Jesus, the hope set before me in the gospel; I implore, as a guilty, miserable sinner, to be accepted and pardoned, wholly for his sake. To this refuge my dear relations also are welcome to flee. I long to see you, and –––, and all the dear children, safely arrived, as in an ark, before the deluge of wrath comes. If you could spare time to give me a few lines, assuring me that you take this in good part; and could you freely communicate the state of your mind with respect to an hereafter, you would afford me much pleasure; or, if you had rather write to some others of the family, and they would communicate to me, though my hands are constantly full, yet I would gladly spare half an hour in answer. I am, Yours affectionately, A. F. I may add here some extracts from his letters to the Rev. Mr. Coles, the present Mrs. Fuller’s father, though some of them appertain rather to his own history than to his solicitude for the welfare of his relations. December 30, 1799—After mentioning some indisposition of body, he adds: Hitherto the Lord hath helped and, I trust, will continue to help me, though I know he might justly turn me out of his service as an unprofitable servant. Dear Mr. Benjamin Francis of Horsley is gone home and so is Mr. Barnes of Woodford (near Kettering), a Baptist minister, but little known, yet an honourable, useful character, who was sent into the ministry by our church, about 1791. He was not much above forty years old.⁵¹⁹ July 9, 1804—I set off from Dublin on Tuesday morning, the 5th instant, at half past five; arrived safely at Holyhead that evening and travelled night and day; reached home on Thursday night at half past nine in the evening, in good health. Thanks to the Preserver of men! I have enjoyed but little comfort in Ireland, yet I hope I have derived some profit. The doctrine of the cross is more dear to me than when I went. I

 William Barnes (d. 1799) was pastor of the congregation at Burton Latimer from 1791 to 1799.

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wish I may never preach another sermon but what shall bear some relation to it. I see and feel, more and more, that, except I eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of man, I have no life in me, either as a Christian or as a minister. Some of the sweetest opportunities I had on my journey were in preaching Christ crucified, particularly from 1 Pet 2:7, Matt 27:5, 1 John 5:15, John 17:21, and last night, from John 13:31, 32. But I feel that if I were more spiritually minded I should preach better and bear trials better. September 28, 1804—We are sorry that at your time of life, you should be called to the painful work of separating members from the church; but while in the body, we shall be compassed with evil. My experience, of late, has been somewhat singular. I think I have not, for a long time, felt such difficulty in getting on in my work. I know not how to preach, pray, nor do anything, in a right manner; and yet, when engaged, have been carried through with more spiritual mindedness than common. My heart also has been much set, of late, on preaching, if I could, more on Christ crucified. If, in all my gettings, I had got more of that heavenly wisdom, I should have been much richer, in a spiritual sense, than I am. My mind has been low, of late, on account of the low estate of many of our churches. Divisions, removals of ministers, scandals, etc. occur in various quarters. March 4, 1805— … Your afflictions give us concern. The description which the Wise Man gives us of old age in Eccl 12 is but too appropriate: when “the clouds return after the rain.” In youth and manhood, they return after the sunshine, as in a day of March; but in old age, after the rain, ill succeeding afresh, on the back of ill, so as to admit of little or no intermission, as the clouds in a day in November. April 27, 1805—We are much concerned to hear of your afflictions and troubles. We are apt to promise ourselves that our sun shall set serene; so it appeared to your friends, as well as to you, but a year or two past; but your sky is again clouded. Well, the clouds will soon blow over and, with eternal life before us, we have no cause for despondency. Whatever we possess, God may cover it with some cloud or other that may prevent our enjoying the possession of it. Spiritual blessings are a certain good, but everything else is uncertain. September 29, 1805—We received Mrs. Coles’s kind epistle of the 11th. The afflictions that attend you excite our sympathy, but you know who only can

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help and support you. It has sometimes struck me that old age, though to nature a time of decay, yet to faith and hope is the prime of life. It is said of the Christian, “he shall bring forth fruit in old age” and, to me, the fruits of grace in that period, appear the richest and the best. Methinks Paul describes a cluster of them in Rom 5: “Tribulation worketh patience; patience, experience; and experience, hope; and hope” lays hold of eternal life and so “maketh not ashamed.” May we, and our dear parents, abound in these graces to the end. Then shall we finish our course with joy. Through the goodness of God, I had as happy a journey into the North as ever I had. My journey was not less, I believe, than 1300 miles, in which I collected, I believe, as many pounds, preached about fifty times in eight weeks, saw much of the work of God, I trust, going on, and never enjoyed my health better. I must go another tour, next week, of nearly 600 miles, to Plymouth, but hope to be out only two Lord’s days. We met first in our new place of worship last Lord’s day, when it was well filled; we commemorated the Lord’s death. I baptized three persons last Thursday in our new baptistery. Next Tuesday we have our Ministers’ Meeting, when Mr. Hall, of Cambridge, is expected to be one of the preachers. November 24, 1807— … You will smile, perhaps, when I tell you that I begin to feel the years draw nigh in which I shall cease to have pleasure in them. I mean, you will hardly allow me yet to think of being an old man. Well, I do not find my mental powers decay at present and, as to my body, I feel as well when engaged in travelling as at any time; but I can perceive that, in a little time, if I have not spiritual enjoyment, I shall have but little. I was thinking lately of Ps 92:14: “They shall bring forth fruit in old age.” And I thought I found a cluster of such fruits in Rom 5:3 – 5. Old age, thought I, is a time in which tribulations commonly bear down the spirit and, if unsanctified, they work peevishness; but, if sanctified, patience. I have known many a good old Christian whose heart was softened and mellowed by them. His firmness became tempered with gentleness and his zeal with tenderness and prudence. When a youth, it may be he was full of fire and would hardly be persuaded to put up with an injury; but now he will give up everything but truth and a good conscience for the sake of peace. Old age, thought I, further, is a time in which experience becomes mature. Observation and reflection are now ripened into decision. This, if unsanctified, works obstinacy; but, if sanctified, “the meekness of wisdom.” The aged Christian has had large experience of his own ignorance, weakness, and depravity; and this renders him humble and forbearing.

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Old age is a time in which heaven draws near and hope goes forth to meet it. Old age, if unsanctified, commonly increases in covetousness. Strange as it may seem, when men are about to leave the world, they cling the fastest to it. The “lust of the flesh” has nearly spent its force, the “pride of life” has lost its charms; depravity, therefore, has only one channel left— “the lust of the eye;” and this commonly flows deeper and stronger. But, sanctified by the grace of God, we shall look higher and seek after a better portion. How charming is it to see the mind soar while the body bows and to hear the venerable saint uttering, with broken but affecting accents, the words of the Apostle—“I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith,” etc.; or of the dying Patriarch—“I have waited for thy salvation, O Lord.” Such hope “maketh not ashamed;” for, having received the earnest, in the shedding abroad of God’s love in the heart, we shall receive the inheritance; and so shall not be ashamed nor confounded before him at his coming. Excuse the freedom of my seeming to sermonize. Grace and peace be with you. At another time, he wrote thus to Mr. Coles: We are happy to learn that, under all your complicated afflictions, your mind is calm. Of what unspeakable value is the doctrine of the cross in the prospect of death. He that believeth on Jesus shall never see death; for to him death is no more death, but the harbinger of eternal life. In journeying I have enjoyed much pleasure and calmness of mind in the work. Sometimes preaching has been pleasant and sometimes private prayer, in which my dear family and Christian friends, have been always remembered. Hitherto I have been mercifully preserved in all respects. My mind is calm and happy and my approaches to a throne of grace, at which I do not forget you all, have been free and tender. In May 1809, on receiving the painful intelligence of the death of Mr. Coles, he wrote thus to his afflicted widow:⁵²⁰

 The following letter is not included in the 1816 edition.

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Nottingham, May 24, 1809 Dear Mother, I find, by a letter I received last night that dear Mr. Coles has finished his course! God hath done his work and will. I am aware, though it is no more than might be expected that when the stroke comes, it is often trying to our frame of dust. God brought me and you, my dear mother, into this family, nearly together; and we have enjoyed his blessing in it, and, perhaps, as large a portion of happiness as is to be hoped for in earthly connections. We have loved and been loved of those connected with us; yea, we have all loved one another to this day and, I trust, shall do so to the end. You have the comfort of Christian hope both for the deceased and for yourself and, I am persuaded, it will be the endeavour of your friends who survive with you to do everything in their power to alleviate your bereaved condition. My dear Mrs. F. and myself have always felt towards you much regard. Your kindness and assiduous attention to our dear deceased parent must needs endear you to us were there no other considerations, but, I trust, our hearts are united on superior principles. I hope to return to Kettering on Thursday and be at Ampthill on Friday. Remember me, with much affection and sympathy, to my dear Mrs. Fuller. It is painful to me not to set off immediately that I might partake in your feelings. With sentiments of tender sympathy, I am affectionately yours, A. Fuller. I would add to this Chapter two or three letters that seem worth preserving. Though he was not immediately related to the persons to whom they are addressed, yet they indicate his sympathy with the parental feelings of others and thus illustrate his own. To an Old Friend Kettering, July 18, 1799 My dear Friend, I find, by a letter, that you are in constant expectation of losing your son. Since the time that you and I corresponded, our circumstances, temptations,

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afflictions, and almost everything else pertaining to us, have undergone a change. We have each had a portion of parental care; and now, having passed the meridian of life, we begin to taste the cup of parental sorrow. We often talk of trials, without knowing much of what we say; that is a trial, methinks, which lays hold of us, and which we cannot shake off. If we say, “Surely, I could bear anything but this!” this shall often be the ill that we are called to bear, and this it is that constitutes it a trial. And why are afflictions called trials, but on account of their being sent to try what manner of spirit we are of? It is in these circumstances our graces appear, if we are truly gracious, and our corruptions, if we be under the dominion of sin; and too often, in some degree, if we be Christians. When I have experienced heavy trials, I have sometimes thought of the case of Aaron. He had two sons, fine young men, colleagues with their father; God accepted of their offering and the people shouted for joy; everything looked promising … when, alas! in the midst of their glory, they sinned; and there went out a fire from the Lord, and devoured them! Well might the afflicted father say as he did: And such things have befallen me! Yet, he held his peace. I say, I have sometimes thought of this case when I have been heavily afflicted, and have employed my mind in this manner: Such things befell Aaron, the servant of the Lord, a much better man than I am; who am I that I should be exempted from the ills which are common to men, to good men, to the best of men? Such things befell Aaron as have not yet befallen me. He had two children cut off together; I have never yet lost more than one at once. His were cut off by an immediate judgment from heaven and without any apparent space being given for repentance; thus have not mine been. Yet, even Aaron held his peace; and shall I murmur? The just shall live by faith. God is telling us, in general, that all things work together for good, to them that love him; but he has not informed us how; nor is it common under afflictions to perceive the good arising from them. It is afterwards that they yield the peaceable fruits of righteousness. If the Lord should remove your son, perhaps you are not without hopes of his salvation; and, if the event should cause you to feel more than you have yet felt, of the perishable nature of all things under the sun; and draw your heart more towards himself, and things above, where Jesus is; you may have occasion, in the end, to bless God for it. God knows we are strange creatures and that we stand in need of strange measures, to restrain, humble, and sanctify us. Give my love to your afflicted child and give me leave to recommend to him, Him in whom alone he can be saved. I doubt not, but you have recommended Christ to him as a Saviour of the chief of sinners; yet you will not take it amiss, if I address the following few lines to him:

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My dear young Friend, You know but little of me, nor I of you; but I love you for your parents’ sake. While health and spirits were afforded you, you thought, I presume, but little of dying; and, perhaps what you heard by way of counsel or warning from the pulpit, or from other quarters, made but little impression upon you. A future world appeared to you a sort of dream, rather than a reality. The gratification of present desire seemed to be everything. But now, that Being against whom you have sinned has laid his hand upon you. Your present affliction seems to be of the nature of a summons: its language is, “Prepare to meet thy God, O sinner!” Perhaps you have thought but little of your state as a lost sinner before him; yet you have had sufficient proof, in your own experience, of the degeneracy and dreadful corruption of your nature. Have you learned from it this important lesson? If you have, while you bewail it before God, with shame and self-abhorrence, you will embrace the refuge set before you in the gospel. The name of Christ will be precious to your heart. God has given him to be the Saviour of the lost; and, coming to him as worthy of death, you are welcome to the blessing of eternal life. No man is so little a sinner, but that he must perish forever without him; and no man so great a sinner, as that he need despair of mercy in him. He has died the just for the unjust that he may bring us to God. His blood cleanseth from sin, and the benefits of it are free. The invitations of the gospel are universal. Though God would never hear the prayers, or regard the tears of a sinner like you, for your own sake; yet he will hear, from heaven, his dwelling-place, that petition which is sincerely offered in the name of his Son. Repent of your sin and you shall find mercy; believe his gospel with all your heart and you shall live. Plead the worthiness of Christ as the ground of acceptance, to the utter rejection of your own, and God will graciously hear, forgive, and save you. Every one that thus asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, the door of mercy shall be opened. In all your supplications for mercy, be sure you found your petitions on the worthiness of Christ alone. But, if you can see no loveliness in him, nor beauty that you should desire him; depend upon it, you are yet in your sins, and so dying, you must perish. I do not know whether you have, at any time, been inclined to listen to the abominable suggestions of Infidels; but, if you have, you now perceive that those are principles that will not stand by you in the near approach of death. If the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world be not now a comfort to you, you are comfortless. Look to him, my dear young friend, and live. I add another letter, which was sent to the son of an intimate friend.

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January 21, 1799 My dear young Friend, On account of the long and intimate acquaintance which I have had with your honoured parents, your welfare lies near my heart. I see their likeness in your face and should be happy to see it in your spirit. You are now growing up to years of maturity and must shortly take your stand, either on the Lord’s side, or on the side of his adversary. Your father has put up thousands of ardent prayers on your behalf; but they will avail you nothing, unless you yourself join in calling upon the name of the Lord. You have read more books than most children of your age and, amongst others, the Book of books, the Bible. You have read in this book that, except we repent, we must all perish. That you have sins to repent of, you yourself know; and have you, my dear, repented? Did your heart ever dissolve with grief for your being such a sinner against the Lord! You have read, He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son, shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. And are you a believer on the Son of God? Perhaps you think you are; but it is not your yielding an assent to what your parents teach you that will denominate you a believer. He that believeth in Christ, to the saving of his soul, must know and feel himself a perishing sinner without Christ; and have you known and felt your perishing condition? To them also who believe in Christ, he is precious; so that his name, and gospel, and people, are dear to them; more dear than food or raiment, or gold, or friends, or all the things which they can desire. And is Christ thus precious to you? If he is, eternal bliss is before you; if not, the wrath of God abideth on you. Think, my dear lad, of these things, and call upon the name of the Lord that you may be saved. A few weeks ago, I heard a sermon delivered to some hundreds of young people; and I find that the minister usually delivered such a sermon to the young people of his congregation, about the beginning of the new year. As I felt interested in it, I took down a considerable part of it in shorthand; and now I will send it to you, in hope that you will feel interested in it, as much as I did. The text was Ps 90:14: “O satisfy us early with thy mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” This was a sermon of his own, which has since been printed at Edinburgh, and which, on that account, I omit transcribing.⁵²¹ Thus did he earnestly watch for oppor-

 “The Advantages of Early Piety to Young People” in Andrew Gunton Fuller, The Complete Works

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tunities to do good to the children of his friends, as well as to his own and to his more distant relatives. Surely, our brethren who think us mistaken in not daring to baptize our infants unless we could find precept, precedent, or satisfactory consequence, in favour of that practice in the New Testament, must admit that he was as much concerned for the salvation of his children as they can be for the spiritual welfare of theirs. I trust this is generally the case with others of our persuasion.

of Andrew Fuller: Memoirs, Sermons, Etc., vol. 1, ed. Joseph Belcher (Harrisonburg: Sprinkle Publications, 1988), 421.

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Chapter 10 Fuller’s Final Days Before I enter on the peculiar subject of this Chapter, I would remark that I cannot but think that the preceding account contains much to illustrate the life, walk, work, and fight of faith. My dear Brother could truly say, “I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.”⁵²² He had that impressive sense of the extent, strictness, and spirituality of the divine law and, at the same time, that deep conviction of its perfect equity and goodness which induced him from a cordial approbation of its requirements and a thorough acquiescence in the justice even of its penal sanctions, to renounce all dependence upon any righteousness of his own. He considered the attempt of a sinner to recommend himself unto God by any supposed merit of his own as insolent presumption; as illegal as it is anti-evangelical. He loved the law too well to wish it altered, or abated, or to be in any way dishonoured and his acquaintance with the gospel confirmed and increased the force of this sentiment; for he was crucified with Christ, he entered into the manifest import of his death, and inferred that, if it were requisite for one of such dignity as the incarnate Son of God to die for all that shall be saved to prevent their escaping personal punishment from being a dishonour to the divine government, then were they all dead or justly and fairly condemned to eternal death; for, if they had not deserved the curse of the law themselves, its infliction upon him in their stead must have been the most shocking event that could be conceived! On this supposition, the atonement must be considered not as an infinitely wise expedient to prevent any ill effect from following the pardon of inexcusable criminals who were not fit to be objects even of mercy without a full exhibition of God’s abhorrence of their crimes, but (Heaven forbid the blasphemy!) an amends made to us for the rigour of a law too severe to be enforced and which would have excused, or even justified, our enmity, had not such deliverance been granted! Far otherwise, indeed, were my friend’s views of the cross of Christ. He understood the just import of the atonement and hence, living and dying, he ascribed all his salvation to rich, free, and sovereign grace; not calling that kindness by the name of grace which was imagined necessary to prevent the divine character from being impeached on account of too much severity, but considering grace as goodness extended to the unworthy and hell-deserving or as imparting the highest good to those who truly deserved wrath to come upon them to the uttermost; and this, in such a way, as more strongly to express God’s abhorrence of sin than any punishment which the sinner could have endured in his own person to eternity. Thus, his illegal hopes being slain, he was begotten again to a new and lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and, though crucified with Christ, nevertheless he lived, and that unto God; entering into the holy tendency of

 Romans 7:4.

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the gospel, as well as into its humbling import. ⁵²³ Hence, the life which he lived in the flesh, he lived by the faith of the Son of God, accounting that, if Jesus loved him and gave himself for him, it must be most reasonable that he should love the Redeemer in return and devote himself wholly to him. He felt that he was not his own but, having been bought with a price, was bound to live not to himself but to him that died and rose again. He considered every obligation to obedience under which a rational creature could lie antecedently to the consideration of redemption as confirmed and enhanced by the mediation of that illustrious person who has magnified the law and made it honourable; and he felt himself laid under new, additional, powerful, and endearing obligations by the love of the Saviour and the benefit secured to him through his gracious interposition. He considered the perfect obedience of God’s incarnate Son, who voluntarily assumed the form of a servant, as being at once the sole ground of his justification and the lovely pattern of his sanctification. And the former view of it, instead of obscuring the latter, only endeared it to him the more abundantly. That Holy One could never say, “Because I am holy, ye need not be holy;” his language is, As he who hath called you is holy, so be ye holy, in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy. ⁵²⁴ Hence, as he desired to be found in Christ, not having his own righteousness which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith; so he lived upon him for strength as well as for righteousness. ⁵²⁵ He earnestly sought sanctification⁵²⁶ from Christ, as well as jus-

 Galatians 2:20.  1 Peter 1:15 – 16.  Philippians 3:9.  Some, of late, are not satisfied with the idea of an imputed righteousness for justification but talk also of an imputed sanctification. What do they intend by this phrase? If they mean no more than this, that God (in placing to the account of the believer that obedience of one by which many are made righteous, or, for the sake of which all believers shall be treated as if they had personally and perfectly fulfilled the law and shall enjoy even a greater reward than they could, in that case, have expected) has a regard not only to the good actions of his beloved Son but also to his holy disposition, we should never hesitate for a moment in maintaining the same. We only ask, how dare they labour to throw an odium on their brethren as though they denied this? But, if they mean to deny that any internal holiness is imparted from Christ to his people or that the branches of the true vine are made fruitful by the vital nourishment derived from the root, then, indeed, we disclaim all brotherhood with such professors. I would say, “O my soul, come not thou into their secret; Unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united!” Though such men, by their fair speeches about free grace, may beguile unstable souls, yet they are enemies to the cross of Christ and the adversaries of divine grace. They who deny all duty and obligation must, thereby, annihilate all sin and guilt, and those who deny the justice of the sinner’s condemnation must, consequently, annihilate all grace in his pardon; thus, they utterly dishonour the Saviour and turn the grace of God into wantonness. “While they promise men liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption; for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought into bondage.” [Ryland]. In his lengthy comment here, Ryland quotes Genesis 49:6 and 2 Peter 2:19.

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tification in Christ. Though deeply convinced that separate from him he could do nothing, yet he rejoiced that he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him. And the tenor of his life evinced that Christ wrought in him mightily. He walked by faith and not by sight, regarding invisible realities as of infinitely greater importance than all the things that are seen. His faith, working by love to God and holiness to all saints and to the souls of men, made him willing to spend and be spent for the honour of his Lord and the advancement of his kingdom, even to the ends of the earth. His faith opposed whatsoever was opposite to the glory and the revealed will of God. He contended earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints, guarding against error on the right hand and on the left. It engaged him also in a constant conflict with sin, especially with sin in his own bosom, against which he incessantly watched and prayed. And now this good fight has ended in complete victory and he has joined them who, with palms in their hands, are surrounding the throne of God and the Lamb. He was concerned not only to do the will of God, but to suffer it also. The last Chapter has shown how he was supported under manifold relative afflictions under which he endured hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ; and, in this Chapter, I shall take a survey of his deportment under personal afflictions, which I am able to do both from my own papers and from documents furnished by other friends, and by his own family. Though Mr. Fuller appeared to be of a remarkably strong and athletic make, yet he had been from his youth liable to severe bilious attacks and his lungs were, at different times, severely affected by colds. It was, therefore, a more remarkable favour that he was spared to us so long. It was not till sometime after his removal to Kettering that he had the smallpox, for which he was, at last, inoculated. But sometime before he underwent that operation, he took a journey to London where he seemed to have been much in danger of infection from that disorder; on which occasion he wrote me the following letter: London, November 4, 1783—Very dear Brother, Amidst the confusions of the city and my fatigues in travelling about it, I cannot forget you. I have been much dispirited and have a mind to try and cheer myself, tonight, by writing to my friend, the remembrance of whom gives me pleasure. Perhaps, I may have nothing to say that will be equal in value to the postage of a letter, but however that may be, I must write to ease my mind. I have been, for this week past, thinking of little else but dying. On Wednesday, October 29, I accidentally went into a house where had been the smallpox. A young man had just recovered, so as to get out into the air. I smelt something disagreeable, which made me inquire, and then I received this information. I was not affrighted, though pretty much affected. I have not been distressed yet cannot put all such thoughts from my mind as that I may have the smallpox and, perhaps, die in London and so see my friends no more. On the other hand, these may be all mere thoughts. But I have, tonight, been reading

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Mr. Macgowan’s Death a Vision ⁵²⁷ and, what with my own case and that together, I am as if one half of me was in another world. I feel myself reproved by what I have read, for my attention to my dear wife and children, before the church of God. I must own, if it be to my shame, that these have been, more than anything, near my heart when I have thought of dying; though, on the other hand, I feel loth to go out of the world without having done more than I have yet done for the cause of Christ. I have not written anything of this kind to Kettering, nor must you let it be known to anyone but yourselves. Some references have already been made to what was supposed to be a slight paralytic affection of his cheek in 1793, concerning which he wrote to me thus:⁵²⁸ Kettering, February 8, 1793— … My face is much better. I ride out every day and find the use of my eye and lips return daily. God grant that my powers, if preserved, may be laid out for him. I bless God, I never enjoyed more peace and communion with him in my life than within the last three quarters of a year. I find it of great use to my own soul to be engaged in some disinterested undertaking for promoting the kingdom of Christ and to have a portion of affliction; to absorb those superfluous spirits (as Mr. Thomas, in his letters to Mr. Booth, expresses it) which, otherwise, are too much for me.⁵²⁹ Mr. Fuller’s diaries⁵³⁰ and his letters to me, as already seen, contain several instances of his mental exercises in the near prospect of eternity, but I have purposely reserved the following for this place. In 1801, he had a very severe illness to which he refers in a letter to me dated August the 15th: I have had a very bad cold which has prevented my intended journey into Oxfordshire. Last Lord’s day, I could preach only once and that for about half an hour. It has almost taken away my hearing and is accompanied with some fever. I hoped to be able to go to Leicester next Wednesday,

 John Macgowan (1726 – 1780) joined the Methodist movement as a preacher but later became a Particular Baptist. He pastored at the Baptist Chapel in Hill Cliff, Warrington and at Bridgnoth, Shropshire before becoming the pastor of the Baptist congregation in Devonshire Square, Bishopsgate in 1766—the chapel originally opened by William Kiffin (1616 – 1701) in 1687. He was finally ordained in 1767, in a service in which John Gill and Samuel Stennett (1727– 1795) participated. Macgowan’s Death: A Vision, or the Solemn Departure of Saints and Sinners, Represented under the Similitude of a Dream, was published in London in 1766.  Fuller’s exertions in January of 1793 surrounding the formation and early work for the Baptist Missionary Society brought on what he thought was a paralytic stroke. See Fuller’s letter from July 18, 1794 above (p. 230).  Dr. John Thomas and Abraham Booth.  The 1816 edition reads: “His diaries.”

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where we had agreed to hold a day of thanksgiving for mercy to the Mission, but the apothecary forbids my going. Tomorrow I must preach, but very little. Yet my strength is not much abated; I can sit and write, in moderation. I have been taking medicines for more than a week. A friend of mine, at Kettering, wrote to me on August the 19th and mentioned the following particulars: Mr. Fuller had a slight cold when he set off his journey to Derby, whence he returned on Friday, July 31, and having rode some miles in a heavy rain, his hoarseness was much increased so that his friends would not permit him to attempt preaching on the Lord’s day; but, as we were destitute of a supply, one of our members read the interesting accounts just received from India, which were reviving to the hearts of many. The following week, he had medical advice and found himself rather better. We had a supply in the morning and Mr. F. delivered a short discourse in the afternoon. Last week, he went to Ampthill for a few days with Mrs. F., her father being unwell. Last Lord’s day, one of the deacons engaged in prayer and Mr. F. delivered two short discourses. But his complaint is not removed. He complains of great oppression on his chest and has a cough and hoarseness. His friends have persuaded him to consult Dr. Kerr. He is very weak and debilitated and has much fever. The faculty do not pronounce his complaint alarmingly dangerous, but advise rest. Mr. Sutcliff was here yesterday, on his way to a Missionary Meeting at Leicester where he will engage supplies for us for a time. But Mr. F.’s exertions are too much for his health. His friends wish a proper assistant could be found for him till his constitution is more strengthened. Dear Sir, pray for us that so valuable a life may yet be continued, if consistent with the Lord’s will. He is very languid owing to the drawing of a large blister which Dr. K. ordered to be put on his stomach. The same friend wrote again, August 26: Since I wrote last, Mr. F. continued much the same, till Friday, when he was ordered to take a gentle ride on horseback, if he could bear it, for the benefit of the air. He rode but a little way and came back much exhausted but had some refreshing rest at night. On Saturday, he attempted another short and gentle ride which did not seem to have any good effect. In the evening, he felt great chilliness. The fever came on rather violently and he had a bad, restless night. I saw him next morning; he was up in his chair, but very ill; his spirits seemed much depressed; could scarcely speak or look at anyone without tears. He complained of violent pain and heaviness in his head, considerable fever, a constant nausea, violent cough and spitting—evidently bilious. Dr. Kerr was expected to come within six miles and wished Mr. F. to

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meet him, but he found himself totally unable to attempt riding in a chaise. We therefore sent for the doctor, who came by ten o’clock on Monday morning and was with him near three quarters of an hour, inquiring particularly into his case. He desires he may be kept composed and talk as little as possible and everything done to exhilarate his spirits, which seem much depressed. He says it is the effect of violent colds taken one after another. He hopes the medicines will take a right effect; if they do not succeed, he advises asses’ milk and a milk diet. He says, “I hope he will do well; but it will be a long time and he must, as much as possible, avoid thinking, speaking, or writing.” Yesterday, he had not so much fever but his cough is much the same. He is very low, which seems the effect of his complaint; but he hopes to be engaged in his beloved work in a short time. I fear, we shall find he is mistaken. When he was so ill on Lord’s day, he said, “I know not what the Lord’s will is, concerning me; but, sometimes, I am apprehensive he is about to remove me.” That is the only time he has uttered such an expression; it does not seem to be a prevailing idea on his mind. We have prayer-meetings on his account every night. O that the Lord may hear and graciously answer the prayers of his people! Professor Bentley of Aberdeen⁵³¹ came here on Monday evening, hoping to enjoy an hour’s conversation with Mr. F. He went and sat awhile in the room with him and was gratified with having seen him. Since Mr. Fuller’s death, Mr. Daniel Sutcliff sent me the following extract from a letter to his brother at Olney as a sample of Mr. F.’s exercises of mind under affliction: September 1, 1801—I am brought very low. Dr. Kerr was here on Lord’s day. He goes on with blisters and medicine. My cough is very trying. I get sleep chiefly by means of medicine. An almost continual cough causes an almost continual fever, and this destroys appetite, strength, and spirits. My mind is calm and tolerably happy. I know whom I have believed. I have no misgivings as to the ground on which I stand: all the misgivings I have, regard myself. I am a poor polluted creature and have been but an unprofitable servant. I could have no hope but in a Saviour who came to save the chief of sinners. I perceive many are apprehensive that I am going after dear Pearce. If it be so, I hope to go where he is gone and to be where he now is! I remember, when riding from London in June 1799, just after the sailing of the Criterion, when that dear man was wasting away at Plymouth, I was overcome, for miles together, with weeping; and this was the sum of my prayer: Let the  James Bentley (1771– 1846) served as professor of oriental languages at King’s College, Aberdeen, beginning in 1798. Bentley revived the study of Hebrew at Aberdeen and was made an honorary member of the British and Foreign Bible Society in 1809. He was particularly concerned with the progress of foreign missions, and this is perhaps what brought him to speak with Fuller.

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God of Samuel Pearce be my God. It is some pleasure to follow such dear friends to glory, but, most of all, that Jesus our forerunner is entered into the heavenly places. Whether I follow him now or afterwards, we shall each follow him soon. Yes, my dear Brother, we shall be with him, unworthy as we are! Yours, with undying affection, Andrew Fuller. On the 9th of September, I had a short letter from himself. “Within a week,” he says, I feel sensibly better, though the cough is not much abated, and my hearing does not much return. I am still blistered about the stomach. I much wish I had an assistant. I do not know that I have been low-spirited as Mrs. Timms seems to have thought. I have been very weak and unable to talk. I have generally been calm and resigned to God; and sometimes have been tenderly affected in committing my spirit into his hands. I perceived that many people talked of my case resembling that of Pearce. I never thought them similar; but I felt desirous that, if it were so, I might go whither he is gone. Some exercises of mind which I had when that dear man was wasting away at Plymouth recurred to me with much effect. It was then my prayer, and so it is now, Let the God of Samuel Pearce be my God! Last Friday night, Dr. Stuart of Edinburgh, came to see me! To be sure it was unexpected; he stayed over the Lord’s day.⁵³² On November 4, 1801, he wrote to me, from Oakham, thus: I ventured yesterday to ride with Brother Sutcliff hither to the ordination of Brother Jarman.⁵³³ It was fine weather while we were on the road, but set in wet soon after we got here, and still continues so. I did not mean to have preached and, as it is, I dare not go to meeting, but employ myself in writing to you. My health and strength are pretty well recovered, but my lungs are very susceptible of cold, which I expect they will be all the winter. I have administered the Lord’s supper once and spoken in small companies, which re-

 Ryland here omits the remainder of Fuller’s letter, which describes a humorous parable Fuller devised in response to a letter from Baptists in Scotland regarding “order, discipline, etc.” Fuller’s point seems to be that the Scotch Baptists are more concerned with order and discipline than gospel ministry (see Ryland [1816], 528 – 30). The balance of the letter is retained in chapter 8 above (see p. 331)  John Jarman (1776 – 1830) became pastor of the Park Street Baptist Chapel, Nottingham in 1803. The congregation grew substantially under his ministry, and a new chapel was erected on George Street in 1815. Jarman was also a member of the Baptist Missionary Society’s general committee prior to its expansion in 1812.

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quired no great exertion, several times, without any sensible injury; but have not yet been in the pulpit. December 1, he wrote to me respecting a young man to assist him for a time and observed: “I never needed an assistant so much. I have preached once a day for three weeks or a month past. Last night I had a return of fever and feel its effects. My correspondence is a heavy load. I have lately had a return of bilious fever. I preached once on Lord’s day, but that was all. The fever is now nearly subsided.” March 31, 1802, he complained to me: “My lungs are very susceptible of cold from east winds and damp air. I went to an ordination at Luton the 18th and 19th instant and added to my cold.” May 4th, he says, “My health is pretty well restored.” Yet in two following letters received that month, he mentions his being affected with cold and remarks that he could not venture to preach above twice a day. In October 1806, he had been considerably unwell, but found benefit by riding on horseback, about twenty miles a day. “I am just arrived in London,” said he, October 6, “and find the journey has been useful. But a little fever remains. I mean to stop here a few days, perhaps about six, riding out into the country every day, and then to return home. I do not preach during this journey.” He wrote from Kettering, on the 23rd: “My health is somewhat restored. I hope to preach once, next Lord’s day. My greatest danger lies in losing my rest in the night, which is the effect of application in the day; and when this is the case, I have a fever for a day or two. I have been pretty comfortable for several days. I can arrange the journals and letters from India for No. XVI, I hope, without hurting myself.” January 27, 1808—I last night returned from Leicester with a strong fever upon me, through excess of labour. I am a little better, today. My Apology for the Mission would have been finished by this time, but there are new pieces come out, as full of wrath as possible, which I am told I must notice. I am really distressed with public and private labours. March 19,1808—I got a fall yesterday from a horse, which has much bruised my side through my falling on a large stone; but, having had proper treatment, I hope that nothing of danger will follow. The horse took fright and, stopping suddenly when on a full trot, threw me over his head. The stone went just against my ribs, near the heart and, for some time, I was unable to rise. It is now very sore, but nothing is broken. May 4, 1808—I have been very ill, since my return from London. The jar of the coach renewed the soreness occasioned by my fall from the horse; nor is it yet fully removed. I am obliged to keep very still and refrain from all violent motion.

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May 31, 1811—I have been unwell for the last two months. I have not preached since April 21. A bad cold first affected my lungs. A fever hangs on me which frequently keeps me awake whole nights. I hope to see brother Sutcliff tomorrow, with whom I shall consult about the northern journey. I see no probability of my being able to go and to preach during the journey. I much wish you and he could go together. Pisford, near Northampton, June 5, 1811—I came hither yesterday, instead of going to the Association. I have agreed, as soon as I am well, to visit Yorkshire so that you and brother Sutcliff have only Scotland. I am here for three or four days. I have some fever in the night and, were I to speak for ten minutes, should almost lose my voice. June 24, 1811—Frequent attacks of fever keep me awake nearly whole nights and render me incapable of preaching. Till this fever is removed, I cannot recover. By some mistake of a worthy friend, Mr. F. was led to imagine the bills from India to be much larger than they were, and this so affected his mind as to bring on a return of fever. But, in a few weeks, it was found that the difficulties were not insurmountable: October 5, 1811—I returned on September 26, I think, essentially better for my journey. The first eight days the fever hung upon me. I had four sleepless nights and was meditating a return home but, taking a pill every morning for about a week, I got good nights, the fever left me, and I went on with my work very well. I preached twenty-two sermons in the month, travelled upwards of 600 miles, and collected £645. Going to the Ministers’ Meeting at Northampton, I got wet through, which has left a slight cold on my lungs; else, I am much better than I have been all the summer. November 16, 1811—My lungs are very susceptible of cold. Though I was not, during my journey to London last week, at all exposed to the rain, yet I took such a cold riding home withinside the coach (it rained all day) that I have been obliged to shut myself up all this week. By the means I have used, I feel somewhat better and hope to be able to preach a little tomorrow. I have preached twice, getting our friends to read the Scriptures, and pray, and though somewhat hoarse tonight, yet I am not seriously injured by it.⁵³⁴

 Here Ryland omits a letter from November 16, 1811, which he included at this location in the 1816 edition, but which was already included in chapter 9 in the 1818 edition.

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In May 1812, he took a journey into Wales. Though he was very unwell when he set out, yet his health improved as he went on. He wrote thus from Abergavenny in the former part of the time to brother Sutcliff, of Olney: My dear Brother, It was not because I forgot your kind request that I did not write before, but from being so unwell that writing has been a burden. I have had much fever and five or six sleepless nights; no sleep, however, in several instances till three or four in the morning. I have preached only three sermons since I left home. One at Birmingham, one at Worcester, and one here. I do not find any ill effect from these, as I speak low and only stand about half an hour. [After mentioning some applauses, and some malignant censures of the Baptists, and the work in which they were engaged, he adds:] Our wisdom is to be still and quiet and to mind our own business. For my own part, my afflictions say to me, Study to show thyself approved unto God. What empty things are the applauses of creatures and how idle the pursuit of them! I seem near the end of my course and hope through grace, and grace only, to finish it with joy. I have no transports, but a steady hope of eternal life on the ground of my Saviour’s death. I feel some freedom in my applications to God in his name. If I should die, I shall be able to say to the rising generation, God will surely visit you. A work is begun that will not end till the world be subdued to the Saviour. We have done a little for him, accompanied with much evil; the Lord grant that that may not be laid to our charge in that day. Love, as due. Affectionately yours, A. Fuller February 5, 1813, he observed to me, “My health is better, this Winter, than heretofore. I am requested to go to London for a fortnight about the business of the new charter.” September 7, 1813—I should have written to you, ere now, but seven days ago I was seized with a strong bilious attack, which has nearly confined me in bed ever since, and from which, though now much better, I am not yet recovered. December 27, 1813—Since my return from Bristol [from Mr. Rowe’s ordination as a Missionary to Jamaica], I have been under strong apprehensions lest the cold which I took in going down should lay me by for the winter. But I had medical advice immediately and feel now much better.

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June 11, 1814—The repeated attacks I have lately had of the bilious colic have induced me for the present to decline my journey into Essex. Perhaps I may go, if well enough, in September. I have been to Olney but was afraid to undertake so much preaching as the Essex journey would have required. Brother Sutcliff gets no better. I fear there is little or no hope of him.⁵³⁵ September 18, 1814—For the last fortnight I have been laid by and nearly confined to my bed. I know not when I have had so violent an attack of the bile. I had an inflammation about the liver, the effects of which are still upon me, so that I can scarcely walk. I hope to get out to meeting once today. I know not what to do about the Missionary Students [who had been under the care of brother Sutcliff], being utterly unfit to entertain care of any kind. I thought it best to let them come to you. Here I must leave it. The writing of this letter has overcome me. I have by me one and twenty letters written this year and nine written in 1815, but in one of them dated March 20th, he says, “I am now so ill that I can hardly write a letter.” April 2, 1815, he says, “I have been very unwell of late; I have preached but little for some time and cannot today. I have been taking antimonial medicines for my liver complaint and am brought extremely low.” April 13, 1815—I have had a very strong attack of the fever; nor is it yet removed, though somewhat abated. For some days, I had several dangerous symptoms. Last night I had the best night I have had for a fortnight. At present, I am not able to travel to Cheltenham; but my apothecary has determined on my going thither as soon as I am able to bear the journey, which he hopes I may do in about a week. This depends, however, on the subsiding of the fever. I do not know any person at Cheltenham. I should be glad to be in a Christian family and to make them satisfaction. Perhaps you would drop a line thither to prepare my way. I must take short stages, though I should be four or five days in going. I can only add, I am, Affectionately yours, Andrew Fuller. This was the last letter which I ever received from my faithful and invaluable friend written wholly by himself. I prepared his way at Cheltenham, but he never was able to avail himself of the offer of an excellent aged Christian (Mrs. Dunscombe) to accommodate him at her house. One more letter met me at Birmingham, dictated by himself, and signed at length by his own dying hand. Though it has already appeared in his funeral sermon and great part of it in other publications, yet I shall insert it in

 Ryland has moved this excerpt from chapter 8 (see Ryland [1816], 411).

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this Memoir, after transcribing a few particulars communicated by his family respecting his last illness. The commencement of his disorder, they observe, may properly be dated back to September 1814. After preaching on Lord’s-day morning, the 4th of that month, he was seized with the usual symptoms attendant upon a bilious complaint; but having been accustomed to such attacks, danger was not at first apprehended. In a day or two, however, the disorder, instead of subsiding, assumed a more serious aspect. The progress of this affliction and his partial recovery from it are described by himself in a letter to a friend, dated September 30. Since I saw you, I have been brought very low. About a month ago, I had a bilious attack, from which, having often had it before, I expected no serious consequences; but, after two or three days, I was seized with a violent inflammation, I suppose, in the liver. I had a high fever, was bled, blistered, and confined to my bed for a week. I took calomel medicines. After this the fever abated, and my medical attendant considered the danger as over. My appetite has returned, and I have been out in the air pretty much; but the soreness in my right side is still such that I know not how to sleep upon it, and my strength recruits very slowly. After this, his health gradually increased so as to enable him, in some degree, to renew his pulpit labours; and he even attempted a journey into some parts of the north of England which he had not been able to visit on a Missionary tour in the preceding summer. He set out on the 10th of October accompanied by two young ministers, Messrs. Blundel and Mack from Northampton and Clipston, but by the time he had reached Newark, he had a return of feverish symptoms, on account of which, he was obliged to leave them to proceed without him and to go back to Kettering.⁵³⁶ Soon after this, in a letter to another friend, he says, “I have preached only twice for the last five or six weeks; but am gradually, though slowly, recovering. Death has swept away almost all my old friends, and I seem to stand expecting to be called away soon. It matters not when, so that we be found in Christ.” In another letter, written about the same time, he says, “Brother Sutcliff’s last end was enviable: let mine be like his! Death has been making havoc of late among us. Yesterday, I preached a funeral sermon, if so it might be called, for three of the members of our church lately deceased. I feel as one who has the sentence of death in himself, and whose great concern it is whether his religion will stand the test. Almost all my old friends are either dead or dying. Well; I have a  John Mack came under evangelical convictions while serving in the army in Scotland. With Robert Hall’s assistance, Mack raised a subscription in order to be released from military service and went on to study at Bristol Academy. After filling the vacancy left by J. W. Morris at Clipston, Mack was called by the congregation and ordained in March of 1815. The BMS later sent Mack to his native Scotland.

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hope that bears me up, and it is through grace. In reviewing my life, I see much evil. God be merciful to me a sinner!” On November 5th, he said, “I mend a little, keeping free from all fatigue and wet weather. But I can preach only once a day; twice leaves a soreness in the place where the inflammation was. I feel the force of Eccl 12:1, last clause, and have lately preached with much feeling on Ps 71:9. ‘Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.’” In the month of December, though far from well, he took a journey to London and was advised to go to Cheltenham; with which advice he was inclined to comply but wished to defer it to a milder season. In the meantime, he made use of a saline medicine as a substitute for the waters and thought he derived benefit from it. February 1, 1815, he wrote to his brother Robert Fuller, of Isleham, as follows: … Well; the Lord liveth and blessed be my Rock! I am conscious of no wicked way in me, but I feel myself to be an unprofitable servant. We shall soon finish our course; may it be with joy! If I am able next summer, it is in my mind to take a tour eastward to Wisbeach, Lynn, Fakenham, Norwich, Yarmouth, and some other places in Norfolk and Suffolk, and to return by Isleham and Soham; but, perhaps I may prove like Sampson, who went out to do as at other times, and wist not that his strength was departed from him. March 19, he wrote a long letter to Mr. Hinton of Oxford, chiefly on Missionary concerns. It breathes, throughout, an ardent concern for the prosperity of our own Mission, while it expresses his joy at the success of the London Mission in the southern hemisphere; and then, alluding to recent political events, he adds, “The direction which things have taken for the last two years, may appear favourable to popery; but it is only that it should be destroyed forever. These tides in human affairs, like the flux and reflux of the ocean, will wash away those things which it is in the purpose of Heaven to destroy. The antichristian power may rise and fall repeatedly before it falls to rise no more.” In this letter he makes no mention of his illness. But though his complaint was checked for a little time, yet it returned upon him in this month (March) with aggravated symptoms. Having engaged to attend the ordination of Mr. Mack at Clipston on the 29th, he previously put himself under medical advice for eight or ten days that he might be able to fulfil his engagement. He preached to the church from 3 John 8—“We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellow-helpers to the truth.” Although he travelled in the easiest manner possible, there is reason to believe that the fatigue of the journey and the exertion of preaching to a crowded audience tended greatly to increase his disorder. Notwithstanding this, he preached at home the next Lord’s-day afternoon, April 2nd, from Isa 66:1, 2: “Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my foot-

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stool,” etc. This was his last public exercise and will long be remembered for the earnestness and solemnity with which it was delivered.⁵³⁷ His thoughts were now directed to Cheltenham and arrangements were accordingly made for the journey. His friends anxiously wished him to go and kindly united in a present to make the journey easy to him. But the disorder now made such rapid progress that it was obliged to be relinquished as impracticable. Dr. Kerr, an eminent physician at Northampton, who was sent for, told my sister on his return that he was satisfied his liver was as black as his hat and as hard as the table. In a note to a friend at Kettering, who was prevented by illness from visiting him, he thus writes, April 19th: “I am ordered to go next Monday for Cheltenham. I should be happy to come and see you before I go, but whether the weather and my affliction will permit, I know not. When I shall return is uncertain. The Lord’s supper must be suspended. My times are in the Lord’s hands; but to me all is uncertain.” On April 28, he dictated the following letter to me, written by Mr. John Fuller and subscribed by himself: My dearest Friend, We have enjoyed much together, which I hope will prove an earnest of greater enjoyment in another world. We have also wrought together in the Lord’s vineyard and he has given us to reap together in his vintage. I expect this is nearly over, but I trust we shall meet and part no more. I have very little hope of recovery, but I am satisfied to drink of the cup which my Heavenly Father giveth me to drink. Without experience, no one can conceive of the depression of my spirits; yet I have no despondency. I know whom I have believed, and that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him against that day. I am a poor guilty creature, but Christ is an almighty Saviour. I have preached and written much against the abuse of the doctrine of grace, but that doctrine is all my salvation and all my desire. I have no other hope, than from salvation by mere sovereign, efficacious grace, through the atonement of my Lord and Saviour. With this hope, I can go into eternity with composure. Come, Lord Jesus! Come when thou wilt! Here I am; let him do with me as seemeth him good! We have some who have been giving out, of late, that “if Sutcliff, and some others, had preached more of Christ, and less of Jonathan Edwards, they would have been more useful.” If those who talk thus preached Christ half as much as Jonathan Edwards did and were half as useful as he was, their usefulness would be double what it is. It is very singular that the Mis-

 “Christian Churches: Fellow Helpers with Their Pastors to the Truth,” WAF 1:524.

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sion to the East should have originated with men of these principles and, without pretending to be a prophet, I may say, if ever it falls into the hands of men who talk in this strain, it will soon come to nothing. If I should never see your face in the flesh, I could wish one last testimony of brotherly love, and of the truth of the gospel, to be expressed by your coming over and preaching my funeral sermon, if it can be, from Rom 8:10. I can dictate no more, but am Ever yours, Andrew Fuller This letter I received at Birmingham, where I preached April 30th, and gladly would I have gone on to see him once more, had it not been at a time that I could scarcely be spared three or four days longer, with any propriety; especially as I might have to take a second journey to Kettering immediately after the first or be detained there by his death. Besides, I found his weakness was so great that I had no expectation of hearing above a sentence or two from his dying lips, and I felt that the interview in such circumstances would be more than I could well sustain. I met a friend from Northampton who had seen him a few days before. He had asked him if he wished to see me, but the reply was, “He can do me no good.” I gave up therefore all hope of seeing his body till the resurrection of the just. May my spirit be with his spirit now made perfect as soon as whatever God has allotted me to do for him on earth is finished! On the afternoon of the same day on which he dictated my letter, he told one of the deacons of his church that his bodily depression was so great that it appeared to himself as if he could not live. His friend replied, “I do not know any person Sir, who is in a more enviable situation than yourself; a good man on the verge of a blessed immortality.” He modestly acquiesced. He then lifted up his hands and exclaimed, “If I am saved, it will be by great and sovereign grace;” which last words he repeated very emphatically, “by great and sovereign grace.” His dear friend, Mr. Burls, of London, saw him the day before his death; but, on account of his almost unintermitted bilious vomitings, with which he had been afflicted for some days, he could scarcely speak to him.⁵³⁸ With regard to the state of his mind under his affliction, he was favoured with a good degree of calmness and resignation; but, during the last month, he became un William Burls was a successful merchant and a deacon at Carter Lane Baptist Church in London. He was also a member of the London Bible Society, served as the first treasurer of the Baptist Union, and was an active trustee of the Baptist Missionary Society—serving both as treasurer and as its London agent. Burls presided at the BMS meeting at Birmingham, which reorganized the mission after Fuller’s death.

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able to converse, unless in detached sentences. He seemed, as it were, to have done all and said all and to have nothing to do but to die. On the night of the 9th of April, he sat up in his bed and spoke in a most affecting manner about some domestic concerns. When his mind was set at rest upon that subject, he did not discover any further anxiety about it, but expressed himself as follows: I feel satisfaction in the thought that my times are in the Lord’s hands. I have been importuning the Lord that, whether I live, it may be to him, or whether I die, it may be to him. Flesh and heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.⁵³⁹ April the 11th, he said, “Into thy hands I commit my spirit, my family, and my charge; I have done a little for God, but all that I have done needs forgiveness. I trust alone in sovereign grace and mercy. I could be glad to be favoured with some lively hopes before I depart hence. God, my supporter and my hope, I would say, ‘Not my will, but thine be done!’⁵⁴⁰ ‘God is my soul’s eternal rock, The strength of every saint.’⁵⁴¹ I am a poor sinner, but my hope is in the Saviour of sinners.” At another time, when speaking of the probable issue of his disease, he said, “But I am not dismayed, God is my soul’s eternal rock.” And again, “I know in whom I have believed; he is able to keep that which I have committed to him against that day. I am a poor sinner, but he is a great Saviour.”⁵⁴² May 2, 1815—My God, my Saviour, my Refuge, to thee I commit my spirit; take me to thyself; bless those I leave behind. He said, more than once, “My breath is corrupt, my days are extinct.” He would frequently say during his affliction, “My mind is calm; no raptures, no despondency.” About nine days before his death while attempting to get up as he sat on the bedside, he said, “All my feelings are sinking, dying feelings!” Seeing his wife affected, he said, “We shall meet again!” and added, “It will be well!” He was then going into the warm bath and, while in it, was a little refreshed. He observed to his medical attendant who had just called in, “I never before recollect to have had such depression of animal spirits, accompanied with such calmness of mind.” He observed, in reply,    New 

Psalm 73:26. Psalm 31:5; Luke 22:42. See “Psalm 73 2nd Part,” in Isaac Watts, The Psalms of David: Imitated in the Language of the Testament, and Applied to the Christian State and Worship (Bungay: C. Brightley, 1801), 128. 2 Timothy 1:12.

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“It was a glorious thing;” and spoke of it, then and afterwards, as a remarkable instance of the power of religion in supporting the mind under such circumstances; as he had known persons of the best regulated minds sink almost into despair under such disorders. At another time when something was said to him about resting, he answered, “There is no rest for me.” It was replied, “There is a rest remains;” to which he assented. When under great anguish, he, one day, said to one of his sons, “All misery is concentrated in me!” “Bodily misery only, I suppose, father?” “Yes; nothing else.” But the expression which he used to Mr. Blundel of Northampton was the most characteristic of any of which I have been informed: “My hope is such that I am not afraid to plunge into eternity!”⁵⁴³ On the Lord’s-day morning on which he died, May 7, 1815, he said to his daughter Sarah, “I wish I had strength enough…” She asked, “To do what?” He replied, “To worship, child.” Soon after, his daughter Mary entering the room; as soon as he understood who it was, he said, “Come, Mary, come and help me.” He was then raised up in bed and for the last half hour appeared to be engaged in prayer. His children surrounded his bed, listening attentively to catch, if possible, the last words of their dying parent; but nothing could be distinctly heard but “Help me!,” which words were repeated several times. Then, with his hands clasped and his eyes fixed upwards as in the attitude of prayer, he sunk back, sighed three times, and expired. I add an extract of a letter from the Rev. J. K. Hall,⁵⁴⁴ his assistant and successor, to Mr. Isaac James⁵⁴⁵ of Bristol, dated May 9, 1815:

 Thomas Blundel (also Blundell; 1786 – 1861), the eldest son of Rev. Thomas Blundell (1752– 1824), studied under Ryland at the Bristol Academy in 1804. His father had been a member of Fuller’s Kettering congregation who also attended the Bristol Academy in 1790, at the age of 38, four years after his son’s birth. After leaving the academy in 1809, the younger Blundell supplied various pulpits until he was called as the pastor of the College Lane congregation in April of 1810, where he was ordained on June 20. As Ryland notes later, Blundell accompanied Fuller on his final journey to the north of England in 1814. He served with the Baptist Missionary Society from 1815 until 1828, when he was appointed as chaplain of the Protestant Dissenters’ Grammar School at Mill Hill. Later in life, Blundell started a private boarding school at Totteridge, where he eventually gave up his Nonconformist convictions. He became the incumbent of Mere, Wiltshire, where he died in 1861.  John Keen Hall (1785 – 1829) was the nephew of Fuller’s friend, Robert Hall, Jr. J. K. Hall succeeded Fuller in the pulpit of the church in Kettering, where he had been serving as Fuller’s assistant since 1811. Hall was ordained on November 8, 1815, and Robert Hall gave the charge (WRH [1836], 4:476). He outlived Fuller by only 15 years.  Isaac James (1759 – 1828) of Bristol. James was married to Jane Hall (d. 1834), daughter of Rev. Robert Hall (1728 – 1791), on April 20, 1789. James was educated at the Baptist College at Bristol but became concerned that the Lord had not called him into pastoral ministry at the end of his term. He studied medicine in London for several years before returning to his birthplace of Hitchin to open an academy. When his maternal uncle, John Needham of Bristol, died, James returned to Bristol and became a classical tutor at the academy, where he served alongside Ryland for 30 years (see S. J. B., “A Brief Biographical Notice of Mr. Isaac James, of Bristol,” in The Christian’s Penny Magazine 123

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I intend to fill this letter with news; though, as it will chiefly relate to Mr. Fuller’s death, it will be news of a doleful kind. You have heard, I suppose, that this great and good man departed this life about half past eleven, last Lord’s-day morning. I was, at the time, preaching from Ps 23:4: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,” etc. He experienced what, at that moment, I was attempting to describe. Mr. Toller, the Independent minister, was, at the same time, preaching from Ps 73:26: “My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.”⁵⁴⁶ As soon as we left our places of worship, every individual in the town probably heard the afflictive words, “He is gone! He is gone!” and the melancholy news was soon dispatched to different parts of the kingdom. As I had to preach in the afternoon, you may easily suppose, that this circumstance would increase those feelings which I could not prevent on so solemn an occasion: I preached from Isa 9:6: “And the government shall be upon his shoulder.” This was the text from which Mr. Fuller preached, when he returned from my grandfather’s funeral. Mr. Fuller’s illness has been severe. His death was occasioned by a liver complaint: and that disease, you know, usually causes a great depression of spirits. It did so in the present case, so that Mr. Fuller felt a great disinclination to seeing his friends. His mind was not unhappy; nor had he any distress in the prospect of eternity, but his animal spirits were very low, and his pain and restlessness were extreme. He derived all his support from the hope of divine mercy, through Jesus Christ. On a review of his life, he appeared to feel himself to be a great sinner and had such a jealousy of his having been influenced by a mixture of motives that he could not derive much consolation from what he had done. At the same time, he had such a reliance upon Christ, and so good a hope, that he knew whom he had believed and was persuaded that he was able to keep what he had committed to him against that day. He was sensible to the last. The day on which he expired, he said, “I wish I could worship.” A little before death, he seemed

(October 11, 1834): 326 – 28). Robert Hall, A.M. (1764– 1831) mentions Mr. James as part of the Broadmead congregation at Bristol (Letter LXXVII, to Arthur Tozer, August 11, 1825, WRH [1835], 5:548 – 51). In his early letters to Tozer (a deacon at Broadmead), he asks the recipient to greet Mr. James and “my sisters,” but by October 3, 1825, he writes, “Greet Mr. and Mrs. James and my sister” (Letter LXXVIII to Arthur Tozer, WRH [1835], 5:551– 53). The latter he later identifies as Mary (Letter LXXIX to Arthur Tozer, December 6, 1825, WRH [1835], 5:555). Mary was part of Broadmead and remained unmarried until her death in 1843, at the age of 86. See Robert Hall Warren, The Hall Family (Bristol: J. W. Arrowsmith, 1910), 33.  Thomas Northcote Toller (1756 – 1821) was pastor of the Kettering Independent chapel from 1775 until his death. He was succeeded by his son, Thomas (1796 – 1885), who pastored the chapel until his death in 1885—the two Tollers having pastored the same congregation for a century. The elder Toller published a number of works through Fuller’s son, John Gardiner.

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to have less pain and, for some time, appeared, by the motion of his lips, to be engaged in prayer. Towards the last, he sat up in his bed, groaned, sunk back, and after three sighs, calmly expired. The funeral is to be next Monday. I shall not send this off till it is over. You know that Dr. Ryland, by Mr. Fuller’s request, is to preach and my uncle is to deliver the funeral oration. Tuesday Afternoon [May 16]. “Mr. Hall has resigned to me,” says Mrs. Hall, the task of finishing this letter; but, as the mail will leave Kettering very soon, I can do little more than just mention that the last sad tribute of respect was, yesterday evening, paid to the remains of the great and good Mr. Fuller. The crowd which attended was immense. All the ministers in the town were invited, both Churchmen and Dissenters—Mr. Toller, Mr. Hogg, Mr. Bugg, with Mr. Brown and Mr. Towers, the Methodist preachers.⁵⁴⁷ No formal invitation was sent to any minister in the country, it being difficult to know where to draw the line; but numbers were attracted to the spot, by motives of respect and affection. Mr. Grimshaw, a clergyman of the Establishment, came, on purpose, from Bedford.⁵⁴⁸ Mr. Hinton of Oxford, and many others with whom I was not acquainted, were there. I went to the meeting through Mr. Fuller’s house (the doors not being open quite so soon) at three o’clock in the afternoon. About a quarter of an hour afterwards, the crowds assembled at the doors were admitted; the rush of people was astonishing, but no one that I have heard of, received any injury. It was supposed there might be 2000 persons. The galleries were propped in several places to prevent any accident, and I am happy to say, there was not the slightest alarm. A quarter before five, the funeral procession entered. The coffin was placed in the table-pew; the mourners in the seats on the right hand of the pulpit. Mr. J. H. first gave out a hymn. Mr. Toller then engaged in prayer, with great fervour and devotion: another hymn was sung. Dr. R. preached, from Rom 8:10, and Mr. Robert Hall, preceded by another hymn, delivered the funeral oration. The corpse was then carried out and interred. A few words only were spoken, by Dr. Ryland, after the body was put into the grave.

 Reynold Hogg. Born in London, Hogg was apprenticed to his cousin, a linen draper, for seven years. He attended James Scott’s (1710 – 1783) Heckmondwike Academy in Yorkshire and eventually settled as minister of the congregation at Thrapston from 1790 to 1807. Hogg was present for the formation of the Baptist Missionary Society and was the only surviving member to be present for the Jubilee celebration in 1842. George Bugg (1769 – 1851) was the curate in Kettering from 1803 – 1815.  Thomas Shuttleworth Grimshaw (also Grimshawe; 1778 – 1850) was the vicar of Biddenham (1808 – 1850), Bedfordshire as well as the rector of Burton Latimer, Northampton (1809 – 1843). He was also the author of Life and Works of William Cowper (8 vols., 1835).

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On the Sabbath after Mr. Fuller’s death, the day before the interment, his friend Mr. Toller delivered a discourse on the occasion, to his own people, from 1 Kings 13:30 “Alas, my brother!” He afterwards, in compliance with the wishes of the family and friends of the deceased, delivered it to Mr. Fuller’s congregation; and the following extract from it is inserted here, with his permission: With regard to the much-respected friend and Christian minister, lately removed, it might appear unbecoming and indelicate in me to enter far into his character and case; particularly as this will be done to so much greater advantage on the approaching day: but this much I could hardly satisfy myself without advancing on this occasion. I trust, I am sincerely disposed to join in the general and just tribute which his friends and the public are disposed to pay to his abilities, his sound sense, and solid understanding, and to his unwearied diligence and unconquerable ardour in supporting and pursuing the interests of the best of causes; and that, not only in the common duties of his profession but, more particularly, in the propagation of Christianity in the foreign climes of India. Perhaps no individual next to the unequalled Carey, no individual, at least at home, has done so much to promote that cause; and, considering the few advantages of early education which he enjoyed, the eminence to which he has risen, the influence he had acquired, and the means of usefulness which he has collected and secured, are so much the more extraordinary, and reflect the greater credit on his memory. The variety and compass of his writings, though all bearing on one grand point, yet serve to show what sheer abilities, sound principle, ardent zeal, and persevering application can do. I have read his works (some of them more than once) with much satisfaction and, I trust, some improvement; that that improvement has not amounted to more, ought to be attributed to myself. I have not a doubt, but that they have been of real and extensive use in the Christian church, in support of the radical principles of evangelical religion, and will continue to be so after his dust shall mingle with the “clods of the valley.” It is a satisfaction to me to reflect that, in the great leading views of vital Christianity, he expresses very nearly my own sentiments; though it is not to be expected that persons who think for themselves on sacred subjects should, in every point, “see eye to eye.” You will not, therefore, expect that I should profess myself able to subscribe to every article in his theological creed; still, however, it is a pleasure to me to reflect now that, differing only on points of subordinate importance, wherever that was the case, we always agreed to differ. Though living in the same town, engaged in the same profession, and that under the banners of different denominations, for about thirty years, I do not recollect that ever an angry word passed between us or a single jar oc-

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curred, by our means, among our respective connections. At the same time, I would not mention this in the spirit of a vain compliment, either to him or to myself; but desire to be deeply sensible of a thousand deficiencies and errors, in other respects; nor would I be understood, in a servile spirit of fulsome flattery as representing him as a faultless character, or holding him up in all respects as a model of the Christian temper and disposition; for, alas! of whom can you say, “Be ye followers of him,” unless you insert the restrictive clause—so far as he was “a follower of Christ.” While, then, I think him an eminent loss to his family, a general loss to society and the church of Christ and, perhaps, an irreparable loss to his own denomination; I trust I can, with truly Christian cordiality, follow him up to the footstool of his Master’s throne and congratulate him on that “Well done, good and faithful servant,” which, I have no doubt, he has received. I conclude with remarking that in no one point, either from his writings which I have read or the sermons I have heard from him, or the interviews and conversations I have had with him—in nothing can I so fully join issue with him as in the manner of his dying. Had he gone off full of rapture and transport, I might have said, “O let me die the triumphant death of the righteous!” But it would have been far more than I could have realized or expected in my own case; but the state of his mind towards the last appears to have been, if I may so express it, “after my own heart.” He died as a penitent sinner at the foot of the cross. At my last parting with him, I shook hands with him twice and observed with some emotion, not expecting to see him more, “We have lived harmoniously, many years, in the same place; I trust we shall, one day, meet above.” I think the last religious sentence he dropped to me was, “Looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” He said to a young minister, “I have no religious joys, but I have a hope in the strength of which I think I could plunge into eternity.” Being reminded of his Missionary labours, he replied, “Ah! the object was unquestionably good;” but adverted to the mixture of motives, to the influence of which we are liable in supporting the best of causes. To another friend, who was congratulating him in a similar style, he replied, “I have been a great sinner; and, if I am saved at all, it must be by great and sovereign grace.” Here, the dying minister— the dying friend, speaks all my heart; here, I come nearer to him at his death than I have ever done through the whole course of his life. The testimony of a Christian conscience is, at all times, invaluable; but in the dying moments of a fallen creature, it can afford no more than auxiliary support; the grand prominent hold of the trembling soul must be “the golden chain that comes down from heaven.” It is the immediate, personal, realizing application; it is the broad, palpable hope of

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salvation for penitent sinners, through the riches of divine grace in Christ Jesus our Lord that throws everything else into shades. It is not the voice of congratulation on the best spent life, however just, that is most acceptable in those awful moments to pious minds; that is often heard with trembling diffidence and conscious apprehension of contaminating motives and counteracting defects. The sweetest music in the ears of expiring piety must be struck from another string: “This is the record, that God hath given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son—The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.”⁵⁴⁹ In all probability, my bones will be deposited not far from his; God grant that I may die in the same temper and the same hope; and that our spirits may be united in the day of the Lord! Amen. Thus, I have endeavoured faithfully to exhibit the man in life and in death. He that sees not much to admire and to imitate, he that does not exclaim, “What hath God wrought!” who made a poor sinful man so evidently an eminent saint, would not be convinced nor edified by any encomium I could add. Doubtless, he had his faults; for “in many things we all offend.” I might be blind to some of them, although I thought I watched him more carefully than I did any other friend; as being more anxious that he should be right in all points and more at liberty to speak my mind, if ever I thought him wrong; but whatever they were, he has done with them; and I have done with them. I will deny none that I ever knew; but, if I had known more than I ever did, I would not needlessly expose them. I am fully satisfied that he is now without fault before the throne. His just spirit is made perfect. I long to be as he is. I wish I now were as he was, in all things except those bonds. O that I were well rid of all that he hath laid aside, and were like him in all that is now perfect! If I knew of his making a golden calf or in any degree countenancing idolatry, I would acknowledge and reprobate his conduct; or, if I knew of his denying his Lord three times over, or even once only, I would both own and lament it. But the sacred writers, though they recorded every material fact impartially, yet did not needlessly repeat and exaggerate the imperfections of upright men,⁵⁵⁰ nor aim to show their own acumen in nicely criticising their characters; their impartiality was real, but not ostentatious. Luke entered into no discussion of the controversy between Paul and Barnabas, though he had full opportunity of knowing one side of the story, and that from far the greatest man of the two; and, as I am not divinely inspired to distinguish accurately who was right and who was wrong, wherein Mr. Fuller was separated from some who once had a share in his friendship, and from whom

 Romans 6:23.  See 1 Kings 15:5. [Ryland].

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he thought it his duty to withdraw it; I shall leave them to write of his faults, who refused to acknowledge any of their own. Though I may have strong grounds for an opinion on that subject, yet I am not eager to show them. I leave such things to an infallible Judge. All who have read my funeral sermon for Mr. Fuller can judge for themselves whether I have represented him there as “more exempt from the infirmities of our corrupted nature than was the father of the faithful.” From such critics as have already insinuated this and who despise all disinterested love, even of Him who is altogether lovely, it were folly for anyone who has neither the means nor inclination to purchase their favour, to look for “candour and fairness.” But charges which are not confirmed by my own conscience, I entirely disregard. Some of my friends may think it was needless to have inserted these remarks, as the whole of this volume will sufficiently show that I wished to write the actual life of my dearly beloved friend, and not his panegyric. By the grace of God, he was what he was; and now the work of grace is perfected. Let grace be admired and magnified forever, Amen!

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Appendix I reserve for this place some things the connection of which I wish to conceal, that the place where they occurred and the persons to whom they refer may not be known; with some other particulars that I could not so easily introduce in the preceding Chapters. Of the former kind, is the following. He was once conversing freely with an Evangelical Clergyman, soon after the publication of Mr. Overton’s True Churchman, when that work happened to be mentioned.⁵⁵¹ The Clergyman observed that he understood many Dissenters considered some things in it as severe against them. Mr. Fuller said, “I suppose you mean, in calling them schismatics.” “Yes; in part,” said the other. Mr. Fuller replied, “I never felt it; for it did not appear to me to be aimed to hurt us, but merely to screen himself, in the eyes of his superiors, from the suspicion of favouring us.” He added also, “It did not hurt me, because I perceived no justice in it. The term schism is relative and has reference to the society from which the separation is made. Now before you can fix the guilt of schism⁵⁵² upon us, you must prove, (1) that the Church of England is a true church; yea more, (2) that it is the only true church in the kingdom.” At another time he had a free conversation with certain very respectable Clergymen, which I purposely have reserved to be thus separately introduced without reference to place or names, choosing rather to disappoint curiosity than to betray Christian confidence. The first Clergyman, after saying many friendly and respectful things, said in a tone of familiarity, “I had almost thrown your Gospel Its Own Witness, aside, owing to what you said against Establishments in the Preface.” F: “Why Sir, could you not have construed it as the British Critic has?”⁵⁵³ 1 C: “How is that?” F: “I think they say to this effect: ‘The Author protests against Establishments of Christianity, for political purposes: but, as ours assuredly is not for such ends, he cannot mean that; and therefore, we recommend it to our readers.’” Both replied: “We apprehend they construed you more favourably than you deserved.”  John Overton, a graduate of Magdalene College, Cambridge (1790), first served as the assistant curate at York before his appointment to the chancellor’s livings of St. Crux and St. Margaret’s through the influence of William Wilberforce. His The True Churchman Ascertained (1801) was a reply to Robert Fellowes’s The Anti-Calvinist (1800).  Some who are often exclaiming against the evil of rending Christ’s seamless garment, take it for granted that the crime must lie exclusively on those who take hold of the skirt, and not attach to those who pull ever so violently at the upper end of the robe. But, surely the fault of the rent may be as much on their side who impose terms of union not authorized by the Head of the Church as on those who scruple conforming to them. [Ryland].  See “British Catalogue: Divinity: Article 30 ‘The Gospel Its Own Witness’ by Andrew Fuller,” The British Critic 19 (1802): 313 – 14.

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F: “Well; it seems then, I should have put it at the end, instead of the beginning of the book.” 1 C: “I see you do not approve of Establishments.” F: “I do not Sir.” 1 C: “Well; I am persuaded we are greatly indebted to ours.” F: “The friends of Christ would be such, without it.” 1 C: “True; but the enemies would not be kept in such decency.” F: “I was riding, last night, from ––– to –––, with a drunken sea-officer; passing through, he pointed to the cathedral, and said, ‘That is our relision … we are all for relision!’” 2 C: “Ah! that was honey to you.” F: “I felt for the poor man.” 2 C: “You think hard of Bishop Horsley?” F: “I do.” 2 C: “I think his remarks about Sunday schools have been made too much of; he does not condemn the institution, but the abuse of it.” F: “He represents village-preaching as a political measure, and as pursued by the same men as formerly cried up rationality; which is absolutely false.” 1 C: “He had heard some things of Dissenters.” F: “Yes; and I have heard some things of Yorkshiremen.” 2 C: “What, that they are bites?” F: “Well; and would it be fair to condemn all the natives of that county upon hearsay?” 1 C: “He is a man of a bad temper.” F: “I have heard that he is after all, an infidel: I do not know how true that may be; but he is a violent man, and full of misrepresentation.” 1 C: “What he has said of the body of the Dissenters being turned from Calvinism, is true of the old Dissenters: those that you now call the body of your people, have come from the Church.” F: “That may be true, in part, especially respecting the Presbyterians, but not of the Independents or Baptists; and we can account for the decline of Presbyterianism in England, on the ground of their Paedobaptism.” [All laughed, as though they should say, “Bravo! How is that?”] F: “The old orthodox English Presbyterians made so much of their seed, and the dedication of them to God, as they called it, by baptism, that presuming on their conversion, they sent them to seminaries of learning, to be ministers before they were Christians; and as they grew up being destitute of any principle of religion, they turned aside to anything rather than the gospel. The effect of this was, some of the people, especially the young and graceless, followed them; the rest have become Independents or Baptists.” 1 C: “All your old places that were opened at the Revolution, are now Socinianized.”

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F: “The Presbyterian places are mostly so; but we do not mind the places being Socinian, as long as the people have left them. As to the body of our people coming from the Church, it is little more than fifty years since the Church was almost destitute of serious ministers and people; yet there were at that time, perhaps, nearly as many serious Dissenters as now.”

Conversation on Doctrine First C: “There are different shades of Calvinism, I suppose, amongst you?” F: “Yes; there are three by which we commonly describe; namely, the high, the moderate, and the strict Calvinists. The first are, if I may so speak, more Calvinistic than Calvin himself; in other words, bordering on Antinomianism.” 1 C: “Have you many of these?” F: “Too many.” 1 C: “Do they not reckon you a legal preacher?” F: “Yes; at this very time, I am represented throughout the religious circles of London, as an Arminian.” 1 C: “On what ground?” F: “What I have written in a note in the Gospel Its Own Witness.” 1 C: “I remember that note. I and my friends approve of it, and think it agrees with the doctrine held by our Church. But what do you call a moderate Calvinist?” F: “One that is a half Arminian, or as they are called with us, Baxterians.” 1 C: “And what a strict Calvinist ?” F: “One that really holds the system of Calvin. I do not believe everything that Calvin taught, nor anything, because he taught it; but I reckon strict Calvinism to be my own system.” I think the following instance of his sound judgment and inflexible integrity well worth recording. A preacher (I shall not say at what place or time) had fallen into temptation. Brother Fuller, Sutcliff, and another worthy minister (whom I shall not name, lest it should prove a clue to the whole story), were consulted by some of the principal people; on which Mr. F. wrote thus: He is, I find, very open, and has not been guilty of completing the crime; but what he has done, he allows was “foolish and wicked.” It is so much divulged that there is no hope of its being concealed. He professes to have repented and to have received divine forgiveness. Some seemed inclined to restore him to his work on that ground. At present he is only silenced by desire of some of the chief friends to the cause, without any church act. Mr. ––– seemed to lean to his restoration. He alleged that the minister was a man of spirit and, considering himself as a penitent and as called to the work

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of the ministry, he would preach somewhere; if not in the old place of worship, yet probably in the neighbourhood, and thus would divide the church. He himself has said he could divide the church, etc. I replied: Suppose he has repented, yet there is a sort of atonement necessary in cases of public scandal. I endeavoured to argue from Num 12:14: “If her father had but spit in her face,” etc. and from the case of the Corinthian fornicator, concerning whom Paul determined what should be done, without any proviso concerning his penitence; also from the case of David, that seeing he had sinned publicly, and dishonoured God’s name, God would bear testimony against him, before the sun. In short, the same arguments that would prove the insufficiency of repentance without an atonement to God, would prove the point in hand. But, in the second place, it seemed to me doubtful whether he did repent. I did not like his talking of his repentance; nor yet of his having received divine forgiveness; and still less his saying that he could divide the church. My advice was, therefore, “Try the sincerity of his repentance, at the same time that you bear open testimony against what cannot be kept secret. If he repent, he will not divide the church; if he attempt it, infamy will cover him and you will be justified. If he be of a proper spirit, he may be restored; and, if you should be provided with a minister, he may go elsewhere. If you cover it over now, it will be another such affair as —— and ——, who each professed repentance and to have received forgiveness; whereas, if after bearing open testimony against it, you restore him, though it be in twelve months, there would be but few churches in the kingdom that would then object to his character.” It was asked: What in the meantime could be done for his family? The answer was, “That is a question that may be considered separately, but ought to have no weight in determining this.” Brother Sutcliff concurred in these sentiments, and Mr. —— came into them; we were, therefore, of one mind in advising the church to exclude him. I have transcribed this, as an instance of his decision and fidelity, and could adduce many others if it were possible to conceal the parties and avoid giving pain to their surviving friends.⁵⁵⁴ I will add here a few anecdotes of my dear friend, which I had not an opportunity of introducing before. Several years ago, a friend had taken him to the Bank where

 Ryland has moved a letter from Fuller dated December 10, 1783 from the appendix of the 1816 edition (pp. 569 – 72) to chapter 8 of the 1818 edition (see p. 293, above). This letter, addressed to Ryland, records a conversation between Fuller and an unidentified gentleman regarding the obligation to believe in the gospel. In it, Fuller defends the idea that humankind is morally obligated to believe in God against the notion that faith is simply the effect or influence of truth upon the mind. While faith certainly arises in response to the beauty of Christ, this does not remove the duty—evidenced in Scripture’s many commands—to love God and neighbour. While faith in Christ is a gift of grace, it nevertheless stands that the unbeliever will be justly judged on account of their refusal to love God.

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one of the clerks to whom he had occasion to speak, showed him some ingots of gold. Mr. Fuller seemed to tarry as he balanced one of them in his hand, while his companion was in haste to be gone. Thoughtfully eyeing the gold, he said, as he laid it down, “How much better is it to have this in the hand, than in the heart!” Originality was certainly one of his distinguishing characteristics. The following anecdote will illustrate, and partly account for, this feature in his character which his friends had so often occasion to remark and admire. While travelling in the North on one of his Missionary tours, in the course of conversation, the name of Dr. Benjamin Franklin having been introduced, Mr. Fuller’s friend remarked that he had a philosophical mind or that he was a philosopher from his youth. “Well,” said Mr. F., “what do you call a philosopher, or in what respect was he one?” “O!” said his friend, “he seems to have made rules for himself in childhood, which regulated him even in old age.” On this Mr. F. replied, “If this be any mark of a philosopher, you will make me one. My father (he continued) was a farmer and, in my younger days, it was one great boast among the ploughmen that they could plough a straight line across the furrows or ridges of a field. I thought I could do this as well as any of them. One day I saw such a line which had just been drawn and I thought, ‘Now I have it.’ Accordingly, I laid hold of the plough and, putting one of the horses into the furrow which had been made, I resolved to keep him walking in it and thus secure a parallel line. By and by, however, I observed that there were what might be called wriggles in this furrow and, when I came to them, they turned out to be larger in mine than in the original. On perceiving this, I threw the plough aside and determined never to be an imitator.” Mr. Fuller, perhaps, might have possessed a greater taste for the works of art without injuring his spirituality of mind; but he seemed in this respect to differ from one of our Lord’s disciples mentioned Mark 13:1, as the following anecdote will show: The first time he passed through Oxford, he was conducted by a friend to see the principal buildings of the University. He viewed them with little emotion and, on being requested to notice one object of peculiar interest, he said, “Brother, I think there is one question, which, after all that has been written on it, has not yet been well answered.” His friend, desiring he would name the subject, he said, “The question is, What is justification?” It was immediately proposed to return to the fireside and discuss the subject; to which Mr. F. gladly acceded, saying, “That inquiry is far more to me than all these fine buildings.” Decision of character was as eminent in him as in the illustrious Howard, of whom a living author has so justly said that “as invisible spirits who fulfil their commission of philanthropy among mortals, do not care about pictures, statues, and sumptuous buildings; no more did he, when the time in which he must have inspected and admired them, would have been taken from the work to which he had consecrated his life.”⁵⁵⁵

 Ryland’s quotation is from John Foster’s Essays, In a Series of Letters to a Friend (2nd ed.; London: Longman, 1806), 172. John Howard (1726 – 1790) was a prison reformer and philanthropist who,

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A Brief History of the Baptist Church at Kettering⁵⁵⁶ Mr. John Maidwell, A.M., born at Geddington and educated at Cambridge, preached in the church at Kettering from 1650 till he was ejected, in 1662. After his ejectment, he often preached in his own house and other houses in Kettering for thirty years; in the latter part of which time, he opened a meeting-house, became pastor of an Independent church, and had a considerable congregation. He died January 9, 1692, aged 83. He was succeeded by Mr. Thomas Milway, October 29, 1696. Mr. William Wallis, one of the elders, and some other members of the church, withdrew, and formed themselves into a Baptist church of which Mr. Wallis was chosen pastor. We are told in the life of Dr. Gill that a sermon of this Mr. Wallis, from Gen 50:9, “Adam, where art thou?” proved the means of his conversion, when John Gill was but twelve years of age; and, as he was born in 1697, this proves that Mr. William Wallis was living in 1709. Dr. Gill used to speak of him as his spiritual father. After the decease of Mr. William Wallis, he was succeeded by his son, Mr. Thomas Wallis, perhaps about 1715 or 1716. Mr. Thomas Wallis was father to Mr. William Wallis, who died October 12, 1757, and whose funeral sermon, preached by Mr. Brown, from Rom 8:39, was printed; at the end of which some account is given of him. He was an eminently wise and godly man, and a great encourager of the cause of Christ. He was father of Mr. Beeby Wallis. It was in the time of Mr. Thomas Wallis, and probably near the beginning of it, that Mr. (afterwards Dr.) Gill became a member of the church and was called to the ministry. The writer of the Doctor’s life says that he was baptized November 1, 1716, by Mr. Thomas Wallis. On the Lord’s day after his baptism, he expounded the fifty-third [chapter] of Isaiah at a private house (where some of the members of the church met for prayer) and was soon called to the ministry. Mr. John Brine, who was one of the first fruits of his ministry, joined the church at Kettering in 1718, and both of them were settled as pastors of churches in London, for many years: Dr. Gill, at Carter Lane, Southwark, and Mr. Brine, at Cripplegate. Mr. Milway, pastor of the Independent church at Kettering, appears to have died in 1696 and to have been succeeded by Mr. William Terry. Mr. Terry was succeeded by Mr. John Wills, May 5, 1709. Mr. Wills and a part of the church withdrew about 1715 and formed another church. The majority elected Mr. Milway, jun. for their pastor, who was succeeded by Mr. Saunders in 1721; Mr. Benjamin Boyce, in 1736; Mr. John Fuller, in 1772; and by their present worthy pastor, Mr. Toller, in 1778. Mr. Wills does not appear to have continued long with the secession. After his departure, they appear to have been without a pastor till January 23, 1724, when

despite his aristocratic beginnings and personal wealth, adopted a life of simplicity. Ryland was instrumental in the reform of Newgate prison in Bristol, advocating for the replacement of the derelict jail with a new facility on Cumberland Road. Ryland regularly preached in the jail from 1802 until the Bristol penitentiary opened in 1820.  This history of the Baptist congregation at Kettering is not included in the appendix in the 1816 edition.

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Mr. John Wilson, a member of a church at London, was chosen to that office. The majority of this church were now become Baptists and Mr. Wilson himself appears to have been of that denomination. Mr. Wilson died in 1729. Mr. Thomas Wallis died in December 1726. His church continued without a pastor till March 10, 1730, when Mr. Wallis’s and Mr. Wilson’s congregations agreed to assemble in one place (which was exchanged, in 1769, for the place where the Baptist congregation now meet). The united church chose for their pastor Mr. Robert Hennell, a member of Mr. Noble’s church in London, who died in September 1749. The following is the succeeding line of pastors: July 9, 1752, Mr. John Brown, who died at Lymington, April 14, 1800. Mr. Brown had resigned, January 24, 1771 and was succeeded November 20, 1771 by Mr. George Moreton, a member of the church at Arnsby. He was obliged by ill health to resign in August 1779, and was succeeded by Mr. Andrew Fuller, October 7, 1783; who was succeeded a few months after his decease by Mr. John Hall, the present pastor. A building on the present site was converted into a place of worship in 1769; it was enlarged in 1786, and re-enlarged in 1805.

Hints as to Mr. Fuller’s Discharge of Pastoral Duties When Mr. F. came to Kettering in 1782, the church had been destitute of a pastor for three years. Nevertheless, through the Christian zeal and activity of the deacons (who, as much as in them lay, endeavoured to supply the want of a pastor by visiting the people and inviting them to their own houses, for prayer and religious conference), the members of the church not only kept together, but lived in love and harmony. The work of God also, in conversion, was not altogether at a stand in the congregation. Mr. Fuller proved a most diligent and faithful pastor, and considerable success attended his ministrations which appeared by the additions made, from time to time, to the church. At Mr. Fuller’s first coming among them, the church consisted of only eighty-eight members but, by the divine blessing upon his labours, notwithstanding the removals by death, etc. the number of members increased in the space of about thirty-two years to one hundred and seventy-four. The following letter⁵⁵⁷ to one of the members, will serve as a specimen of his attention to the feelings of his people:

 Ryland does not include this letter in the 1816 edition.

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January 1792 My dear Friend, In many of the workings of your mind, there is some similarity with those of my own, about twenty years ago. You seem to be fluctuating upon the surges of doubt and suspense. I did the same, for some time. I think that one cause of this in me was my hopes and fears rose or fell, according as texts of Scripture occurred to my mind. For example: If such a passage as Isa 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with thee, be not dismayed, for I am thy God,” etc. was impressed on my mind, I was all joy and transport; but if such a passage as Ps 50:16, “What hast thou to do, to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant into thy mouth?” was suggested, I was all dejection and, perhaps, durst not go upon my knees to pray. I used to think that when any passage of Scripture was impressed with weight upon my mind, it was no other than the voice of God, speaking to me by those words; so that, though the passage, as it stood in the Bible, might be addressed to some other person or case, yet when it was impressed on my heart, I was led to consider it as an address from God to me. Yea, in this manner I used to imagine that God revealed future events to me. If I were praying for the conversion of any person in particular and such a passage as this were impressed on my mind at the time—“In her month they shall find her,” (Jer 2:24)—I concluded that God would, sometime, convert that person: or, if such a passage as this—“Pray not thou for this people,” etc. (Jer 7:16)—I should have concluded that they would not have been converted, and so have left off praying for them. After a while I began to suspect whether this way of taking comfort, or of casting it away, or of judging of future events, and regulating my conduct accordingly, were either of them just or solid. And, in a little time, I perceived that I had no reason given me in Scripture to expect the knowledge of my own state, or of the state of others, or of any future events, by such means. I knew that the prophets and apostles had extraordinary revelations made to them, being divinely inspired to write the Holy Scriptures; but, vision and prophecy being now sealed up (Dan 9:24), and a woe being denounced upon the man that should add or diminish (Rev 22:18), I concluded that we ought not to look for any new revelation of the mind of God, but to rest satisfied with what has been revealed already, in his word. I do not, however, reject all impressions of Scripture passages, provided it be nothing but Scripture truth that is thereby opened to the mind and impressed on the heart. Some of the best times of my life have been through the means of a passage of Scripture. I remember, about twenty-two years

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ago, walking alone in an agony of despair, my guilt appeared too great to be forgiven and my propensities too strong to be overcome. I felt as if there were no hope for me and that I must even go on and perish forever! Here I paused. “What!” thought I, “give up all hope, and plunge myself into the gulf of destruction! How can I bear the thought?” My heart was ready to burst with anguish. I then thought of Job’s resolution: “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” “And why,” thought I, “may I not venture on Christ as a lost sinner, as well as Job did upon his God?” I wept, I prayed, I rolled my guilty and lost soul upon the Lord Jesus. Hope kindled in my breast. The tears of repentance flowed plenteously. My soul cleaved to Christ as the helper of the helpless and seemed united to him as by an indissoluble bond. My load of guilt was removed, and my evil propensities seemed to be slain. From this time, I reckon I first began to be a Christian. Indeed, I did not formerly suspect that I had been carried away by a supposed new revelation; but, seeing my impressions came in the words of Scripture, thought it was only the old revelation applied afresh by the Spirit of God. But, upon examination, I found myself mistaken; for, though the words of Scripture were the means of the impression, yet the meaning of those words, as they stood in the Bible, was lost in the application. For instance: The meaning of Isa 41:10, as it stands in the Bible compared with v. 9, is that the true servants of God have no reason to be dismayed, for that God will strengthen, help, and uphold them in all their afflictions; but, when that passage occurred to my mind, I concluded that God had thereby revealed to me that he was my God, and would uphold me, etc. But this was making it a new revelation as much as if the impression had not been in the words of Scripture; because the meaning which it had before and that which I put upon it were totally distinct. It is a very different thing for God to promise to be the God of his servants and his promising to be my God or your God. It is very true, if I can prove myself to be a servant of God, borne down with fear and dismay, on account of the enemies of my soul, which I have to encounter (as was the case with the children of Jacob there addressed), then I should have just cause to conclude the promise to be mine; but if not, it is not the impression of such a promise that will prove my interest in it. Again: The meaning of Ps 50:16 is that wicked men (such as are described from vv. 17– 22) have no right to engage in teaching God’s word; but it does not follow from thence that, because that passage was impressed upon my mind in going to prayer, I was a wicked man and had no right to draw near to God and take his name into my mouth. To suppose that God then revealed to me that I ought not to take his name into my lips,

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was making it a new revelation and so adding to Scripture; for, except I bore the character there described, the passage speaks no such thing. Again: The meaning of Jer 2:24 is that, let sinners be ever so set upon their lusts, there will come a time when they will be tamed and taken, either by the grace or the judgments of God. Now such a passage as this being impressed on my mind while I was praying for the conversion of one that was unconverted, could afford me no just ground to conclude that God would ever convert such a person rather than another; for, supposing the passage to contain a promise that the persons there spoken of should sometime be stopped by the power of divine grace, it would not follow that this should be the case with the person for whose conversion I was concerned. Once more: Such a passage as Jer 7:16, being impressed upon my mind, afforded me no just ground to conclude that they on whose behalf I was engaged in prayer would never be converted; much less could it justify me in ceasing to pray for them; because, though there might be a particular reason why Jeremiah should not pray for those people, yet it did not follow that the people for whom I prayed were in a similar situation, or that the same reason existed in the one case as in the other. I could record many more such examples. All I say, is, when the truth contained in any passage of Scripture is opened to the mind and impressed upon the heart, this is Christian experience—this is the work of the Spirit; but it is not his work to make any new revelation to the soul of things not proveable from Scripture, which is the case when he is supposed to reveal to us that we are the children of God by suggesting some passage of Scripture to our minds which expresses so much of some other person or persons there spoken of. I have known many ill consequences arising from a dependence on such kind of impressions. Christians have been thereby led into error and misconduct. When they have been at a loss about the path of duty in any particular case, they have had such a passage as this suggested to them—“This is the way, walk ye in it”—and have concluded that that way which they were thinking of at the time such a passage occurred to their minds, must be the way of duty, and so have followed it, but which has often proved to be the wrong way.⁵⁵⁸ From the same cause, I have known Christians thrown into the utmost confusion about their state. A young person was under a heavy affliction. She had this passage (if I remember right) at that time im-

 Isaiah 30:21.

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pressed upon her mind—“Set thine house in order, for thou shalt surely die”— from whence she concluded she should not recover.⁵⁵⁹ A few days after, these words occurred to her: “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God.”⁵⁶⁰ From hence, she must naturally conclude that they could not both be true, nor both come from God; consequently, she must be thrown into confusion about the other parts of her experience and question whether all was not deception. But this is not the worst. I have known great numbers of persons whose conduct gave full proof that they were unconverted men who, nevertheless, lived in hope of being saved at last merely because some text of Scripture had been, at some part of their lives, impressed upon their minds. Indeed, I question if you could find one person in twenty among those who have been accustomed to hear the gospel but who could tell you that some passage of Scripture had been impressed upon their minds and had given them comfort at some period or other in their lives. It is thus that multitudes go down to hell with a lie in their right hand! Do not be alarmed my friend, as if all your experience would thus be undermined. Though you may have rested pretty much on such evidence, I trust you have much better to rest upon. For my own part, I have not been much in doubt as to my soul’s state for these sixteen or eighteen years. The evidence on which I draw the favourable conclusion is a consciousness that I am on the Lord’s side; that I love his character, his government, his gospel, his laws, his people; that the more I know of them, the more I love them; and these are things to which God has promised salvation, all through the Bible. There have been many Scripture promises, as I said before, that have been sweet to my soul, but I am not used to make those promises mine any more than others. If I love Christ in sincerity, all the promises in the Bible which relate to spiritual and eternal blessings are mine; and it is upon the ground of what is promised in those which have never been particularly impressed upon the mind that I build my hopes, as much as upon those that have; for I do not reckon a promise ever the more true or ever the more made to me because I have felt it. To make this plain: A child is heir to an extensive orchard; when the fruit is ripe, he walks into it; he tastes of one tree, and another; some of the trees he likes better than others, because the fruit tastes sweeter; he calls that his tree, whereas they are all his, only all do not taste

 2 Kings 20:1.  John 11:4.

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equally sweet, at the same time, to his palate; perhaps, as he grows up, his taste may change a little and then some which he thought light of will be preferred. I acknowledge that to rest our hopes upon such evidence as I propose—that is, upon a consciousness of our being the subjects of those dispositions to which the Scriptures promise salvation—is not the way to be always happy. If we indulge in secret sin or live in the neglect of known duty or sink into a spirit of conformity to the world or a spirit of Laodicean lukewarmness or be careless as to a close walk with God or attend on ordinances without desire after communion with him—in either of these cases, we shall in a great degree lose our consciousness of love to God and consequently live in fear and bondage. Indeed, it is better that we should live so, than to go about to persuade ourselves that all is well and so settle upon our lees in ungrounded security.⁵⁶¹ Though after all, it is not desirable to live in such bondage, and the way to be delivered from it is to abound in those means which tend to cherish our love to God; for perfect love will cast out fear. I think the above remarks may be of use to you and contain an answer to your request respecting my sermon on Mark 9:2: “Son, be of good cheer,” etc. I am, Your affectionate pastor, A. FULLER

 “Peace, in a spiritually decaying condition, is a soul-ruining; security: better be under terror, on the account of surprisal into some sin, than be in peace under evident decays of spiritual life.” Owen’s Meditations, p. 216. “Look not that the Lord should so far countenance your declinings to a more fleshly careless state, as to smile upon you in such a state: God will not be an abettor to sin. Count upon it, that your grace and peace, your duty and comfort, will rise and fall together. Suspect those comforts that accompany you into the tents of wickedness and forsake you not when you forsake your God.” Rev. Richard Alleine’s Vindicia Pietatis, Part III. p. 299. “It is as impossible, in the nature of things, that a holy and Christian hope should be kept alive, in its clearness and strength, in such circumstances, as it is to keep the light in the room, when the candle is put out; or to maintain the bright sunshine in the air, when the sun is gone down. Distant experiences, when darkened by present prevailing lust and corruption, will never keep alive a gracious confidence and assurance; but that sickens and decays upon it, as necessarily as a little child by repeated blows on the head with a hammer. Nor is it at all to be lamented, that persons doubt of their state in such circumstances; but, on the contrary. It is desirable, and every way best, that they should.” Edwards on the Affections, Part II. p. 87. [Ryland].

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Mr. Fuller’s attention to his pastoral duties is manifested also,⁵⁶² among other things, by the contents of a little book, found since his death, entitled, Families who attend at the Meeting, August 1788. It is added, “A review of these may assist me in praying and preaching.” The members are specified by name, with a short account of each; their particular cases are recorded and their families mentioned. A list is added of those in the congregation whom he thought to be serious persons or under concern about their souls. On viewing this book, we were forcibly reminded of the exhortation of the wise man—Prov 27:23, “Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks”—(if such an application may be allowed) as strikingly exemplified, in a spiritual sense, in Mr. F.’s conduct as a pastor while he had leisure to attend to those duties without interruption. But, after he became engaged in the Mission, its concerns gradually grew to such a magnitude as, in a great measure, to incapacitate him for the due discharge of his other duties, which was frequently a matter of great concern to him. But what could he do? The demands of the Mission were imperious; the powers of man, both mental and corporeal, are limited and, though it may be truly said of him that he “rejoiced in all his labours,” yet his exertions proved greater than nature was able to sustain and he sunk under them into a premature grave. In short, it may be truly said that his whole conduct was regulated by his favourite maxims: “Work while it is day”; “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might.” It is well known that, for several years, Mr. Fuller was accustomed to expound a portion of Scripture every Lord’s-day morning. He observed that the Jews anciently used to read Moses and the Prophets; that our Lord took the book and read a section of Scripture (Luke 4:17) and expounded it of himself; and this is said to have been the method of the primitive churches. He considered that what came directly from the word of God was most safe and came with greater authority. He said he found it advantageous to himself and thought it was so to the people of his charge. His highly respected friend, Mr. Toller, pastor of the Independent church at Kettering, began this practice about the same time, though without any previous intimation from either of them to the other; but, on conversing upon the subject some time afterwards, they discovered a striking coincidence of ideas as to the importance of it. Mr. Fuller began an exposition of the Book of Psalms on the 18th of April 1790; and expounded in succession, Isaiah; Joel; Amos; Hosea; Micah; Nahum; Habakkuk; Zephaniah; Jeremiah; Lamentations; Daniel; Haggai; Zechariah; Malachi; Job; Genesis; Matthew; Luke; John; the Revelation; the Acts of the Apostles; the Epistle to the Romans; and the first Epistle to the Corinthians, as far as Chap. 4:5. Besides the above, he expounded the Proverbs of Solomon, but he did not commit to paper his ideas on this interesting portion of Scripture. Of all the other Expositions, he has left behind him copious notes though, as they are written in shorthand, the advantage to be derived from them must be of very limited extent; as

 Ryland adds “also” to accommodate the inclusion of the above letter.

Appendix

427

also from the outlines of upwards of 2000 Sermons delivered to his own congregation and repeated in many instances, to congregations in different parts of the country.⁵⁶³ The general style and tenour of Mr. Fuller’s preaching is pretty well known. Let it suffice to say here that, as it was abroad, such it was at home. Its great and single object evidently was the glory of God in the advancement of his kingdom in the world, which included, and excited in him, the most earnest desires and endeavours for the good of souls. In his annual addresses to his young friends, delivered on the first Sabbath in the year, he poured forth all his heart or, as the Apostle expresses himself, being affectionately desirous of them, he spake as one who was willing to have imparted to them, not the gospel of God only, but also his own soul, because they were dear unto him, exhorting and charging every one, as a father doth his children.⁵⁶⁴ And it has been observed that, though neither these exercises nor his ordinary labours were attended with all the good effects which his soul so ardently desired, yet they appeared to be remarkably blessed to many young people who, when they came forward in a way of public profession, dated their first serious impressions from these occasions. When the size of the town is considered (containing not more than 3242 inhabitants,⁵⁶⁵ in which was a large Independent congregation with a minister who is most deservedly popular, a congregation of Methodists and, of late years, evangelical preaching in the church), I cannot consider it as an evidence of any defect in Mr. Fuller’s preaching that his stated hearers did not exceed a thousand; and this, though many came from adjacent villages. In the exercise of church discipline he was remarkably faithful and yet tender; and, though of a very decisive character, after having freely stated his own sentiments, he was always ready to listen to those of others, and even to yield up his own private judgment in cases where he did not conceive the cause of righteousness and the honour of religion would be affected. In his administration of the ordinances of baptism and of the Lord’s supper, he was remarkably solemn and tender, and especially at the admission of members. The last time he administered the Lord’s supper, March 22, it will not soon be forgotten with what solemnity he spoke. Though his words were few (he being very ill) many of his friends were much affected, foreboding it would be the last time he would appear among them on such an occasion; as, indeed, it proved. He seemed swallowed up in the thoughts of a crucified, risen, and exalted Redeemer, repeating those lines with peculiar emphasis— “Jesus is gone above the skies,” etc.⁵⁶⁶

 Ryland adds this paragraph to the 1818 edition, likely in the light of access to more of Fuller’s manuscripts and his plan to edit and republish Fuller’s works.  1 Thesselonians 2:8.  Monthly Magazine, Jan, 1, 1816, p. 498. [Ryland].  Isaac Watts, Hymns and Spiritual Songs, in Three Books, vol. 3 (Bungay: C. Brightley, 1801), 225.

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He never seemed to be so much in his element, as when dwelling on the doctrine of the atonement. Like the Apostle Paul, he was determined to know nothing but Christ and him, crucified. This doctrine rejoiced his own soul; and this he used to exhibit to others as of the greatest importance, comprising all the salvation of a needy sinner and all the desire of a newborn soul. Justly and highly as his people prized his ministry, they showed their love to Christ in parting with him very frequently for the good of others, especially of the Heathen afar off; while the same motive alone induced him so often to leave his beloved family and friends, whose welfare he so tenderly regarded and in whose society he was always happy. Had Mr. Fuller’s life been protracted to ever so great a length, he could never have put in execution all the plans he would have laid for attaining his ultimate end; since, as fast as some of his labours had been accomplished, his active mind would have been devising fresh measures for advancing the divine glory and extending the kingdom of Christ. As it was, he certainly did more for God than most good men could have effected in a life longer by twenty years. And while others admired his zeal and activity, he kept a constant watch over his own heart and was perpetually applying to himself the divine interrogation—Did ye do it unto me? ⁵⁶⁷ None who knew him could doubt the singleness and purity of his intention; but, with him, it was a very small thing to be judged of man’s judgment—he well knew that he that judgeth is the Lord. Though conscious of integrity (of which I never saw a stronger evidence in any man of my acquaintance), yet conscious also to himself of unnumbered defects, he cast himself into the arms of the omnipotent Saviour, and died, as he had long lived—“Looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”⁵⁶⁸ Thus may I also live and die, O God my Saviour! Amen! The following Inscription is copied from a Tablet erected by the church and congregation:⁵⁶⁹ In memory of their revered and beloved pastor, The Reverend Andrew Fuller, The church and congregation have erected this tablet. His ardent piety, The strength and soundness of his judgment, His intimate knowledge of the human heart, And his profound acquaintance with the scriptures,

 Matthew 25:40.  Jude 21.  The 1816 edition ends with “finis” and, near the bottom of the page, the printer’s mark: “J. G. Fuller, Kettering” (Ryland [1816], 582). On the following page is an errata list of changes which were successfully made between the 1816 and 1818 edition. The subsequent inscription is not included in the 1816 edition.

Appendix

Eminently qualified him for the ministerial office, Which he sustained amongst them thirty-two years. The force and originality of his genius, Aided by undaunted firmness, Raised him from obscurity To high distinction in the religious world. By the wisdom of his plans, And by his unwearied diligence in executing them, He rendered the most important services To the Baptist Missionary Society; Of which he was the Secretary from its commencement, And to the prosperity of which he devoted his life. In addition to his other labours, His writings are numerous and celebrated, He died May 7, 1815, aged 61.

429

Index of Persons Adam, William 106n53 Adams, Hannah 329 Aikman, John 243, 244n288, 257, 272, 273, 274, 309, 309n430 Allen, John 122 Anderson, Christopher 272, 273, 274, 279, 279n347 Aristides 58n309 Aristotle 58n309 Auld, William 278 Ayer, John 304 – 5 Babcock, Rufus 72 Baker, Moses 284n362 Balfour, Robert 83, 245 Barclay, George 277 Barnes, William 382 Barret, William 143 Barrow, William 283 Bartlett, Phebe 48n256 Baxter, Richard 68 Bazely, William 86 Beddome, Benjamin 86n13 Beddome, John 86 Beecher, Lyman 60n320 Bell, Benjamin 303, 304n423 Bellamy, Joseph 91n27, 118, 136, 220, 300n418 Belsham, Thomas 208 Bentley, James 396 Berridge, John 286, 298 Birley, George 204 Blundell, Thomas 226n250, 402, 407 Bogue, David 42, 239n286 Bonaparte, Napoleon 212 – 3, 271 Booth, Abraham 65, 132n102, 187, 226, 227, 229, 272, 286, 311, 314n438, 328 – 9, 394 Boswell, James 16, 21n100, 57 Boyce, Benjamin 419 Bradbury, Thomas 89 Bradford, John 109 Brainerd, David 2, 5, 9n35, 15 – 6, 17, 18, 19n93, 33, 80, 118, 118n81 Brine, John 89, 90, 90n23, 90n24, 91n26, 92, 117n78, 118, 120, 132n101, 204, 205, 290, 296, 419 Brotherhood, William 374 – 5, 376 https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110634778-007

Broughton, Samuel 50n267 Broughton, Thomas 50n267 Brown, Ebenezer 258, 268, 275 Brown, John 136n110, 419, 420 Brown, John 258n297 Bugg, George 409n547 Bunyan, John 67, 98, 117 – 8, 120, 179, 330 Burford, Samuel 287 Burls, William 365, 376, 405 Burns, Robert 279 Burton, Joshua 226n250 Butler, William 359 Button, William 13 – 14, 30, 205 Byrom, John 317, 318n445 Calamy, Edmund 38n202, 171n142 Calvin, John 169, 416 Campbell, John 238, 259 Campbell, Thomas 317n443 Carey, Dorothy 34, 227 – 30 Carey, Felix 285 Carey, Jabez 285 Carey, William 33 – 4, 51, 63, 71, 80n3, 83, 187n151, 216n211, 223, 223n244, 224 – 5, 226n252, 227 – 30, 232, 272n320, 285n363, 285n366, 299, 321n449, 322, 410 Cecil, Richard 221n237 Chalmers, Thomas 83, 280, 281 Charles II, King 95 Charnock, Stephen 213n200 Chater, Ann 235 Chater, James 235 Chicheley, Thomas 95 Clarke, William 203 Clarkson, David 94n34 Claude, Jean 62n328 Cole, William 143 Coles, Sarah (mother of Andrew Fuller’s second wife, Ann) 47, 361n491, 383, 385 – 6 Coles, William (father of Andrew Fuller’s second wife, Ann) 37n196, 46 – 7, 84, 360 – 2, 361n491, 382 – 5, 386 Collier, William 14n64 Cooke, John 287, 288, 289, 290 Cowper, William 57 Cranmer, Thomas 109n64

Index of Persons

Crawley, George 370 Crisp, Tobias 88n15, 88n16, 296n403 Cromwell, Oliver 38n202, 171n142, 271 Cromwell, Richard 38n202 Cunningham, Eliza 352 Dale, David 245, 259 Davies, Richard 95 Davis, Richard 88 – 9, 296n403 Deacon, Moses 86, 304n425 Diver, Joseph 61, 107, 108, 110, 112, 113, 114, 121, 122, 125, 153, 166 – 7 Doddridge, Phillip 314n437 Dunscombe, Mrs. 401 Dutton, Anne 314n437 Dwight, Tim 221 Dyer, John 44, 278, 279, 280 Eayres, John 226n250 Edward VI, King 109n64 Edwards, John (of Cambridge) 112n70, 120 Edwards, Jonathan (see Subject Index) Edwards, Jonathan Jr. 48n256, 300, 300n418, 301, 304n424 Edwards, Timothy Jr. 74 Emery, John 126, 290 Erskine 224n246, 251, 253 Erskine, Ebenezer 98n41 Erskine, John 98n41, 174n145, 224n246, 239, 243, 251, 253, 308, 308n429, 309n430, 311 Erskine, Ralph 98, 102, 275 Etheridge, Samuel 14n64, 41n220 Evans, Caleb 136, 238n283, 299n416 Evans, Christmas 6n27 Evans, David 143, 287 Evans, Hugh 132n102, 136n109 Evans, John 143 Eve, John 95, 96, 106n53, 107n58, 108 – 9, 110, 112, 125 Ewing, Greville 35n183, 45 – 6, 83n7, 238n280, 238n281, 238n282, 239, 243n287, 244, 245, 273, 275, 276, 279 Fawcett, John 25n123, 308n428 Fellowes, Robert 257n294 Fishwick, Richard 238 Fleming Marjorie 268n313 Fleming, Thomas 268 Fletcher, Joseph 12

431

Foskett, Bernard 86 Foster, John 25, 26n128 Francis, Benjamin 217, 382 Franklin, Benjamin 418 Freestone, Joseph 87n14 Fuller, Andrew Gunton (first son of Andrew and Ann Fuller) 3n16, 66n354, 83n8, 363n493, 371, 372, 373n509 Fuller, Ann (née Coles, Andrew Fuller’s second wife) 11 – 2, 20, 37, 46, 47, 49n264, 256, 274, 308n429, 360 – 3, 364, 371n508, 372n509, 374, 386, 395, 406 Fuller, Bathoni (third daughter of Andrew and Sarah Fuller) 358 Fuller, Benjamin (Andrew Fuller’s nephew) 374n512 Fuller, John (Andrew Fuller’s brother) 94, 374n512, 404 Fuller, John Gardiner (fifth son of Andrew and Sarah Fuller) 14, 49, 373, 408n546 Fuller, John Wallace (Andrew Fuller’s greatnephew) 374n512 Fuller, Joseph (Andrew Fuller’s nephew) 37, 371, 373 – 78 Fuller, Mary (third daughter of Andrew and Sarah Fuller) 40, 380, 407, 317n509 Fuller, Philippa (née Gunton, Andrew Fuller’s mother) 94, 95 Fuller, Robert (third son of Andrew and Sarah Fuller) 18, 36, 37, 47, 318n447, 340, 342, 357, 365 – 70 Fuller, Robert (Andrew Fuller’s brother) 94, 126, 403 Fuller, Robert (Andrew Fuller’s father) 94, 95, 418 Fuller, Robert (Andrew Fuller’s grandfather) 94, 95 Fuller, Sarah (also Sally, first daughter of Andrew and Sarah Fuller) 37, 192, 193, 340 – 54 Fuller, Sarah (née Gardiner, Andrew Fuller’s first wife) 36 – 7, 127, 128, 161, 197, 340, 347, 354 – 8, 371n508 Fuller, Sarah (second daughter of Andrew and Ann Fuller) 47 – 9, 84, 363, 363n494, 371, 371n508, 371n509, 407 Fuller, William Coles (second son of Andrew and Ann Fuller) 363n493, 373n509

432

Index of Persons

Gardiner, Sarah (mother of Andrew Fuller’s first wife, Sarah) 340, 354 Gardiner, Stephen (father of Andrew Fuller’s first wife, Sarah) 340, 354, 355, 359 George III, King 266n308 Gifford, Andrew 86n13, 187 Gifford, Emmanuel 86n13 Gill, John 14, 24, 88n15, 90, 90n23, 90n24, 91n26, 92, 95, 110, 110n68, 118, 118n79, 120, 121n85, 132, 132n101, 132n102, 187n151, 205, 290, 394n527, 419 Glas, John 31n157, 238n280, 243, 258, 303n422, 317n443 Gotch, Thomas 321 Grant, Catherine 284n361 Grant, William 284n361, 311 Gray, Thomas 57 Greenwood, Abraham 90, 225n248, 226n250 Grimshaw, Thomas Shuttleworth 409 Gulliver, John 52 Gunton, Andrew (Andrew Fuller’s grandfather) 94, 95 Gutteridge, Mr. 89 Guy, William 8n32, 132, 132n102, 287 Hague, William 267 Haldane, James 32n161, 35, 42, 46, 83n7, 238n280, 238n282, 239, 243, 244n288, 272n320, 273, 273n325, 273n326, 274, 279n347, 309n430, 317n443 Haldane, Robert 32n161, 35, 42 – 6, 83n7, 238n280, 238n282, 239, 243, 244, 257, 258, 260, 268, 272n320, 273n324, 273n326, 275, 278, 279n347, 281 Hall, Jane 407n545 Hall, John 420 Hall, John Keen 407, 409 Hall, Mary 407n545 Hall, Robert Jr. 12, 12n55, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21n101, 38, 49, 50, 70, 74, 76, 173, 177, 180 192, 372n509, 373n509, 384, 407n544, 407n545, 409 Hall, Robert Sr. 9, 10, 51, 54, 55, 56, 80n3, 91n27, 111 – 2, 112n70, 118, 119, 120, 126, 128, 132, 134, 135, 136, 143, 172, 175, 177, 182, 184, 193, 209, 216n211, 220, 293, 294, 402n536, 407n545 Harcus, John 278 Harrison, Edward 86 Hart, Honour 94, 95

Hart, Robert 94, 95 Hasseltine, Ann 285n366 Hastings, Warren 215n205 Haweis, Thomas 87n14 Hayley, William 57n308 Heighton, William 226n250 Hennell, Robert 420 Hervey, James 361n491 Hill, Roland 317n443 Hinton, James 283, 403, 409 Hobson, Samuel 361n491 Hogg, Reynold 226n250, 409 Holcroft, Francis 94 – 5 Hope, Maria 13, 23n112 Hopkins, Samuel 38n202, 49, 58n315, 65, 68n365, 118n81, 187, 300n418, 304 Hopper, Richard 132, 132n102, 192 Horsley, Samuel 415 Howard, John 418 Howe, John 38, 38n202, 110n68, 110n69, 171 Hughes, Joseph 238n283 Hunt, John 313, 314n437 Huntingdon, William 313 Husband, James 275n331 Hussey, John 122n88 Hussey, Joseph 88n16, 89n18, 90n24 Hutchinson, Abigail 37n192, 48 Innes, William 44, 238n282, 243, 244n288, 258, 273, 274 Innocent III, Pope 58n309 Ivimey, Joseph 317n442 Jackson, Alvery 90 James, Isaac 407 Jamieson, John 243, 298n414, 299n415 Jarman, John 397 Jenyns, Soame 241, 242 Jerram, Charles 211n191 Johnson, John 90, 117, 122, 123 Johnson, Samuel 1, 57, 72 Josephus 167 Josiah, Captain James 322 Judson, Adoniram 285 Junius 266 Keach, Benjamin 86n13 Keate, George 226n251 Kentish, John 210 Kerr, Dr. William 342n466, 395 – 6, 404

Index of Persons

Kiffin, William 394n527 King, Thomas 223n244 Kinghorn, Joseph 327n458 Kitterel, Peter 86n13 Knollys, Hanserd 90n24 Latimer, Hugh 58n309, 109n64 Lauterbach, Anton 57 Leighton, Robert 325 Lindsay, James 91n27 Lindsey, Theophilus 208 Lister, James 270 Locke, John 120n83 Lofts, John 143 Luther, Martin 57n308, 169 Lydiat, Thomas Troughton 348 MacFarlane, John 275n331 Macgowan, John 394 Mack, John 40, 402, 403 Maidwell, John 419 Malden, Joan 95 Malden, John 95 Malden, Mary 95 Manton, Thomas 92n28 Marchman, Hannah 284n361 Mardon, Richard 235n271 Marshman, Joshua 13, 272n321, 274, 308n428 Martin, John 65, 121, 207 Mary Tudor, Queen 58n309, 109n64, 340 Mason, John 381 Mason, William 16, 51 Maurice, Matthias 89 Mayle, Martin 206n179 McCulloch, Robert 281 McCulloch, William 281n351 McDowell, Benjamin 317 McGill, William 277n338, 299n415 McLean, Archibald (also MacLean) 4, 31n157, 32n161, 33n167, 36, 43, 238, 239, 243, 253, 259, 268, 274, 286, 308n429, 312n434, 313, 315, 319, 329n461, 330 – 1, 339 McLeod, Alexander 279, 280, 326 Medley, Samuel 270n317 Melanchthon, Philipp 58n309, 169 Milway, Thomas 419 Moore, Eleanor 285n364 Moore, William 285n364

433

Moreton, George 136, 420 Morris, John Webster (see Subject Index) Morton, William 90n20, 204n172 Needham, John 407n545 Newman, William 375, 376n514 Newton, John 91n27, 112n70, 229, 240, 266, 322n451, 352 Nichols, William 270 North, Frederick 242 Oddy, Joseph 95 Oughterson, Arthur 277n339 Oughterson, John Steel 277 Overton, John 257, 414 Owen, John 94n34, 189, 195, 196, 200, 203, 235, 282, 317n442 Paine, Thomas 301 Parry, Edward 215n204 Patient, Thomas 317n442 Pearce, Samuel 9, 10, 33, 38, 80n3, 216 – 7, 223, 226, 226n250, 228, 233, 238, 245, 267, 276n335, 307, 308, 308n429, 396 – 7 Pearce, Sarah 33 Penman, James F. 280n348 Penman, Richard 280 Pentycross, Thomas 92n29 Perry, Joseph 187n151 Peto, Morton 54n289 Phillips, Thomas 342n466 Pilley, Thomas 287, 290 Pope, Alexander 58 Potts, Thomas 223n244 Pratt, Josiah 221n237 Priestly, Joseph 30, 208 Radford, Sarah 223n244 Ralston, Robert 322, 323 Ramftler, Christian Frederick 276 Ridley, Nicholas 109n64 Rippon, John 13 – 4, 132, 229, 238, 365n496, 373n509 Robinson, Robert 62n328, 134, 136, 293, 295 Robinson, Sarah (née Barnett) 235 Robinson, Thomas 216 Robinson, William 235, 285 Rowe, John 284, 285, 400 Rowe, Sarah 284n362 Rush, Benjamin 322n450

434

Index of Persons

Rutherford, Samuel 91n27 Ryland, Elizabeth (née Tyler, John Ryland, Jr.’s first wife) 297n409, 341 – 2 Ryland, Frances (née Barrett, John Ryland, Jr.’s second wife) 342n465 Ryland, John Collett 51n272, 86n10, 90n24, 132, 143n130, 187n151, 204n172, 226, 309n430 Ryland, Jonathan Jr. (see Subject Index) Ryland, John Tyler (John Ryland, Jr.’s first son) 297n409 Ryland, Jonathan Edwards (John Ryland, Jr.’s second son) 25n123 Saffery, John 44, 53, 55 Saffery, Maria Grace 49n261, 53 Sandeman, Robert 31n157, 32, 43n227, 212, 243, 245, 251, 258, 303, 303n422, 308n429, 317n443, 320, 322, 339 Scott-Waring, John 215 Scott, Alexander John 278n341 Scott, James 409n547 Scott, John 174, 278 Scott, Thomas 322 Selina, Countess of Huntingdon 87n14, 92 Sharman, Edward 226n250 Short, Catherine (née Plackett) 229 Short, Charles 229n260 Skepp, John 90n20, 90n23, 90n24, 204n172 Smalley, John 91n27, 112n70 Smith, Richard 90n23 Smyth, Thomas 215n206 Speare, Robert 269 Spring, Samuel 300 Staples, P. K. 143 Staughton, William 226n250 Steadman, William 276, 277, 278, 279 Steed, Robert 90n24 Stennett, Edward 86n12 Stennett, Joseph 86, 90, 226, 318 Stennett, Joseph II 86n12 Stennett, Joseph IV 86n12 Stennett, Samuel 86n12, 226n252, 394n527 Stevenson, Friend 95 Stevenson, Philippa 95 Stockell, Samuel 122 Stuart, Charles 119n82, 215, 238, 239, 243, 308, 397 Stuart, Charles 3n16, 12n55, 14, 20n95, 21, 23n112, 70, 83, 95, 245, 246, 268, 269,

270, 272, 273, 274, 275, 279, 279n347, 308n429, 309n430, 311, 335 Sutcliff, Daniel 396 Sutcliff, John 52, 53, 55, 67, 80, 80n3, 91n27, 118, 132, 143, 177, 184, 187, 192, 217, 223, 224, 225, 226n250, 227, 235n271, 239n285, 243, 245, 272n320, 274, 283, 285n364, 286, 312, 324, 327, 329, 395, 396, 397, 399, 400, 401, 402, 404, 416, 417 Symonds, Joshua 9, 143, 172 Taylor, Abraham 118, 121 Taylor, Daniel 30, 204, 204n172, 206 – 207 Terry, William 419 Thomas, John 34, 226, 227 – 30, 233 – 5, 299, 394 Thomas, Joshua 205n178 Thomas, Margaret (née Parr) 228, 230 Thompson, James 274 Tillotson, John 94n34 Timms, Joseph 226n250 Toller, Thomas 21, 70, 180, 372n509, 408n546 Toller, Thomas Northcote 408, 409, 410 – 12, 419, 426 Toplady, Augustus 92 Toulmin, Joshua 210, 242 Trinder, Martha 341 – 42 Tussaud, Marie 273n322 Tweltree, Robert 296 Twining, Richard 215n204 Twining, Thomas 215, 282 Twisse, William 110n68 Vidler, William

31, 211, 211n188

Wales, William 65 Walker, John 286, 317, 319, 320, 321 Wallis, Beeby 132, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 181, 183, 197, 419 Wallis, Martha 34, 190, 197n158, 226 Wallis, Thomas 132n101, 419, 420 Wallis, William 132n101, 419 Wallis, William II 419 Walpole, Robert 239 Ward, Archer 238n279 Ward, William 13, 55, 70, 308 Wardlaw, Ralph 83, 258, 260, 275

Index of Persons

Watt, Dr. James 32n161, 245, 246, 254, 260, 308n429 Watts, Isaac 24n120, 37, 107, 116, 141n125, 153, 179, 285n363, 341, 358n484, 372n509, 406n541, 427n566 Wayman, Lewis 89, 296 Wesley, Charles 199n161 Wesley, John 92n28, 199n161 West, John 143, 358, 359n487 West, Stephen 13, 60n320, 300 Whitefield, George 239n285, 281, 299 Whitfield, Charles 243 Wickes, Benjamin 237, 322 Wilberforce, William 20n95, 210, 211, 257n294, 414n551

Wills, John 419 Wilson, Henry 226n251 Wilson, John 420 Wilson, William 278 Winchester, Elhanan 31, 211n188 Withers, Philip 205, 206 Witherspoon, John 279 Woodman, Isaac 359n488 Wren, Christopher 317n441 Yates, William

284

Zanchius, Jerome 92n28 Zwingli, Ulrich (= Zuinglius)

169

435

Subject Index Aaron, biblical figure 163, 173, 387 Aberdeen 238n283, 268, 272, 274, 275, 280 Abergavenny 400 ability, moral (see also inability, moral) 119, 121, 146 ability, natural (see also inability, natural) 22 – 3, 92n27, 92n29, 287 Abraham, biblical figure 248, 365 Abraham, covenant with 259 Absalom, biblical figure 305 – 6, 367 Act of Toleration 86n11 Act of Uniformity 38n202, 171n142 action, human 1, 5, 116, 119, 168, 207n181, 295 – 6 Adam, biblical figure 146, 148, 150, 263, 419, 91 adultery 110n68, 291, 336 – 7, 417 affection, familial 24, 37, 47, 94, 111n69, 341, 366, 371n509, 379, 381, 386, 388 affection, religious 2 – 7, 10, 12n56, 22, 23, 26, 32, 32n161, 37n192, 48, 98, 99, 100, 168, 186, 196, 243, 245 – 6, 253, 308, 312n434, 331, 332, 334, 335, 362n491 agency – divine 248 – moral 333 Ahab, biblical figure 134 Ahasuerus, biblical figure 252 Alnwick 271, 272, 280 Amboyna 285n363 American Baptist Magazine 72 American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions 285n366 American Civil War 374n512 American Declaration of Independence 322n450 Amnon, biblical figure 110n68, 306 angels 160, 175, 248, 249, 255, 310n431, 365 Antiburghers 243, 244n288 Antinomianism 4, 24n118, 28, 32, 39n207, 88, 92, 93, 147, 155n134, 201, 214, 221, 240, 293, 296n403, 300n418, 313, 416 Antipaedobaptists 267 apostates 308, 333 apostles, the (see also disciples) 9n35, 43n232, 91, 121, 148, 158, 160, 176, 255, 264, 421 https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110634778-008

Arbroath 280 Arianism 87, 117 Arminianism 24n118, 86, 87, 88n15, 89, 92, 110n68, 115n76, 119, 147, 155n134, 201, 204, 204n173, 205, 206, 240, 293, 300n418, 303n422, 315, 318, 324, 329n461 army – British 127, 366, 368 – Christian 283, 290 – French 127 Arnsby 91n27, 111, 118, 119, 126, 128, 175, 182, 186, 190, 193, 420 arts, the 242 Asia 176, 255 atheism 116 – 7 Athens 318 atonement – doctrine of 9, 31, 39, 39n207, 47, 48, 88n15, 148, 200, 213, 235, 236 – 7, 242, 259, 263, 300, 300n418, 310, 314, 319, 328, 338, 388, 391, 392, 404, 412, 417, 427 – Jewish day of 263 authority, human 255, 304 authority, scriptural 31, 127, 146, 426 awakening, religious 49 Ayr 269, 277 Baal, biblical figure 156 Babylonian empire 265 Bamff 280 Bangladesh 235n271 baptism, practice of (see also paedobaptism) 35, 85, 94, 106, 125, 149, 177, 259, 261, 273n325, 284n362, 285n366, 320, 325, 375, 380, 384, 415, 419, 427 Baptist Academy at Bristol (= Bristol Academy) 8, 13, 25n123, 49, 80n3, 86n13, 132n102, 136n109, 205n178, 216n211, 217n212, 226n250, 272n320, 283n360, 284n361, 284n362, 285n364, 299n416, 307, 308, 308n428, 373 – 4, 377, 402n536, 407n543, 407n545 Baptist Annual Register 132n102 Baptist Fund (= Particular Baptist Fund) 127, 224

Subject Index

Baptist Magazine 87n14, 103n49, 221 Baptist Missionary Society (= BMS) 4, 13, 21, 33 – 4, 36, 40, 42, 44, 46, 49, 51, 52, 54, 60, 63 – 4, 67, 70, 80n3, 83, 84, 132n101, 155n133, 216n211, 223 – 33, 235, 238, 239, 257, 267, 271, 272, 272n321, 273n326, 276n335, 277n337, 278, 279, 279n347, 281, 282, 283, 283n360, 284n361, 285n363, 285n366, 299, 299n415, 307n427, 308, 308n428, 308n429, 309n430, 317n442, 324, 327, 361n491, 364, 365n496, 394n528, 395, 397n533, 398, 401, 402n536, 403, 405n538, 407n543, 409n547, 426, 429 Baptist Register 238 Baptist Society for Promoting the Gospel in Ireland 318n446, 359n487 Baptist Union (= Particular Baptist Union) 279n347, 283n360, 293n360, 405n538 Baptists 31, 34, 272, 43n232, 90, 231, 277, 317, 324, 361, 400, 415, 419, 420 – English 35, 70, 87, 169, 239, 254, 260, 261, 270n317, 299n416 – General 87, 204n172, 205, 211n188 – Johnsonian 117n78 – New Connection 87, 92, 92n29, 204n172, 204n173, 204n174 – Particular 5, 13, 67, 85 – 7, 211n188, 239n285, 300n418, 301n419, 313n435, 394n527 – persecution of 86n11 – Scotch (= Scots, Scottish) 32, 35, 43, 187n151, 212, 238n280, 239, 243, 246, 254, 258, 260 – 61, 268, 269, 270n317, 278, 308n429, 311, 312n434, 313, 397n532 Barnabas, biblical figure 71, 192, 228, 412 Barton 270, 271 Barton-on-the-Humber 241, 256 Bathsheba, biblical figure 137 Baxterianism 416 beauty 9, 72, 160, 294, 298 Bedford 228, 240 Beith 278 belief, Christian (see also Christ, belief in) 48, 65, 246, 252, 308, 322 belief, nature of 335 – 6 believer, Christian 3, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12n56, 17, 92, 94, 97, 157, 199, 247, 248, 335, 337, 389, 392n526

437

Bengal 215n205, 226, 235n271 Bengali (language) 239, 240, 242, 307n427 Benjamites 156 Bentley 374 Bernard’s Rooms 273 Berwick 272, 280 Berwick-upon-Tweed 272 Bhutan 235n271 Bible Society 276n335, 282, 405n538 Bible Society at Philadelphia 322n450 Bible, the (see Scripture) Biblical Magazine (see also Theological and Biblical Magazine) 28n145, 42, 53, 75n408, 221 bigotry 325 biography (see also life-writing) – as a genre 1 – characteristics of 1, 10 – Christian 1 – chronology, as an aspect of 1 – correspondence, as basis for 1 – definition of 5n24 – development of 1 – diary, as basis for 1 – didactic aims of 1 – 2 – documentary 20 – eighteenth-century 1, 3, 16, 38, 51 – evangelical 1 – 2, 51 – literary 57 – 8, 64, 71 – modern 1 – popular 1 – significance of 1 – spiritual 5, 10, 21, 59 – testimony, as basis for 1 Birmingham 80n3, 115n76, 210n185, 216n211, 223, 223n243, 223n244, 224, 226, 241, 307n427, 400, 401, 405 bishops 255 blessing, divine 18, 37, 47, 88, 102, 107, 127, 136, 195, 196, 198, 209, 214n203, 236, 237, 298, 306, 307, 310, 322, 323, 336, 338, 340, 360, 363, 370, 376, 383, 386, 387, 388, 406, 420, 424, 427 born again 148, 252 Boston 323 Bourn 241 Bradford 276 Braybrook Church 286, 304 – 5 Brazil 369 Brechin 269

438

Subject Index

Brigg 241, 270 Bristol 72, 80, 86, 132n102, 136, 226, 238, 238n283, 285, 286, 299n415, 307, 308, 354, 355, 368, 373, 375, 376, 400, 407 Bristol Academy (see Baptist Academy at Bristol) Bristol Education Society 327n458, 375 Bristol Theological Magazine 54 Britain 237 British and Foreign Bible Society 13n59, 20n95, 84, 238n283, 272n321, 396n531 Broadmead 226, 238 Broadmead Baptist Church 13, 49, 86, 87n13, 132n102, 136n109, 217n212, 226, 238n283, 299n416 Burghers 244n288, 245, 258n297, 260, 268, 273, 274, 276, 278 Burma 235n271, 285n366 Burnt Island 268 Calcutta 235n271, 285n363, 308n428 Calvary 153 Calvinism 4, 39, 86, 87, 90, 201, 204, 208, 210, 303n422, 315, 318, 329, 415, 416 – English 303n422 – evangelical 6, 36, 132n102, 239n285 – false 22 – 3, 27, 92, 93, 96, 110n68, 118, 127, 155n134, 168, 175, 201, 209 – high (= Hyper-Calvinism) 5, 22 – 4, 29 – 30, 64, 65, 88n15, 88n16, 89n18, 90, 103n49, 112n70, 115, 118, 119, 204n172, 287n376, 296n403, 318, 416 – moderate 87, 90n23, 416 – strict 91n27, 328n460, 416 Cambridge 94, 95, 120, 134, 136, 173, 184, 376, 384, 419 Canada 279n345 candour 82, 324, 325n455, 413 Canon Street Baptist Church 80n3, 216n211, 219, 307n427 Carlisle 277 Carter Lane Baptist Church 13, 21n101, 132n102, 180n149, 365n496, 405n538, 419 Catholicism (see Roman Catholicism) Ceylon (= Sri Lanka) 13, 235n271 charity 16, 152, 253, 305 Charlestown 14n64 Cheltenham 401, 403, 404 Chesterfield 276

China 242 Christ (see also Jesus) 27, 47, 48, 85, 110n68, 120, 121, 140, 241, 253, 263, 271, 291, 310, 337, 351, 369, 408, 412 – acceptance of 90n20, 104, 204n172, 253, 336, 340, 380, 382, 388 – and children 37, 340, 343, 344, 363 – application to 116, 213, 296, 302, 303, 370 – as Lamb of God 235, 254, 388, 393 – as Redeemer 48, 91n26, 177, 363, 373n509, 392, 427 – as sacrifice 310 – as Saviour 9, 10, 15, 28, 102, 103, 104, 147, 153, 154, 161, 178, 200, 236, 237, 266, 302, 316, 378, 381, 387, 388, 392, 396, 400, 404, 406, 428 – as shepherd 163, 182 – as Son of David 344 – as Son of God 116, 117, 122, 146, 148, 149, 153, 155n133, 160, 169, 213, 242, 254, 302, 310n431, 322, 380, 388, 389, 391, 392, 412 – as Son of man 114, 383 – as the great physician 172, 302, 381 – as the Word of God 122 – atonement of (see atonement, doctrine of) – beauty of 212, 249, 388, 417n554 – belief in (see also belief, Christian) 29, 88 – 9, 91, 103, 148 – 9, 203, 204, 207n181, 212, 248, 252, 254, 264, 290, 296, 315, 316, 318, 319, 320, 322, 329, 330, 333, 361n491, 385, 389, 396, 402, 404, 406, 408 – birth of 116, 117, 254 – blood of 87 – 8, 153, 237, 338, 380, 383, 388 – cause of 4, 29, 34, 177, 182, 197n158, 203, 299, 299n416, 361n491, 394, 419 – cross of (see also cross, doctrine of) 63, 104, 203, 237, 264, 300n418, 352, 391, 411 – crucifixion of 375, 383, 391, 427, 428 – death of 39, 88, 103, 198, 212, 213, 236, 255, 296, 300n418, 310, 311, 314, 370, 372n509, 380, 384, 388, 391, 400 – desire for 249, 388 – divinity of 9, 24, 116 – 7, 122, 146, 310 – faith in 106, 302, 322 – 3, 337, 369, 370, 392, 417n554, 422 – fellowship with 152, 174, 180

Subject Index

– fulness of 158, 160 – glory of 145, 151, 250 – grace of 102, 123, 150 – holiness of 120 – humanity of 24, 116 – 7, 122, 148, 254 – image of 3, 6 – incarnation of 117, 122, 213, 254, 391, 392 – kingdom of 63, 139, 142, 145, 150, 172, 173, 174, 175, 178, 394, 428 – knowledge of 319, 336 – love of 9n35, 152, 178, 181, 203, 248, 290, 298, 308, 321, 344, 368n503, 380, 392, 428 – mediation of 91n26, 160, 314, 382, 392 – mercy of 157, 163, 173, 286n367, 314, 344, 378, 388, 411 – merits of 286, 309 – 10 – name of 149, 298, 380, 382, 388, 389 – obedience of 212, 310 – pre-existence of 117, 254 – presence of 9, 143 – rejection of 150, 214n203, 338 – resurrection of 148, 319, 391, 427 – righteousness of 121, 149, 336, 338 – second coming of 150, 187n151, 385 – soul of 116 – 7, 122, 177, 314 – Spirit of 9 – suffering of 162, 177, 314 – temptation of 172 – union with 9, 11, 253, 335, 337, 422 – victory of 378 – will of 212, 248 – worship of 293n392 – yoke of 135, 160, 191, 377 Christian Herald 17n80, 20n95, 83 Christianity 241, 262, 280, 319, 365, 381, 384 – apostolic 317n443 – defence of 266 – denominations of 42, 43, 82, 85, 90, 117n78, 142, 198, 201, 221n239, 231, 243n287, 244n288, 256, 281, 313, 410, 411, 420 – evangelical (see evangelicalism) – enemies of 282 – importance of 283 – personal 375 – primitive 160, 168 – propagation of (see missions) – relief 245, 272, 278 – true 157

439

– vital 410 Christians 5, 20, 28, 43n232, 305, 313n435, 387 – as children of God 149, 251, 351, 423 – primitive 157, 194, 196 – rational 210 – serious 307, 320 – true 252 Christmas 286n367, 375 Christology 24 Church, Baptist 54 Church, Independent 32n161, 42, 83n7, 85, 88, 94, 95, 106n53, 112, 118n79, 174n145, 238n282, 239n286, 245, 258, 259, 277, 278, 280, 281, 287n376, 309n430, 408, 415, 419, 426, 427 Church of England 38n202, 171n142, 216n208, 414, 415, 416 Church of Ireland 317n443, 318 Church of Scotland 31n157, 83n7, 238, 243, 244n288, 275 – 6, 279n345 church, the 23 – 4, 237, 255, 315, 319, 320, 323, 411 – apostolic 320 – as hospital 171 – communion 142, 149, 161, 261, 321, 324, 361n491 – Establishment 277, 409, 414 – 5 – evangelical 279 – government of (see government, church) – history of 2, 168 – 9 – primitive 149, 220, 426 – true 414 Circus (location in Edinburgh) 219, 239, 243 civilization, human 242 clergy 267, 280 – evangelical 257 Clipston 40, 51, 52, 183, 184, 223n242, 225, 402 common sense 110n68, 289 communion, Christian 149, 161, 261, 321, 324, 361n491 condemnation 320 Congregationalism 83n7, 238n280, 238n282, 280n348, 285n366, 300n418 conscience 25, 48, 97, 100, 101, 129, 132, 140, 144, 145, 147, 159, 231, 239n286, 288, 316, 342, 353, 361n491, 371n509, 380, 384, 411, 413 consolation 9, 145, 160, 200, 234, 408

440

Subject Index

conversion – of Jews 265 – to Christianity 4, 22, 52, 63, 92, 99n44, 114 – 5, 125, 162, 188, 191, 192, 213, 261, 312n434, 322, 342, 420, 421, 423, 427 – true 188n152 Cork 368 corruption 168, 306, 307, 388, 392n526, 425n561 courage 241, 312 covenant, divine 147 – 8, 158, 178, 188, 201, 310, 421 covetousness 198, 306, 385 creation 116, 158 Crieff 279 Cripplegate 419 cross, doctrine of (see also Christ, cross of) 382, 385 Cupar 268, 280, 281 Dacca (= Dhaka) 235n271 Dairsie 281 Dalkeith 258, 273 Daniel, biblical figure 265, 307 David, biblical figure 107, 110, 137 – 8, 174, 241, 306, 307, 347, 353, 378, 417 David, pseudonym 332, 334, 335, 337 De Coetlogon’s Theological Miscellany 221 deacons 54, 126, 132, 141n124, 223n244, 255, 260, 270n318, 405n538, 407n545 – at Kettering 112, 114, 132n101, 136, 197, 226n250, 420 dead, resurrection of 149 decline, religious (= spiritual) 5, 6, 22, 87n14, 162, 184, 200, 218, 415 Deism 64, 65, 82, 155n134, 210, 229n26, 301n419 depravity, human 32, 88, 161, 186, 214, 271, 287 – 9, 291 – 2, 353, 384, 385, 388 Derby 395 desires, human 137 – 8, 156, 159, 191, 306 devil, the 117, 148 devils 211, 213, 214, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249 diligence 285 Dingwall 280 disciples, of Jesus (see also apostles), 264, 311, 418 discipline – Christian 273n325, 311, 318

– church (see also Morris, bankruptcy of) 243, 255, 320, 383, 397n532, 416 – 7, 427 – military 312 – personal 1 Dissenters 34, 127, 198, 240, 257, 339, 409, 414, 415, 416 Dives, biblical figure 248 doctrine – Christian 1, 2, 9, 16, 22, 50, 88, 98, 132, 255, 271, 304, 308 – reformed 120n83 – Trinitarian 116n77 Downs, the 229 – 30 Dublin 286, 317, 317n442, 318, 319, 320, 382 Dumfries 269, 277 Dunbar 280 Dundee 238n282, 258, 259, 268, 274, 275, 280 Dundee Missionary Society 274n330 Dunfermline 275 Dunkeld 279n347 Dunstable 54 – 5, 287, 289, 290 Durham 243, 284 duty 296 – 7, 379, 425n561 – Christian 22 – 3, 92, 144 – 5, 154, 180, 199, 300, 423 – moral 92, 109 – 10, 149, 207n181, 246, 249 – 50, 291, 293 – 6, 320, 323, 331, 332, 336, 417n554 – of faith 316, 333, 392 East India (see also East Indies; India) 198n159 East India Company 215n204, 215n205, 226n251, 227, 228, 231, 281, 283, 284 – Charter for the Toleration of Christian Missionaries in India 283, 284n361, 400 East Indies (see also East India; India) 155n133, 174, 230, 231 East, the 84 Eclectic Review 25n123, 72, 74, 75, 286, 324, 330 Edinburgh 42, 44, 95, 219, 220, 238, 239, 243, 244, 245, 257, 258, 267, 268, 272, 273, 274, 279, 280, 281, 315, 330, 389, 397 Edinburgh Missions (= Missionary) Society 42, 83n7, 238n282, 239, 239n286 Edwards, Jonathan 2 – 3, 4 – 5, 6, 7, 9n35, 10, 12n56, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19n93, 24, 33, 35,

Subject Index

38, 38n201, 48 – 9, 58n315, 59, 65, 68n365, 80, 91n27, 112n70, 118, 118n81, 119, 120, 174n145, 199, 239n285, 301n419, 309n430, 404 – influence on Fuller 4, 7, 7n28, 16n77, 33n167, 66, 99n44, 111 – 12, 163, 167, 168, 174, 175, 194, 195, 296, 304n424 – theology of 2, 3, 4, 36, 50, 99n44, 168, 287, 304 Elba 213 elders 85, 160, 255, 419 election, doctrine of 87 – 8, 117, 120, 123, 147, 148, 214, 289, 300n418, 314, 329, 379 Elgin 280 Eli, biblical figure 306, 347 Elisha, biblical figure 139, 209 emotion 1, 3, 148, 179, 186, 411, 418 empiricism, rational (see also rationality) 301 England 13n59, 34, 81, 211, 223n244, 226n252, 232, 233, 258, 259, 271, 272, 300n418, 415 – West of 231 enlightenment 3, 101, 159 Enlightenment, the 1, 301n419 Enoch, biblical figure 158 enthusiasm, religious 2, 4, 5, 51n272 Ephraim, biblical figure 156, 379 Episcopalianism 85n9, 120, 257, 324 epistemology 33n167 epistles, the 146, 210, 426 error 4, 6, 35, 40, 57, 64, 70, 73, 81, 85, 201, 246, 293, 332, 370, 393, 411, 423 Essex 231, 284, 401 Esther, biblical figure 103 eternity (see also life, eternal) 48, 138, 141, 147, 149, 150, 164, 166, 177, 182, 192, 289, 307, 335, 380, 382, 391, 394, 404, 405, 407, 408, 411 Europe 270 – 1, 282 Evangelical Magazine 31, 41, 53, 95, 119n82, 211, 212, 221, 287n375 evangelicalism (see also Christianity, evangelical) 278, 324, 391, 410, 413, 427 evangelists, four 210 evangelization (see missions) Eve, biblical figure 148, 263 Everton 298 evidence – of belief 322, 323, 330 – of Christ’s divinity 264

441

– of – of – of – of – of – of – of evil

conversion 4 – 5, 380 divine grace 59 integrity 428 love to God 235 piety 191, 340 religious affection 12, 26 salvation 28, 37, 192, 199, 424, 425 1, 24, 108, 110, 111, 116, 117, 123, 147, 154, 156, 157, 165, 179, 190, 200, 248, 250, 287, 288, 289, 291, 292, 295, 306, 307, 315, 319, 321, 331, 332, 381, 383, 400, 403, 408, 422 excellence, moral 36, 149, 253, 333, 335 exercise, moral 333, 338 experience – human 1, 20, 56, 110, 112, 132, 214, 232, 234, 247, 383, 384, 388, 404 – religious 20, 26, 81, 96, 152, 156, 157, 181, 198, 335, 353, 384, 423, 424 Ezekiel, biblical figure 142

faith

32, 214, 253, 293, 294 – 5, 332 – 3, 334 – 5, 384, 387 – act of 213 – and works 110n68, 207n181, 246 – 7, 254, 263, 286n367, 292, 320, 321, 331 – as rational 146, 147 – Christian 2, 22, 88, 91, 97, 119, 120 – 21, 161, 212, 242, 245 – 9, 251, 303, 316, 320, 329, 331, 334, 338, 393, 417n554 – active 246, 252 – definition of 32, 296 – in God 323 – moral efficacy of 253, 333 – nature of 332 – 4, 336 – object of 32 – passive 88n15, 213n200, 254 – rule of 145 – saving 4, 31 – 2, 320 Fakenham 403 fall, of humankind 110n69, 146, 147 fasting 52, 112, 115, 125, 137, 138, 140, 144, 173, 174, 193, 196, 197, 311n433, 360, 367 fear 37, 154, 163, 170, 172, 175 – 6, 189, 205, 206, 334, 350 – 51, 353, 358, 369, 371n509, 421, 422, 425 – of God 127, 131, 132, 151, 161, 177, 250, 306, 341, 353, 379 – of evil 408 feet, washing of 255

442

Subject Index

forbearance 97n39, 111, 255, 384 forgiveness – divine 47, 101 – 2, 196, 237, 253, 310, 416 – 7 – of sin 17, 23, 92, 102, 106, 196, 199, 213, 252, 253, 310, 314, 322, 335, 337 – 8, 344, 349n477, 369 – 70, 379, 380, 392n526, 406 Forth, Firth of 258, 268, 275 free will, human 314 freedom, human 88n15 Frome 315 Fuller, Andrew – and family life 100 – and Jonathan Edwards (see Edwards, Johnathan, influence on Fuller) – and Judaism 262 – 6 – and prayer 29, 47, 67, 97n39, 99, 100, 105, 110, 114, 121, 126, 128 – 33, 138 – 40, 144, 152, 153, 157 – 9, 162 – 5, 172 – 7, 179, 180, 183, 185, 186, 188, 194, 196, 201 – 2, 233, 234, 235, 256, 257, 261, 268, 298, 311n433, 316, 318 – 9, 320 – 21, 342 – 4, 347, 351, 352, 353, 358, 360, 365 – 6, 369, 378, 383, 385, 393, 396, 397, 399, 407, 409, 421, 422, 423, 426 – and theological controversies 5, 6, 14, 21, 23, 24, 28 – 33, 53, 60, 61, 64 – 6, 81, 93, 117 – 21, 122 – 3, 155, 182, 201 – 4, 206, 207 – 12, 215 – 6, 246, 286, 293, 293 – 7, 302 – 3, 313, 319, 328, 338 – 9, 412 – 3, 414 – 7 – and women 106 – 7, 237, 273 – and young people 38, 115, 173, 175, 176, 179, 181, 191, 192, 196, 197, 237, 286, 298, 306 – 7, 308, 325, 326, 348, 351, 379, 381 – 2, 387 – 8, 389 – 90, 423 – 4, 427 – as Gaius 211 – baptism of 61, 106 – birth of 94 – calmness of 181, 185, 197, 267, 344, 353, 355, 385, 396, 397, 405 – 7 – character of 7, 18, 21, 22, 46 – 7, 61, 66 – 9, 72 – 5, 76, 81 – 2, 142, 178, 179, 410 – 11 – confession of faith 24n118, 25 – 6, 143, 144, 145 – 50 – conversion of 21, 23, 101 – 3, 421 – 2 – death of 8, 11, 14, 21, 39, 40, 49, 66 – 7, 70, 81, 155n133, 223, 355, 369, 371n509,

393, 396, 400, 402, 405, 406, 407 – 9, 411 – 2, 426, 428 – death of his father 165 – 6 – diligence of 200, 429 – early life of 21, 96 – 100 – ecumenism of 35 – exemplary life of 5 – 7, 9, 11, 15 – 6, 18, 19, 21, 26, 27, 59, 66, 75, 80, 156 – 7, 170, 199, 200, 327, 391 – 3, 410 – 12, 413, 428 – family of 21, 27, 36 – 8, 73, 106, 127, 128, 161, 166, 175, 179, 180, 192, 193, 197, 209, 234, 237, 240, 256 – 8, 268, 298, 311, 321, 325, 340 – 4, 347 – 64, 365 – 70, 371 – 86, 390, 394, 402, 406, 407, 410, 411, 428 – fidelity of 82, 417 – genius of 6, 62, 67 – 8, 71, 72, 76, 82, 418 – happiness of 34, 35, 47, 100, 115, 129, 135, 140, 149, 159, 160, 166, 178, 198, 257, 270, 327, 357, 360, 362, 379, 384, 385, 386, 396, 425, 428 – heart of 47, 53, 98 – 100, 101 – 2, 104 – 6, 113, 128, 129, 130, 132, 133, 134, 136, 138, 140, 144 – 5, 152 – 3, 157, 159, 162, 163, 165, 166, 167, 172, 173, 174, 175, 177, 179, 183, 184, 191, 192, 193, 194, 202, 205, 206, 209, 227, 230, 234, 237, 240, 298, 311, 331n433, 312, 317, 318, 322, 335, 340, 343, 347, 349, 350, 354, 355, 357, 359, 365 – 7, 369, 379, 383, 389, 394, 406, 408, 411, 421, 422 – honour of 362 – humility of 202 – 3, 205 – 6, 209, 240 – illness of 10, 21, 40, 62, 66, 164 – 5, 169, 209, 230, 257, 261, 267, 268, 269, 273, 275, 276, 277, 279, 284, 293, 301, 311, 312, 331, 338, 344, 348 – 9, 353, 355, 356, 357, 359, 371, 377, 382, 393 – 407, 408, 427 – imitation of 5 – 6, 16, 22 – inner life of 6 – 7, 27 – integrity of 416, 428 – learning Hebrew 286 – 7 – legacy of 15 – love of truth 201 – 3 – ministry of 21, 23 – 5, 26, 27, 28, 34, 36, 60, 62 – 3, 70, 73, 93, 106 – 7, 110, 112, 113 – 5, 116, 119 – 20, 125, 126, 127 – 9, 135, 136, 139, 142, 154, 162 – 4, 172 – 92, 196, 197, 200, 230 – 31, 236, 240, 308n429,

Subject Index

313n436, 318 – 9, 323, 331, 362, 364, 383, 392, 393, 394, 402, 404, 406, 410 – 11, 420 – 25, 426 – 7, 428 – 9 – ordination of 126 – origins of 58, 61, 429 – pastoral care of 27, 34, 63, 70, 125, 128 – 9, 151, 156, 170, 421 – 5, 426 – piety of 16 – 7, 25, 28, 40, 46, 58, 59, 61, 70, 366, 428 – poetry of 37, 62, 167, 179, 340 – 41, 345 – 7, 353, 358, 359 – 60, 363 – preaching of 24, 34, 36, 61 – 3, 113 – 5, 116, 118, 137, 152, 153, 156, 160, 162, 163, 164, 166, 167, 172 – 4, 175, 176, 178 – 85, 188 – 95, 198, 234, 260, 261, 267 – 8, 269, 270 – 75, 278 – 80, 282, 286, 293, 304 – 7, 315 – 6, 318, 335, 347, 348, 350, 353, 377, 383, 389, 394, 395, 397 – 8, 399 – 403, 408, 416, 426, 427 – publications of 14, 21, 28, 36, 41 – 2, 42n223, 52, 53, 58 – 61, 64 – 5, 70, 75, 110, 203, 204, 207 – 12, 215 – 22, 266 – 7, 277, 278, 282, 286, 293, 296, 398, 410, 411, 429 – religious development of 95 – 100 – removal from Soham 126 – 36, 139 – 40, 141, 144 – 5 – removal to Kettering 141, 143, 144 – 5, 420 – repentance of 98 – 100, 101 – 4 – salvation of 6, 98 – 100, 101 – 3 – severity of 67 – 9, 74, 75, 81, 82, 105 – 6, 107, 108, 151 – 6, 162 – 5, 234 – 5 – sins of 27, 96 – 100, 101, 157, 171, 174, 178, 179, 183, 186, 189, 202, 240, 256, 347, 353 – 4, 393, 396, 403, 408, 411, 422 – solemnity of 33, 177, 182, 186, 191, 364, 370, 404, 427 – soul of 15, 23, 24, 27, 34, 70, 98, 99, 102 – 4, 110, 129, 130, 132 – 3, 139, 153, 154 – 5, 156, 157, 159, 165, 167, 168, 169, 171, 176, 180, 186, 198n159, 200, 230, 231, 234, 235, 311n433, 335, 340, 345, 346, 354, 360, 367, 373, 394, 406, 422, 424, 427, 428 – spirituality of 6, 7, 7n28, 25, 26, 28, 66 – 7, 69 – 70, 73, 75, 76, 106, 114, 151, 156 – 61, 171, 177, 181, 186, 192, 193, 194, 196, 200, 230, 235, 240, 383, 384, 391, 418, 428

443

– suffering of 27, 36, 40, 184, 193 – 5, 373n510 – systematic theology of 221 – tenderness of 33, 37, 63, 81, 129, 131, 133 – 5, 137 – 9, 142, 144 – 5, 151, 152, 154, 162, 164, 168, 173 – 8, 184, 185, 188 – 91, 193, 195, 196, 198, 203, 205, 233 – 4, 257, 311, 335, 343 – 54, 356 – 7, 359 – 60, 363 – 7, 370, 378 – 82, 385, 386, 396, 427, 428 – theological convictions of 7, 12, 26, 28 – 9, 40, 65, 81, 115 – 6, 126, 145 – 50, 180, 201 – 2, 286 – 93, 293n392, 327, 391 – 3, 405 – 6, 410 – 11 – trials of 47, 126, 127, 130, 153, 154, 170, 171, 173, 175, 183, 209, 234, 312, 319, 325, 340, 347 – 59, 362 – 4, 365 – 7, 371, 373 – 4, 383, 387, 393, 394, 405 – 6 – writings, personal 6, 16 – 7, 22, 28, 72, 198, 313, 323, 395, 396 – zeal of 15, 27, 33, 63, 69, 75, 76, 119, 171, 200, 223, 231, 232, 235, 318, 410, 428 Geddington 419 General Baptist Assembly 204n173, 238n280 generosity 256, 337 Gentiles 155n133, 187n151, 378 Georgia 374n512 Glasgow 83, 238n282, 244, 245, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 265, 266, 269, 275, 276, 278, 279, 308n429, 309n430, 313 Glasgow Missionary Society 83n7, 278n342 Glasgow Tabernacle 45, 83n7, 238n282, 244 – 5, 257, 260 – 61, 274 – Tabernacle connection 260 – 61, 279n347 Glasgow Theological Seminary 45 Glasites (see also Sandemanians) 31n157, 43n232, 258 – 9 God – as creator 24, 117, 123, 145, 146, 263 – as Father 110n68, 117, 146, 149, 158, 310, 404 – as judge 28, 123, 200, 214, 413 – as lawgiver 293 – as moral governor 149, 323, 347 – as Saviour 104 – authority of 143n129, 292, 293, 331 – beauty of 6, 8n31, 12n56, 16, 48, 73, 158 – belief in 249, 251, 295, 331, 417n554 – cause of 64, 169, 203, 225, 231

444

Subject Index

– character of 30, 145 – 6, 147, 148, 160, 161, 248, 249, 310, 391, 424 – children of 251, 338, 423 – commandments of 106, 110, 151, 177, 196, 291, 292, 293, 294, 331, 332, 333, 336, 349 – communion with 236, 394, 425 – covenant of 178, 188, 201, 310 – delight in 3, 6, 26, 73, 161, 348, 377 – devotion to 285 – enmity with 24, 111n69, 148, 213 – 4, 248, 249, 252, 292, 297, 302, 391 – faithfulness of 8, 146, 154, 158, 160, 310, 314, 331, 370 – fear of 132, 161, 250, 379 – forgiveness of (see forgiveness, divine) – glory of 17, 48, 49, 63, 102, 140, 159, 161, 242, 250, 333, 376, 393, 424, 428 – goodness of 16, 110n69, 145, 146, 158, 159, 194, 213, 293, 310, 323, 339, 369, 384 – grace of 10, 14, 15, 17, 17n82, 19, 39, 40, 47, 59, 90, 92, 93, 97n39, 99, 102, 108, 110, 111, 114, 116, 119, 121, 151, 153, 157, 160, 177, 179, 180, 189n153, 196, 199, 200, 201, 213, 237, 250, 293, 308, 323, 338, 343n467, 344, 345, 349n477, 350, 351, 369, 377, 378, 385, 388, 391, 392n526, 400, 403, 405, 406, 411 – 3, 417n554, 423 – holiness of 146, 110n69, 159, 323, 381 – judgment of 151, 160, 161, 214, 351, 352, 356, 387, 423, 428 – justice of 103, 104, 146, 159, 160, 289, 310, 323 – kingdom of 106, 393, 427 – knowledge of 3, 6, 88n15, 185, 271, 301n419, 318 – love of 16, 65, 91n27, 110, 110n68, 147, 153, 156, 160, 161, 162, 168, 200, 234, 235, 248, 249, 250, 310, 351, 385, 387, 393, 417n554, 425 – mercy of 102, 103, 154, 157, 158, 192, 196, 234, 235, 292, 307, 314, 347, 351, 352, 354, 366, 369, 370, 371, 377, 379, 381, 388, 389, 391, 406, 408 – mind of 2, 145, 319, 320 – name of 149, 236, 237, 262, 363, 380, 381, 389, 417, 422

– obedience to 65, 88n15, 91, 109, 200, 248, 249, 250, 271, 291, 292, 303n422, 310n431, 392 – petitions to 291, 292, 293, 306 – 7 – plan of 117, 122, 147 – 48, 150 – power of 145, 185, 330, 423 – praise of 320 – 21 – presence of 10, 70, 106, 140, 159, 166, 236, 306, 307, 349, 380 – promises of 99, 291, 292, 293, 422, 424, 425 – providence of (see providence, divine) – revelation of 145, 241, 242, 421, 422 – righteousness of 28, 153, 167, 121, 200, 270, 292, 310n431, 314, 323, 376 – servants of 8n31, 150, 165, 194, 196, 201, 307, 365, 380, 382, 387, 396, 403, 411, 422 – severity of 391 – sovereignty of 3, 39, 88, 167, 201, 206, 213, 290, 314, 328, 391, 404 – 6, 411 – throne of 35, 40, 180, 236, 257, 363, 385, 393, 403, 411, 412 – truth of 332, 334, 381 – unity of 117, 122, 146, 247 – vengeance of 331 – 2 – voice of 421 – way of 110, 311, 380 – will of 2, 37, 40, 48, 108, 116, 119, 129 – 30, 131, 133, 151, 152, 154, 289, 312, 352, 373, 393, 395, 396, 397, 406 – wisdom of 145, 213, 314, 391 – word of (see also Scripture) 2, 16, 29, 125, 145, 146, 149, 162, 180, 183, 191, 202, 211, 250, 252, 286, 303, 304, 308, 421, 422, 426 – work of 6, 10, 148, 189, 191, 192, 254, 284, 291, 420 – wrath of 101, 103, 116, 146, 211, 311, 367, 379, 382, 389, 391 godliness 8, 9n25, 25, 27, 33, 65, 67, 107, 109, 119, 156, 165, 171, 175, 191, 199, 240, 257, 277, 324, 342, 360, 365, 419 good 1, 22, 24, 38, 71, 92, 104, 108, 109, 111, 287, 295, 319, 331, 336 gospel, the 23n111, 23n115, 31, 35, 36, 59, 63, 85, 88, 91, 103n49, 104, 113, 120, 127, 146, 148, 149, 174n145, 175, 176, 187n151, 189n153, 191, 194, 196, 201, 206, 207, 210, 227, 231, 232, 241, 242, 249 – 50,

Subject Index

253, 256, 260, 282, 283, 295, 308, 317, 320, 322, 336, 337, 349, 373, 374, 380, 382, 388, 389, 391, 392, 405, 415, 417n554, 424 – belief in 252, 323 – knowledge of 232 – obligations of 15, 28, 200 – propagation of (see missions) – spirit of 152, 176, 321, 323 Gospels, Synoptic 210, 372n509 government – church 85, 255, 258, 320 – civil 231, 339, 403, 414 – divine 30, 136n111, 146, 408, 424 – duty of 241 – moral 300n418 grace 23, 92, 99, 150, 151, 156, 159, 164, 165, 185, 193, 196, 199, 201, 271, 310, 314, 320, 337, 338, 345, 351, 376 – 8, 400, 403, 417n554 – divine (see God, grace of) – doctrine of 4, 23, 87, 90, 204, 206, 207, 404 – evidence of (see evidence, of grace) – free 39, 162, 308, 336, 391, 392n526 – fruits of 99n44, 384 – greatness of 153 – marvellous 19, 27, 170 – means of 116 – of consolation 200 – of obedience 200 – of the gospel 120, 323 – powers of 151 – sovereign 39, 88, 201, 206, 213, 391, 404, 405, 406, 411 – state of 157, 213n200 – sufficiency of 179 – throne of 35, 180, 236, 257, 385 – work of 9n35, 177 graces, the (see also faith; hope; love) 32, 83, 136, 212, 322, 334 – 5, 384, 387 gratitude 10, 148, 152, 214, 250, 308, 364, 379 Great Commission, the 43n232 Greece 176 Greek (language) 191, 374, 377 Greek empire 265 Greenock 261, 269, 277, 278

445

guilt 74, 101, 103, 160, 165, 189, 193, 240, 252, 322, 369, 382, 392n526, 404, 414, 416, 422 Haddington 273, 280 Haman, biblical figure 213, 252 Harborough 266 heart, the 1, 3, 6, 16, 52, 62, 70, 116, 139, 146, 168, 173, 183, 187, 189n153, 201, 212, 227, 245, 246, 258, 249 – 53, 271, 291, 292, 297, 302, 303, 306, 307, 318, 330, 331, 332, 334, 335, 343, 347, 349, 351, 359, 365, 367, 370, 377, 379, 380, 381, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 394, 395, 406, 408, 411, 418, 421, 422, 423 heathens 168, 210, 225, 232, 240, 241, 381, 428 heathenism 174, 196 heaven 12n56, 49, 99, 102, 109, 148, 156, 157, 164, 167, 172, 191, 311, 319, 341, 344, 346, 355, 357, 361n491, 385, 388, 391, 393, 397, 403, 411, 427 Hebrew (language) 308n428, 377, 396n531 hell 101, 108, 110, 246, 307, 343, 424 heresy 169, 270 Hermonites 154 Herod, biblical figure 167 Hezekiah, biblical figure 109 high priest 242 Hinduism 226n252, 215n206 Hindus 215n205 holiness 3, 4, 6, 16, 39, 120, 149, 201, 202, 251, 253, 298, 311, 318, 320, 322, 329, 330, 332, 348, 392, 393 Holy Spirit 3, 5, 6, 10, 16, 20, 32, 65, 67, 88, 96, 140, 146, 148, 149, 150, 152, 163, 164, 165, 172, 176, 177, 187, 194, 196, 198, 213, 248, 250, 251, 263, 292, 302, 315, 422 Holyhead 382 hope 32, 212, 253, 320, 321, 331, 334 – 5, 342, 348 – 9, 360, 366, 379, 380, 381, 382, 384, 385, 386, 391, 400, 401, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 411, 412, 416, 421, 422, 424, 425, 425n561 Horton Academy 276n335 hospitality 255 – 6, 270, 275 Hull 241, 242, 257, 267, 270, 271, 272, 284 humility 6, 10, 27, 33, 36, 152, 157, 168, 171, 182, 297, 324, 325n455, 377, 379, 384, 387, 392, 400

446

Subject Index

Hundred Days War 213n196 Huntingdonshire 240 hymns 37, 49n261, 53, 54n284, 86n12, 108n60, 153, 179, 199, 217n212, 260, 321, 343, 343n467, 373n509, 409 hypocrisy 152, 161, 379 idolatry 155n133, 189n153, 412 ignorance 9n35, 107, 121, 148, 191, 202, 204, 250, 251, 262, 322, 331, 332, 348, 381, 384 immortality 149, 157, 164, 165, 192, 405 imputation, doctrine of 15, 28, 39, 39n207, 149, 200, 314, 328, 392n526 inability, moral 4, 24, 91n27, 109 – 10, 110n68, 110n69, 112, 112n70, 147, 149, 251 – 4, 287 – 9, 291 – 2, 294 – 5, 297, 318, 330, 333 inability, natural 24, 91n27, 109 – 10, 110n68, 110n69, 112, 287 – 9, 291 – 2, 294 – 5, 318, 330, 333 India (see also East India; East Indies) 34, 70, 80n3, 82, 83, 215n204, 215n205, 215n206, 216, 216n211, 226n252, 227, 228, 230, 232, 235n271, 235n271, 236, 237, 272n320, 281, 282, 283, 284n361, 285n363, 285n364, 285n366, 299n416, 317, 317n442, 375, 395, 398, 399, 410 Indians (= Native Americans) 80n2, 168 infidelity 262 infidels 210, 221, 388, 415 insufficiency, moral 293 integrity 48, 56,67, 75, 82, 110, 134, 160, 197, 318, 371n509, 416, 428 intellectualism 4, 5, 31, 35, 36, 48, 212, 246 – 52, 303n422, 320, 331 – 2, 334 Inverkeithing 258, 268 Inverness 278, 279, 280 Ireland 231, 260, 267, 286, 317, 318, 323, 324, 327, 359n487, 367 – 8, 382 Irvine 269, 278 Isaac, biblical figure 365 Ishmael, biblical figure 341 Isle of Ely 240 Isle of Wight 228 Isleham 403 Israel 153, 156, 164, 167, 237, 287, 347 Israelites 214, 225, 351 Italy 312

Jacob, biblical figure 169, 306, 307, 349, 385 – children of 422 Jacobite Rising 312n434 Jamaica 13, 282, 284, 400 Jamaica Assembly 316 James, biblical figure 246, 314n438, 320 Java 235n271 Jehovah 135, 141, 293 Jehu, biblical figure 189n153 Jeremiah, biblical figure 109, 167, 423 Jericho 139 Jerusalem 161 Jesus (see also Christ) 2, 168, 201, 219, 249, 264, 311, 321, 341, 363, 378, 387, 392, 397, 426, 427 Jews 134, 187n151, 210, 262, 291, 368n503, 426 – persecution of 265 Joab, biblical figure 311 Job, biblical figure 102, 422 John the Baptist, biblical figure 121 John, biblical figure 137, 241, 264, 314n438 Jonadab, biblical figure 189n153 Jonah, biblical figure 165, 370 Jonathan, biblical figure 107, 138, 241, 245 Jonathan, pseudonym 332 Jordan 154 Joseph, biblical figure 291, 306 Josiah, biblical figure 167 joy 125, 150, 169, 178, 189, 194, 200, 299, 327, 357, 364, 367, 378, 384, 387, 400, 403, 411, 421 Judah 186 Judas, biblical figure 302 judgment, day of 145, 146, 148, 150, 234, 311, 332, 378, 400 judgment, human 250, 287, 288, 295, 326, 331 Junius’s Letters 266 – 7 justice 39n207, 70, 103, 146, 150, 310, 314, 326, 391, 392n526 – remunerative 310, 314 justification 31, 252, 310, 336, 418 – by faith 5, 88n15, 148 – 9, 253, 303n422, 322, 331, 333 – 4, 335, 337 – 8, 370, 392 – 3 – by works 331 Kendal 276

Subject Index

Kettering 14, 21, 25 – 6, 40, 49, 52, 60, 62, 85, 86n10, 89, 88n16, 90n20, 90n24, 91n27, 94, 128, 132, 134, 135, 136, 137, 140, 141, 142, 158, 171, 177, 180n149, 182, 197n158, 198, 204n172, 209, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 269, 284, 299n415, 300, 308n429, 311, 321, 325, 340, 343, 359n487, 361n491, 366, 368, 375, 376, 382, 386, 393, 394, 395, 398, 402, 404, 405, 407n543, 407n544, 408n546, 409, 410, 426, 428 – history of 419 – 20 Kilkenny 317n442 Killwinning 269 Kilmany 280, 281 Kilmarnock 269, 277, 278 Kinross 258 Kirkaldy 268, 275, 280 kiss, holy 255, 273n325 knowledge 67, 173, 177, 182, 187, 250, 336, 428 – Christian 243 – doctrinal 3 – experimental 347 – human 58, 152, 159, 177, 224, 295, 331 – 2 – of Christ (see Christ, knowledge of) – of God (see God, knowledge of) – of religion 10 – of salvation 9n35 – of the self 381, 421 – speculative 35, 246, 320, 332 – spiritual 250, 251, 332 lamentation 8n31, 11, 17n82, 71, 94, 139, 167, 168, 190, 356, 361n491, 373n509, 378, 412, 425n561 Lancashire 231 Lancaster 269 Latin 374 law – civil 314, 368n503 – divine 22, 28, 39, 92, 99, 120, 146, 147, 148, 153, 159, 177, 191, 200, 201, 213, 249, 291, 292, 310, 310n431, 391, 392, 424 – moral 313n435 – Mosaic 148 – of Moses 263, 368n503 Lazarus, biblical figure 248 – resurrection of 264 – 5

447

Leeds 276, 284 Leicester 51, 52, 227, 266, 394, 395, 398 Leith 280 lepers 296 liberty, religious 86n11, 243n287, 281 – 2, 339 life-writing (see also biography) 1, 8 – Christian 2, 16 life – Christian 2, 4, 32 – eternal 104, 249, 250, 310, 331, 332, 335, 381, 383, 384, 385, 388, 389, 400, 411, 412, 428 – exemplary 2, 5 – religious (= spiritual) 71, 157, 158, 381, 425n561 Lincoln 241, 270, 271 Lincoln Cathedral 267 Lincolnshire 240 Lisbon 369, 370 literature 1, 16, 20, 376 Liverpool 13n59, 90, 95, 117, 122, 261, 262, 265, 266, 269, 270, 284, 308, 327 London 49, 86, 89, 113, 118, 121, 132n102, 205, 210n185, 211n188, 231, 239, 259, 265, 272, 276, 281, 282, 283, 284, 322, 327, 328, 365, 368, 371, 376, 393, 396, 398, 399, 400, 403, 405, 416, 420 London Baptist Confession 86n11 London Bible Society 405n538 London Christian Instructor 74 – 75 London Mission Society 87n14, 327, 403 Lord’s Supper (= Eucharist) 149, 172, 178, 185, 190, 195, 255, 260, 272, 311, 320, 352, 376, 383, 397, 404, 427 love 32, 125, 136, 212, 252, 253, 294 – 5, 318, 320, 331, 332, 334 – 5, 337, 386, 400, 413, 420 – holy 249, 251, 332 – of humankind 105, 236, 294, 351, 393, 417n554, 424 – of self 203, 249 – parental 18, 24, 37, 38, 111n69, 311n433, 340, 341, 358, 363, 366, 367 – 9, 370, 386 – 7 Luke, biblical figure 71, 264, 412 lust 189n153, 288, 306, 385, 425n561 Macedonia 176 Magdalene Asylum 273 Malay 285n363

448

Subject Index

Malden 282 Manchester 266, 269, 270, 284, 308 Marines, the 366, 368 Mark, biblical figure 264 Marrow Controversy 275n331 martyrdom 109 Mary, mother of Jesus 116 Matthew, biblical figure 264 memoir (see biography; biography, definition of) Mennonites 267 merit 39, 263, 300n418, 309, 333, 378, 391, = good works) – of congruity 336 – 7 Messiah, the 138, 214n203, 219 metaphysics 289 Methodism 280, 394n527, 409, 427 – English 243 – Calvinistic 92, 258 Micaiah, biblical figure 134 mind, human 3, 146, 147, 213, 214, 248, 287, 291, 294, 338, 377, 385, 421, 423, 424 ministers (= pastors) 8, 22, 110n68, 172, 190, 308, 315 – Baptist 5, 91, 92, 126 – 7 – evangelical 240, 279 ministry, Christian 1, 2, 16, 149, 150, 189n153, 244, 255, 299, 373, 375, 378, 417 – Baptist 382 – gospel 9, 397n532 – success in 187, 195 miracles 172, 241, 263 misery, human 146, 150, 160 missionaries 34, 63, 155n133, 215n204, 215n205, 228, 231, 232, 237, 268, 276, 283, 285, 373, 375 Missionary Magazine 41, 221, 238n280 missionary societies 215, 285 missions 27, 33, 35, 42n224, 43, 46, 73, 80n2, 82, 148, 150, 168, 174, 196, 198, 215 – 6, 223n244, 225 – 6, 227, 231, 232, 233, 254, 256, 260, 276n335, 279n345, 281 – 2, 281n351, 284n361, 284n362, 299, 299n416, 311n433, 324, 359n487, 395, 396n531, 400, 402, 405, 410, 411, 418, 428 Mississippi River 223n244 Moab 173

Modern Question, the 23, 29, 61, 88, 89n18, 91n27, 112n70, 121, 206, 286, 287n376, 290 monks 169 Montrose 268, 280 morality (see also duty, moral) 4, 24, 332 – 3, 336 Moravianism 276n334, 317 – missions 326 Mordecai, biblical figure 213, 252 Morris, John Webster 3n16, 6, 12n55, 17n80, 21, 27n134, 49, 50 – 51, 83, 402n536 – as printer/publisher 52 – 4, 223n242 – bankruptcy of 54 – 5 – biographical style of 57 – 61, 66, 66n354, 71, 73 – 4, 76 – ministry of 51 – 2, 54 – 5 – publications of 75 – 6 – relationship with Fuller 6 – 7, 51 – 3, 56 – 7, 70 – 71 – relationship with Ryland (see Ryland, John Jr., relationship with Morris) Moses, biblical figure 262, 263, 426 Moulton 223 Musselburgh 280 Nabal, biblical figure 137 Nairn 280 Nathaniel, biblical figure 191 nature 146 – divine 310 – human 110n69, 122, 153, 271, 289, 388, 413 Netherlands, the 223n244 New Baptist Magazine 73 New Divinity 3, 12n56, 91n27, 118n81, 300n418 – writers 35 New England 279n346, 309n430 New England Magazine and Theological Review 72, 74n400 New England school 66, 67 New Orleans 223n244 New Testament 29, 35, 36, 117, 121, 122, 145, 241, 242, 264, 265, 308n429, 310, 372n509, 390 New York 374n512 Newark 402 Newcastle 238n279, 243, 257, 272, 280, 284 Newgate prison 418n555 Nineveh 137

Subject Index

Nonconformism 38n202, 95, 171n142, 284n362, 342n465, 381n518, 407n543 Norfolk 231, 403 North America 168, 211, 223n244, 224n246, 322, 323, 326 Northampton 13, 34, 118, 132n102, 173, 181, 182, 187, 188, 189, 190, 204n172, 209, 224, 226, 227, 298, 299n415, 299n416, 308n429, 341, 342, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 402, 404, 405, 407 Northamptonshire 88 Northamptonshire Baptist Association 5, 10, 31, 33, 51, 52, 53, 69, 85 – 86, 90n24, 93, 126, 132, 137, 143n128, 184, 192, 198, 211, 225, 318, 322, 350, 399 Norwich 282, 403 Nottingham 54, 132n102, 240, 276, 305, 308, 324 Nottingham Baptist Association 174n145 Oakham 240 obligation, moral (see duty, moral) old age 306 – 7, 383 – 5, 403, 418 Old Testament 8n31, 145, 241, 264, 311 Olney 86, 118, 132n102, 137, 143, 173, 223n243, 227, 235n271, 240, 322n451, 327, 329, 396, 400, 401 orthodoxy – Calvinistic 30, 67 – Christian 4, 64, 65, 91 – evangelical 67 – Reformed 239 Oxford 236, 418 pacifism 312n434 paedobaptism (see also baptism, practice of) 390, 415 Paedobaptists 83, 261, 324 Paisley 245, 261, 269, 275, 276, 278 Palau 226n251 pardon, of sin (see forgiveness, of sin) Paris 212, 213 Parliament, British 84, 215n205, 242, 284 Particular Baptists, Assembly of 86 Particular Baptists, Confession of Faith 86 passions 1, 27, 96, 100, 104, 201, 306 patience 25n124, 37, 65, 70, 97n39, 136, 166, 203, 285, 345, 350, 377, 384 patriotism 219

449

Paul, biblical figure 11, 14 – 5, 32, 54, 71, 99, 107, 138, 168, 176, 212, 228, 230, 242, 255, 307, 334, 345, 352, 377, 384, 385, 412, 417, 427, 428 peace 5, 35, 36, 40, 105, 106, 122, 125, 129, 135, 151, 155, 175, 176, 189, 193, 194, 196, 197, 200, 203, 256, 257, 267, 270, 326, 364, 384, 385, 387, 394, 425n561 Pelagianism 88n15 Pellow Islands 226 penitence 162, 302, 303, 337, 369, 411, 412, 416, 417 Pennsylvania 322n450 Pentateuch, the 262 Pentecost 51n272, 255 Periodical Accounts (of the Baptist Missionary Society) 13, 52, 223, 282 persecution, religious 95 (see also Baptists, persecution of; Jews, persecution of) perseverance 88, 149, 380, 410 Persian empire 265 Perth 258, 259, 269, 274 Peter, biblical figure 142, 168, 291, 314n438 Pharaoh, biblical figure – daughter of 336 – 7 Pharisees 242, 379, 381 Philadelphia 237n278, 322 Philip, biblical figure 191 Philippi 320 philosophy 1, 286, 295, 301, 304, 304n424, 418 piety 48, 50 – 1, 58, 191, 347, 352, 412 – Christian 2, 5, 9, 10, 15, 94, 95, 189n153 – true 5 Plymouth 278, 384, 396, 397 poetry 37, 62, 169, 174 pope, the 255 Portsea 286, 315 – 6 poverty 61, 155, 159, 192, 195, 224, 267, 306, 307, 322 power, divine (see God, power of) practice – Christian 2, 5, 15, 22, 132, 145, 187, 206, 218 – 9, 308, 312n434 – right 22, 29 prayer 27, 37, 52, 108, 110, 112, 113, 125, 126, 137, 138, 140, 172, 173, 174, 181, 183, 187, 192, 193, 194, 196, 197, 227, 228, 286, 292, 306, 307, 318, 320 – 21, 360, 363,

450

Subject Index

365, 367, 378 – 9, 380, 381, 382, 388, 389, 395, 396 – family 176, 323, 360 – private (= closet-prayer) 181, 187, 194, 195, 234, 236, 268, 385 – public 172, 192, 194 prayer meeting 52, 174n145, 179, 180, 181, 183, 186, 188, 194, 227 preaching 187n151, 189n153, 201, 217, 244, 308, 377, 388, 408, 415 – Baptist 96, 97 – evangelical 240, 286n367 – gospel 88n15, 330 predestination, doctrine of 92n28, 120, 147, 169, 338 prejudice 65, 77, 121, 206, 288, 290, 313, 315, 328, 360 Presbyterianism 278n342, 317n442, 361n491, 381n518, 415, 416 pride 52, 55, 74, 97n39, 121, 129, 148, 152, 161, 164, 189n153, 293, 297, 306, 313, 379, 381, 385 – spiritual 222, 313, 320 primitivism (see also Christianity, primitive) 31, 35, 303n422 principles – biblical 308 – Christian 202, 316 – moral 119 – religious 4, 241, 415 prodigal son, biblical figure 288 professors (see also scholars) 27, 28, 110n68, 170, 199, 211, 269, 323, 392n526 profligacy 210, 262, 369 promised land 265 prophecy 241, 265, 405 prophets, biblical 138, 148, 421, 426 Proprietors, Court of 282 Protestant Dissenters’ Grammar School 407n543 Protestant Dissenters’ Magazine 42, 221 Protestantism, English 4 providence, divine 1, 2, 10, 46, 135, 136, 136n111, 141, 143, 152, 158, 248, 351, 352, 362, 376, 381 Prussia 266 – 7, 271 Psalmist, the 349, 377 punishment, eternal 136n111, 150, 391 purgatory 211 purity, Christian 160, 318, 428

Quakers 267, 312 Quarterly Magazine 41, 221, 246 Queen’s Ferry 258 rabbis 265 Rachel, biblical figure 306, 358 rationality 201 – 2, 252, 304, 323, 392 Red Sea 214, 263 redemption 87, 88, 152, 160, 214, 310, 314, 328, 329n461, 365, 392 Reformation, the 169, 282 regeneration 32, 213, 252, 271, 330 Relief meeting 245, 272, 278 religion – experimental 6, 7n28, 10, 66 – false 20, 23, 96 – personal 26, 156, 187, 320 – power of 407 – practical 189, 208, 308 – pure 22 – real 157, 173, 175, 179, 180 – true 2, 3, 20, 23, 157, 169, 173, 190, 191, 192, 302, 306, 313 religion, women in 48 – 9 Religious Tract Society 238n283 repentance 22, 23, 47, 55, 88 – 9, 91, 91n27, 92, 148, 181, 211, 213, 242, 248, 249, 251 – 2, 293, 302, 303n422, 320, 322, 323, 329, 330, 334, 337 – 8, 369, 370, 387, 388, 389, 412, 417, 422 – call to 103n49, 116, 120 – 21, 148, 149 reprobation, decree of 88n15, 147 resurrection, of the just 405 Reuben, biblical figure 344 revelation – doctrine of 241 – new 421 – 3 – personal 99, 246, 421, 422 – written 145, 146, 242, 253, 393, 422 revival, religious 52, 164, 173, 179, 180, 182, 183, 196, 281n351 revivalism 317n443 revivals, New England 99n44 American Revolutionary War 242 righteousness 15, 28, 136n111, 137, 138, 200, 310, 310n431, 337, 347, 387, 427 – human 39, 381, 391, 392 – imputed (see imputation, doctrine of) – of Christ (see Christ, righteousness of) – of God (see God, righteousness of)

Subject Index

Roman Catholicism (= popery) 109n64, 265, 317, 403 Romans, ancient 311n433 Rothwell 374, 375, 376 Royal Navy 42, 239n286, 368 Rutland 240 Ryland, John Jr. 3, 51, 55, 56, 57, 118, 132, 136, 143, 184, 216n211, 239n285, 284n362, 307n427, 308n428, 341, 342, 343 – 4, 345, 349, 351, 353, 377, 409 – affliction of 286, 297 – 8 – biographical style of 8 – 10, 12 – 21, 38, 41n218, 50 – 51, 59 – 60, 61n322, 66, 73 – 5, 76, 80, 96, 170 – 71, 199, 327 – 8, 364, 412 – 3, 414 – funeral sermon for Fuller 9 – 10, 11, 12, 19, 81, 405, 409, 413 – ministry of 8, 13, 49 – relationship with Fuller 3 – 4, 6 – 7, 11, 19, 35 – 6, 59, 71, 170, 172, 326, 364, 404 – 5, 412 – 3 – relationship with J. W. Morris 51 – 2, 53, 55 – removal to Bristol 286, 299 – sermons of 8 – 10 – theological convictions of 3 – 4, 12, 22 sacrifice 148, 263, 378n517 Sadducees 262 saints, Christian 10, 157, 311, 313, 377, 393, 385, 406, 412 – lives of 2, 58 Saltcoats 269, 278 salvation 23, 27, 31, 39, 47, 48, 62, 63, 88, 91, 92, 116, 121, 122, 138, 148, 149, 153, 155n133, 162, 165, 168, 173, 174, 176, 178, 181, 191, 193, 194, 196, 213, 214, 248, 263, 296, 298, 300n418, 305, 308, 315, 319, 320, 323n453, 325, 326, 334, 342 – 3, 344, 348, 349, 350, 351, 369, 370, 378, 379, 380, 381, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 404, 405, 406, 411 – 2, 424, 425, 428 – by faith 286n367 – by grace 8n31, 19, 27, 101, 103 – 4, 119, 123, 150, 156, 191, 308, 350 – doctrine of 98, 119, 211 – joy of 234 – of heathens 33 – of sinners 120 – universal 211

451

– way of 104, 148, 150, 172, 212, 286n367, 321, 336, 337, 381 Sampson, biblical figure 403 sanctification 61, 70, 81, 87, 171, 177, 377, 384, 385, 387, 392 – 3 Sandemanianism 4, 29, 31 – 3, 35, 36, 43, 64, 65, 155n134, 212, 213, 214, 238n280, 243, 245, 251, 268, 286, 303n422, 308n429, 312n434, 313, 317, 318, 320, 322, 323, 324, 326 Sandemanians (see also Glasites) 258 – 9 Satan 30, 160, 191, 193, 206, 273n325, 307 Saul, biblical figure 306 Savoy Declaration 86n11 Scarborough 267 schism, church 117n78, 414 scholars (see also professors) 189n153, 199 sciences, the 242 Scotland 13n59, 34 – 5, 42 – 3, 44, 45, 46, 54n284, 60, 63, 83, 224n246, 231, 238 – 45, 254 – 81, 308n429, 309n430, 313, 326, 377, 384, 397n532, 399, 402n536, 418 Scottish Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge 80n2 Scripture (= Bible) 2, 9, 10, 26, 28, 48, 62, 67, 69, 84, 85, 88n15, 89, 91, 99, 103n49, 108, 109, 112, 113, 114, 117, 118, 121, 122, 123, 125, 126, 138, 145 – 6, 148, 156, 159, 187, 199, 214, 232, 236, 248, 250, 252, 253, 254, 286, 288, 291, 292, 293, 304, 308, 310, 311n433, 317, 322, 332, 334, 337, 338, 354, 366, 367, 372n509, 389, 399, 417n554, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 428 – translation of 155n133, 239, 240, 242, 272, 278 – writers of 412, 421 Seceders 244n288, 268, 308n429, 275n331 self-justification 291, 293 self-sufficiency 159, 187, 291, 293 sentimentalism 1 Sepoy Mutiny 215n204 Serampore mission 34, 42, 55, 83n7, 223n244, 226n252, 235n271, 237, 238n282, 272n320, 284 Sermon on the Mount 176 servants, of God (see God, servants of) Shunammite, biblical figure 345

452

Subject Index

sin 6, 17n82, 23, 28, 47, 88n15, 92, 99, 108 – 9, 117, 121, 123, 146, 147, 148, 150, 161, 162 – 3, 168, 182, 188, 189n153, 195, 198, 199, 213, 214, 235, 250, 254, 263, 271, 287, 289, 291, 295, 301, 302, 306, 307, 315, 316, 323n453, 331, 333, 336, 342 – 3, 344, 369, 370, 374, 380, 382, 388, 389, 412, 416 – 7, 425, 425n561 – original 146, 147, 168, 296 singing 27, 37, 97, 112, 114, 125, 164, 178, 179, 341, 358, 373n509, 409 sinners 16, 23n115, 39, 47, 91n27, 92, 102, 103, 104, 110n68, 118, 147, 148, 150, 162, 168, 173, 178, 180, 188, 191, 204, 211, 213, 222, 234, 248, 249, 253, 261, 263, 289, 293, 302, 303, 308, 310, 318, 321, 323, 329, 330, 336, 342, 344, 348, 369 – 70, 378, 380, 381, 382, 387, 388, 389, 389, 391, 406, 412, 422, 423, 428 Skye, Isle of 280 slavery 284n362 smallpox 137, 393 – 4 sobriety 381 Society for Propagating the Gospel in Ireland 317n442 Society for the Propagation of the Gospel at Home 309n430 Socinianism 24n118, 29, 30, 64, 65, 82, 87, 117, 147, 155n134, 208 – 10, 211, 241, 242, 257, 271, 277, 415, 416 Soham 21, 60, 24, 25, 94, 95, 106, 107n58, 110, 118, 119, 126, 136, 142, 171, 177, 340, 359n487, 403 Solomon, biblical figure 19, 157, 336 – 7, 348, 426 soteriology 32n161 soul, individual 3, 23, 92, 103, 125, 146, 148, 149, 165, 166, 181, 189, 190, 195, 199, 234, 288, 289, 295, 302, 307, 334, 343, 344, 348, 351, 356, 358, 359, 380, 389, 411, 423, 427 souls, of humankind 5, 23n115, 27n134, 48, 125, 149, 153, 156, 168, 169, 173, 178, 183, 187, 191, 194, 200, 214, 217, 236, 298, 308, 337, 350, 351, 379, 393, 426, 427 South Sea Islands 241 Spain 127 spirituality 16, 48, 376 – biblical 1, 4, 22

St. Andrews 43, 281 St. Helena 213 St. Paul’s Cathedral 317n441 Stamford 240 Stephen, biblical figure 8n31, 321 Stepney Academy 327, 375, 376n514 Stirling 238n282, 258, 259, 260, 279 stoics 242 subjectivism 5, 16n79 sublapsarianism 289 substitution, doctrine of 300n418, 314, 328, suffering – Christian 9, 40, 94, 154, 297n409 – of Christ (see Christ, suffering of) – of Creation 158 – of Fuller (see Fuller, suffering of) – passive 242 – physical 48, 306 – 7, 361n491, 367 – 8 Suffolk 403 Sunday school 52, 373n509, 415 supralapsarianism 88n15, 289 Syriac 308n428 Syrians 296 Tamar, biblical figure 110n68, 306 Tarn 278 Tay 275, 281 Tay, Firth of 258, 259, 268 teaching, Christian 2, 16, 326, 422 Tealy 258 Temple Bar 317 temple, the 263 temptation 6, 26, 97, 105, 106, 146, 154, 172, 189, 194, 195, 206, 380, 386, 416 – of Christ (see Christ, temptation of) Ten Commandments 262 tendency, moral 208, 209 – 10 testimony, Christian 2, 16, 251 theatre, the 258 Theological and Biblical Magazine (see also Biblical Magazine) 55, 221 Theological Magazine and Review 55 Theological Miscellany 41, 221 Thessalonica 15 thief, on the cross 344 Toronto 279n345 transformation, religious 3, 6, 151, 202 Trinity, the 10, 147 truth – belief in 31 – 2, 294 – 5

Subject Index

– Christian 107, 108, 150, 154, 169, 171, 201, 203, 206, 212, 214, 218 – 20, 234, 241, 247, 248, 251, 290, 292, 293, 294, 299, 303, 304, 308, 310, 318, 331, 334, 377, 384, 417n554, 421 – divine 110, 195, 203, 299 – evangelical 33, 155n134, 208, 244n288, 281 – practical 332 Turks 210 unbelief 26, 121, 186, 207n181, 246, 249, 250, 251, 254, 295, 333 unbelievers 320, 335, 417n554 unconverted, the 23, 24, 52, 96, 116, 121, 156, 165, 188, 261, 303, 312n434, 423, 424 understanding, human 3, 287 – 9, 293, 334 ungodliness 105, 121, 150, 180, 311, 322, 329 Unitarianism 210 Universalism 29, 31, 64, 65, 155n134 Uppingham 240 vanity 81, 107, 145, 185, 352, 377 vice 97, 198, 207n181, 296 virtue 1, 2, 15, 58, 59, 71, 74, 76, 167, 197, 241, 296, 333 – 5, 336 – 7, 338 – obligations of 30 Wales 13n59, 217n212, 231, 285, 324, 400 war 270 warfare 312, 378 – spiritual 265 Warwickshire Association 174n145 Waterford 317n442 wealth 195 welfare – of Christ’s kingdom 145 – of the Baptist Missionary Society 34, 223, 230, 232

453

– of the church 129, 141, 148, 179 – of the nation 127 – spiritual 26, 37, 101, 106, 131, 132, 135, 148, 151, 166, 183, 194, 236, 372n509, 378, 382, 389, 390, 428 Western Baptist Association 86, 103n49, 174n145 Westminster Assembly 91n27, 110n68 Westminster Confession 86n11 wicked, the 106, 136n111, 214, 378, 422 wickedness 100, 101, 136n111, 173, 189, 288, 307, 336 – 7, 378 – 9, 416, 425n561 will, human 3, 88, 111 – 2, 168, 176, 202, 250, 287 – 9, 312, 334, 335, 338 Wisbeach 403 wisdom – human 110, 189n153, 251, 285, 312, 336, 348, 384 – fitness of 336 – 8 – heavenly 319, 383 – of God (see God, wisdom of) Witham 282 Wittenberg 57n308 Worcester 400 worship – of Christ (see Christ, worship of) – of God (see God, worship of) – public 40, 44, 48, 94, 105, 112, 127, 131, 138, 191, 244, 263, 278, 320 – 21, 323, 372n509, 384, 407, 408, 417, 420 Yarmouth 403 York 242, 257, 271 Yorkshire 231 zeal, religious 8n31, 88, 123, 189n153, 224, 225, 231, 243, 285, 384, 410, 420 Zion 131, 145, 149, 318

Scripture Index Genesis 10:19 14:2 22:14 35:18 – 19 37 37:3 48:15 49:18 49:6 50:9

217, 426 200 200 135 358 291 344 365 385 392n526 419

Exodus 15 20:7 33:15

214 262 140

Leviticus 10:19

367

Numbers 12:14

417

Deuteronomy 4:29 6:5 25:3 29:23 30:12 33:2 33:27

370 294 368n503 200 319 349 347

Joshua 21:43 – 45

158

Judges 2 2:1 – 5

225 133, 138

1 Samuel 18 25

107, 138 137

2 Samuel 1:23 – 27 12 15:26

137 140

https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110634778-009

18:33 19:35 22:47 23:5

367 306 192 138

1 Kings 8:22 – 66 8:28 8:38 – 39 9:13 13:30 14:26 – 27 15:5 22:1 – 12

360 360 360 97 410 273n324 412 134

2 Kings 2:19 2:20 – 22 4:2 4:26 7:2 7:3 – 20 20:1

139 139 345 353 225 297 424

2 Chronicles 30:8 32:31

205n178 109

Nehemiah 5:19 8:10

274 194

Esther 3–4 4:17

213 103

Job 1:2 4:3 – 5 5:13 13:15 14:1 16:22 29:2 33:4

426 362 – 3 354 158 102, 422 166 189 193, 198 252

Scripture Index

Psalms 1 1:2 – 3 2 16 17:1 18:46 19:13 22 22:27 – 28 23:4 25:9 25:33 27:9 29:2 30:5 31:5 32:3 – 4 32:6 33:22 34:11 34:18 37:1 – 7 38:1 – 10 39 40 40:11 45:10 – 11 50:15 50:16 50:17 – 22 56:13 61:10 67 67:6 68:21 71:5 71:9 71:17 72:18 73 73:24 73:25 73:26 84:11 90:14 92:14 94:19 102 102:1

195, 372n509, 426 178 187, 192 178 310 366 298 109 131 239 408 202 143 194 159 113, 114 406 234 188 311n433, 367 179 163 377 234 373n509 178, 187 130 192 352 421, 422 422 234 106 196 354 307 307 305, 403 307 347 406 202 195 406, 408 114 196, 389 306, 384 187, 348 373n509 347

102:23 – 24 110:2 116 116:8 119:4 – 5 119:16 119:17 119:18 119:26 119:129 121 122:1 122:2 122:8 122:9 123:1 – 2 125:1 131:2 137:6 139:3 139:15 – 16 142:7 145:19

373n509 190 180 234 110, 292 349 196 202 107 110 285 154 154 154 154 133 133 104 202 184 122 186 137

Proverbs 2 3:6 8 8:5 10:24 14:12 14:14 15:8 16:25 17:3 18:10 22:17 – 18 27:23 28:14 30:2

42n223, 426 131 106, 115, 130, 360 122 251 137 131 190 378 131 158 191 187 426 186 193

Ecclesiastes 8:11 12 12:1 12:13

164 383 403 151, 177

Isaiah 1:6 1:18

426 288 380

455

456

Scripture Index

2:11 5:2 7:15 9:6 11 – 12 30:21 35:6 – 7 40:30 – 31 41:9 41:10 44:22 46:10 53 53:6 54:2 – 3 57:1 57:15 58:13 – 14 65:20 66:1 – 2

152 354 295 408 155 423 190 306 422 421, 422 100 282 419 164 225 8n31 188 192 307 403

Jeremiah 1:4 – 5 2:5 2:24 2:31 – 33 7:16 10:21 10:23 13:23 23 24 31:2 31:18 – 20 42

426 191 155 421, 423 155 421, 423 187 109 292 159 159 193 304 129, 134

Lamentations 3:2 3:22 3:27 3:30 3:40 3:40 – 41 5:16 – 17

426 354 125 377 377 193 162 162

Ezekiel 10:13 18:30 19:12 34:16

133, 142 98 8n31 163

36:26

291

Daniel 9:24

426 421

Hosea 2 2:18 3 6:4 10:1 11:8 12:8 – 9 13:9

426 183 158 224n246 161 354 200 133 153

Joel

426

Amos

426

Jonah 3:4 4:1 – 4

186 137

Micah 6:3 7

426 160 183

Nahum

426

Habakkuk

426

Zephaniah

426

Haggai

426

Zechariah 12:1

426 252

Malachi 2:15

426 8n31

Matthew 4 5:14 – 16 6:3 11:27 11:29 12:34 15:25 17:5

426 172 283n357 288 103n49, 319 188 291 311n433, 351, 367 160

Scripture Index

17:20 20:20 – 24 21 21:32 25:40 27:5 28:20

97n39 347 344 252 428 383 192

Mark 1:15 1:25 8:35 9:2 9:23 10 11:24 13:1

252 91 127 425 254 180 194 418

Luke 4:17 11:33 13:3 15:16 17:10 18:13 19:10 22:42

426 426 283n357 192 288 333 234 114 406

John 1:11 1:12 1:35 3:13 5:18 6:37 6:50 – 51 8:43 11 11:4 11:40 12:27 13:31 – 32 13:34 13:34 – 35 14:2 15:2 15:5 – 7 15:7 15:11 16:7

426 338 338 236 319 123 297, 378 103n49 332 264 424 254 374 383 236 295 160 319 319 319 194 160

16:22 16:33 17:21 18:23

298 106 383 242

Acts 2:46 3:21 4:33 6 8:2 9:4 13:3 15 15:11 16:37 20:7 20:27 20:28 20:31 26:29

176, 426 255 211 185 180 8n31 160 228 160 191 242 255 202 126, 237 143 138

Romans 5 5:3 – 5 5:6 5:18 5:21 6:1 – 2 6:14 6:23 7:4 7:12 8:1 8:3 8:7 8:10 8:28 8:33 8:34 8:39 9:1 10:3 10:8 – 9 14:8

426 146, 384 384 311 335 225 99 99 412 391 163 253 54 292 405, 409 354 160 160 419 138 121 370 230

1 Corinthians 1:30 1:31 2:2

426 253 337 237, 375

457

458

Scripture Index

3:1 3:18 4:1 4:5 6:17 7:29 – 31 11:31 13:13 16:22

107 151 39n207 426 337 345 151 32, 212 159, 203, 290

2 Corinthians 2:15 4:17 5:1 6:4 – 8 9:1 12:2 12:7

237 353 358 134 349 11 193

Galatians 2:20 4:4 5:13 6:7

392 123, 254 126 195

Ephesians 2:3 2:5 2:12 2:13 3:8 4:18

110n69 350 192 160 377 – 8 332

Philippians 1:21 1:27 2:8 2:13 3:8 3:9

237 86 213 157 337 253, 392

Colossians 1:13 1:19

192 158

1 Thessalonians 1:2 – 3 1:10 2:8 3:3

14 – 15 311 427 348

3:8

319

2 Thessalonians 1:6 – 7 310 1:8 331 2:10 334 1 Timothy 3:15 5:7

320 254

2 Timothy 1:12 4:6 – 7 4:22

380, 406 385 143

Philemon 1:18

39n207

Hebrews 1:8 2:14 5:8 – 9 5:12 6:17 9:11 – 28 11:16 12 13:9 13:17 13:22

123 166 123 195 160 213 138 361n491 201 185 192

James 1:18 1:25 1:27 2:14 – 26 2:19

252 22n104 22 320 246 – 47

1 Peter 1:2 1:6 1:7 1:15 – 16 1:23 2:7 5:7

175 181 142 392 252 383 325

2 Peter 2:14

291

Scripture Index

2:19 1 John 1:7 1:9 2:1 3:8 3:18 4:5 4:18 4:20 5:1 5:10 5:15

392n526

380 310, 370 160 122 – 3 236 252 250 171n142 252 295 383

3 John 2 8

190 403

Jude 15 21

159 428

Revelation (= Apocalypse) 217, 426 1:18 181 2–3 255 2:23 163 3:2 132 7 344 22:12 227 22:18 421

459