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Memoir of the Rev. Matthew Wilks.

1775, he settled in it as a regular pastor.

"Among those kind and affectionate congregations, (to adopt his own expressions,) he continued to reside as their pastor for more than fifty-three years, till his death. Amid all the subsequent changes in the religious world, they have prospered under his care.

"As a preacher, he was successful: more than ten persons were at one time pastors of churches, to whose conversion he had been instrumental.

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"His labours were not confined to his immediate circle. In earlier life he preached extensively over the country; and to the last preserved considerable influence in Bristol and other places.

"He early promoted the Book Society; and was an energetic supporter of Highbury College, even before its removal to Hoxton, and when under the care of Dr. Addington, at Mile-End.

"He was greatly instrumental to the noble undertakings of the last forty years. "With Mr. John Eyre, to whom he "In early life he was very active and suggested the plan, he originated the Evanacceptable; and used to preach out-of-gelical Magazine, and undertook the biodoors, in Moorfields, and the vicinity of graphical department. London.

"To the end of his days he was very acceptable to his own congregations, who generally declared that they thought his preaching yearly improved, and who were growingly attached to him.

"The attachment was mutual. Never was there a more anxious pastor. His housekeeper says his very agony in family prayer for his charge generally, and for any individuals he thought to be lukewarm or declining, was exceedingly affecting.

"Of the Missionary Society he was one of the founders. The first preliminary meeting was convened by Mr. Eyre and himself.

"To the Village Itinerancy, which originated with Mr. Eyre, he was gratuitous Secretary for twenty-five years.

"He assisted in the formation of the Irish Evangelical Society; and actually, in his eighty-first year, officiated for several months as the Secretary, when Mr. Gilbert was removed by death.

"Devoted to religious freedom as promotive of true godliness, he principally excited the religious world to a resistance of Lord Sidmouth's Bill, and the establishment of the Protestant Society for the Pro

"To the poor members he was a special benefactor, by personal charities, and by exciting the benevolence of others. Nine almshouses were thereby established at the Tabernacle for widows; and a charity-tection of Religious Liberty. school for clothing and educating 100 children, has been established and continued entirely at the expense of that congregation; besides two or three Sunday and catechetical schools.

"He was remarkably disinterested in his ministry. For many years, and when he had seven children, his income, as their minister, was not more than £100 per annum, and never exceeded £200, declining for himself any increase; while he stipulated that his colleagues should receive higher remuneration, and obtained for them an increase while living, and provision for their families when they died.

"The young among the members he particularly delighted to encourage, and devoted much time to their intellectual as well as spiritual improvement; and himself taught the elements of learning to several ministers now justly eminent.

"Nor were his efforts confined to the spiritual interests of his people. He was their counsellor in their temporal affairs, when advice was asked; but, uninvited, he never interfered with their business or their homes.

"As he advanced in life, his judgment and experience rendered his opinion valuable; and congregations and ministers every where so sought his advice, as to impose on him much labour and great

care.

"Amidst all his engagements he was very devout, and truly a man of prayer.

"As his views of the Gospel were clear, and simple, and practical, he always seemed to approach God with filial confidence, yet with reverential awe, and appeared to pour his troubles and anxieties freely into his ear.

"He was very conversant with the Scriptures, which he generally read through four times in a year, and sometimes even in thirty days.

"Thus he continued till last autumn, when his anxiety about obtaining a successor, and the situation of Tottenham Court Chapel, of which the lease expired at Michaelmas, opprest him sorely and in October last, he was visited by disease, and some conversation took place, that illustrate many of the previous remarks.

"The complaint was, an inflammation of the stomach, severe and alarming; but

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it was abated, and, after several relapses, apparently removed.

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During his indisposition, one Sunday morning, as his granddaughter sat with him, he told her to read Psalms 46, 87, 99, 122, 132, 147, and other Psalms. Then he said, 'What do all those Psalms express ?' She replied, 'I would rather you should tell me.' No: I ask you.' Well, I suppose the blessedness and security of the Church of God.' 'Yes, and the interest and delight every Christian must take in its welfare. David says, I was glad when they said unto me, &c. We should be glad too, to be at Tabernacle to-day; but it is well for us that when we can go there no more, we shall have a better church- -a better Sabbath-' and after a pause-'a mansion in heaven.'

"On another occasion he said, 'Through a long life I have found quite work enough to keep people at peace, and now the difficulty is often more than I can surmount. I endeavour not only to speak no evil, but to look no evil; otherwise many would say, he gave such a look-but no one gets me to intermeddle in broils." And then he referred to circumstances illustrating his prevention of evil only by

silence.

66 Again, he said, "If there be evil in any person, never backbite nor abuse, but pray for him.'

"Afterwards, he said, 'I have more cares than I can well support; my own sins my own infirmities—the cares of the churches-and for the cause of Christ. I only relieve one care by another, and throw off one anxiety, because another comes in its place. My health is improving, but my heart is bowed down!' He added, "Pray for me, my dear child, and tell me of all the faults you see in me.' She smiled, but he proceeded,—‘I am serious; I shall love you and thank you for it, and I will act so towards you; and let us always pray for each other and for others, but never privately slander nor condemn."

❝On Christmas Eve they conversed about revivals. He said, 'No one desires revivals more than myself; but a miracle only can produce them in England. Professors are so thoroughly mixed up with the world in their habits, manners, and tone of conversation. There is none of the simplicity of godliness. They are so frivolous, as well as so carnal. God only knows how I agonize over some of them." His granddaughter referred to America, stating, 'There the revivals ap

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pear real, and such as you would approve, without fanatacism and noise !' He replied,- Well, I hope so,-for the state of society there is not so corrupt. fact, they have not had time yet to become So. They are altogether a new people, and luxury is not so mixed up with every habit. When first I came to the Tabernacle, the really pious people were always AT IT. : Our week-night services were as well attended as those on Sundays; and on Christmas-day the place was crowded. Now, to-morrow, there will be but few people, because they will be making preparations, for feasting.' An apology was made for them—"That if they have family meetings they require some preparation.' 'Well,' said he, let them meet their families, and be happy with them. That's quite right; but let them not forsake God for their families, or they and their families will rue such love.'

"To a friend about the same time, and on the same subject, he said, 'I fear, amongst the favourable signs of the times, there is one alarming one; and that is, that the children of our religious people are slipping into a mere profession, and mistaking it for real conversion. This is a fatal, and I fear an extensive evil. I want to see more decided conversion in our churches.'

"As he recovered, he had not been unmindful to reconsider some arrangements to be made after his death: and having made up his accounts to Christmasday last, he wrote in the book some hints, of which the following fragments deserve to be recorded.

"As my dear wife was well and dead in less than an hour, it behoves me to be prepared to meet God, and so to arrange my little worldly affairs, as to give my successors as little trouble as possible."

"The salvation of my soul has been to me for many years a subject of primary concern; and I have no doubt that when Christ appears, I shall, through infinite grace, appear with him in glory."

"When I reflect upon my origin and early follies, I think no man could be more honoured than myself in being put into the sacred ministry, and settled where I have been more than half a century. My spiritual connexions I sincerely love, and do most ardently long after their souls. May God ever dwell in the midst of them in all his saving benefits!'

"Then mentioning some pecuniary matters, he concludes:

"It is my serious opinion, that no person, who has aught to bequeath,

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should forget the cause of Christ, and especially in these most eventful times. "M. WILKS.

"Dec. 31, 1828.'

"And, accordingly, he bequeathed £100 to the Missionary Society; £50 to the British and Foreign Bible Society; £50 to the Irish Evangelical Society; £50 to the Village Itinerancy; £50 to the Tabernacle Charity Schools; £50 to the poor Members; £1 to each Almswoman; and a shilling to each Child in the School.

"With returning health, he renewed, during January, his wonted toils. He administered the sacrament to both congregations, and addressed them with his wonted energy and with peculiar love ;visited all his week-day and Sunday Schools; attended prayer-meetings; entered into the business of the different Societies with which he was connected, and shared their joys and anxieties.

"His granddaughter calling one morning, she found him very poorly; but he said, 'I believe I am not worse; but I have been reading the account of good Tyerman's death, and it has nearly overset me. I dare not finish it. God's ways are mysterious, but wise and good!'

"About this time he wrote to his estimable friend Mr. Roby, a letter concluding with this sentence :-"Though a suffering, I hope I am not a murmuring servant of our heavenly Father; I trust he has prepared me for either world-for earth or heaven.'

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Having found in Mr. Campbell, a minister whom he could embrace as a colleague, and recommend as a successor, he devoted much time to conversation with him, and to his introduction to his almswomen, schools, and christian friends, so that he might understand the duties and delights of the situation he proposed him to fill.

"He was not, however, long permitted to continue in active service.

"On Lord's-day, January 18, he administered the sacrament to the Tottenhamcourt Chapel congregation at Fitzroy Rooms.

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the Village Itinerancy; and Mr. Hill returned home, and remarked how well and competent he seemed. In the afternoon, Mr. Wilson called, and he went down to speak to him about Mr. Campbell, and to recommend some measures satisfactory to him; and on coming up to his granddaughter, he uttered, serenely, but smiling, the mournfully prophetic words, 'Well, now, my dear, my work is done!'.

"On Thursday, January 22, he accompanied Mr. Campbell to a friend whom he had baptized, and where he went to dine and baptize his infant son. He was there cheerfully serious. The grandparents, who had long been dear to him, were present. He prayed with and exhorted them all, and took, unknown to all, his last farewell.

"On Saturday, January 24, disease returned with very alarming symptoms.

"He was somewhat relieved by medical applications. His son, Mr. John Wilks, saw him. He was told that he could not speak; but he sat by him, and he soon began to converse. They spoke of his medical friends. He said, 'Man has no power, but we must not despair.' Again, he said, 'We have no power.' His son replied, "Not much indeed.' He proceeded, "None! none!' His son expressed a hope they would relieve him; and he, affected, went on to say, 'We have no power, but we must not despair, nor even despond. I do not despond. I know-know-know-yet 'know my Saviour is Christ. He has all power!' After some pause, he added, "I have no concern-no uneasiness-not the slightest anxiety about my soul!'

"Soon after he went on to say with delight, "There is, John, the promise of a glorious resurrection to everlasting life. How great is that blessing! That is my joy!' After a short pause, he added, faintly, "That will do! I am not so fond as some of much ecstatic talk.'

"Shortly afterwards, as though recollecting himself, he said, 'But, my dear, there is a sine qua non!' On being asked by his son, smilingly, what he meant by a sine qua non, he answered seriously, but deliberately, 'Serve the cause of God! remember your promise (alluding to a promise to contribute to purchase Tottenham-court Chapel,) remember your promise! You know what I mean.' His son replied, "Oh! if that be all, that promise shall be kept.' He was deeply "On Wednesday, January 21, he at-affected and gratified. He stretched out tended as secretary at the Committee of his fevered hand to pat his cheek and his

"On Monday, January 19, he wrote to Mr. Smith, one of the managers, a letter, beginning, My dear Sir, I cannot live long, and I may die soon;' and enclosing £200 as his own contribution towards the purchase of Tottenham-court Chapel, if it could be obtained.

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Memoir of the Rev. Matthew Wilks.

head, and said, "My dear son! my dear son! God bless you, my dear son!' and thereby really proving, that love to that connexion, and the cause of Christ, was the ruling passion in the hour of death.

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"In the morning of Tuesday, the 27th, his dear grandson by marriage, Mr. James Parsons, inquired, I hope, Sir, your consolations abound.' He answered, Sometimes I feel an abundance of comfort; but it is a sad thing to be a dumb dog,' alluding to his confinement from ministerial duty. He replied, "That, Sir, has not been your character.'-'No thanks to me for that! It is only as God gives strength.'

"The housekeeper at Tabernacle House came to see him, and said, 'Can you say, Sir, Christ is precious?'- Yes!' added,

"How sweet the name of Jesus sounds

To a believer's ear."

She

"After a pause, he went on, and emphatially repeated,

Then will he own my worthless name
Before his Father's face,

And in the New Jerusalem

Appoint my soul a place.'

"In the afternoon his pain became excruciating; but in the evening he slept, and hope revived.

"Throughout the day he obviously thought that death approached. His sufferings in the morning and afternoon were great; but yet greater was his fortitude. Mr. James Parsons having in the morning reminded him of the Scripture, We have need of patience, that after having done the will of God, we may receive the promise,' he answered, Ah, patient! I try to be.' And when he quoted he is able to keep that which you have committed to him,' he emphatically replied, Every whit.'

"In the morning, too, he softly whispered to his son, 'He will help you;' and more loudly, 'He is able to supply all your need according to his riches in glory, by Christ Jesus.' Subjoining, 'I want you to be steady, always abounding in the work of the Lord!'

"To all, he said, 'Think of a covenant God! but think too of our duties to a covenant God.' This he repeated, adding, 'We come so short of his glory!'

"To his housekeeper, he addressed himself, You have taken him as your God-cleave to him-confess him-glorify him, and rest on his promises—all his promises.' And as she replied, "They now your support,' he whispered, 'All.'

are

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"About that time his granddaughter inquired whether there was any thing he could fancy to take or drink; he kindly said, 'I cannot devise, nor you prescribe, any thing like Christ.' And as his son knelt by his side and took his hand, with his eye fixed intently on his burning cheek, he tried to smile, and said, 'Look to Christ.'

"When his physicians came, he obviously was prepared for death: and to one of them who inquired, with much sympathy of manner, 'How he felt,' he answered, 'I feel a disposition, Doctor, to trust myself to God."

"That he thought himself dying, appeared too obvious by the manner in which he said to his son, when in an agony of pain, I can do nothing.' But triumphantly, But this God is our God for ever and ever;' and very emphatically, 'He will be our guide even unto death?

"In the afternoon he suffered severely; but exclaimed, 'Let no evil communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good.'

"This he practised. For to his granddaughter, who said, 'I cannot bear to see you in such agony,' he answered, "He will soon come and heal all my sorrow.' And afterwards, 'Oh, the exertion of dying! but he makes my bed.'

"Afterwards to all he said, 'Lift up your hearts in prayer.'-'For what shall we pray?' was inquired. Pray for!Pray in the Spirit, and you will be right! But more, walk in the Spirit.'

"Towards evening the inflammatory action appeared to have spent its power, but destroyed its victim; and he lay nearly unconscious: and his last audible expressions were uttered when his friend Mr. Townsend came, and, sobbing, said, 'They had fulfilled his wish, and thought it would relieve his mind to know that with Mr. Campbell all was arranged.' And then he lifted up his hand and exclaimed, softly, 'Thank God!-God be praised !—That's well!'

"In the evening nothing could wake his notice. And through Wednesday night the pain gradually subsided, and on Thursday morning he seemed to fall asleep, breathed more and more slowly and softly, till, about seven o'clock, his beloved form no longer breathed on earth, and his more beloved spirit was in Heaven!"

To the preceding narrative, which places the character of Mr. Wilks on an assemblage of simple facts, rather than on an eloquent display of sentimental

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delineation, little either can or need be added to heighten the colouring, or to exhibit it, in a more perspicuous light. In another funeral sermon, preached on the same occasion, and on the same day with the preceding, in Tottenham-court Chapel, by the Rev. George Collison, the author | thus sums up the more prominent excellencies of the deceased.

Take him altogether, in his mental | energy, and christian endowments; in his capacity to arrange measures, and his promptness and skill in the detail of execution; in his wisdom as a counsellor ; in his kindness as a friend; in his regards for the welfare and happiness of his brethren; and in his invincible, unbending, and incessant attachment to the cause of the Son of God, we shall not soon see his superior."

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.ON JUSTIFYING FAITH. MR. EDITOR, SIR,-A short time ago I received a letter from a religious friend, which contained the following observation and request,"I should like to see the question discussed in the Imperial Magazine, Whether justifying faith be the gift of God in the most unlimited sense; or whether it be merely an operation of the mind. If you would frame a question, or send an essay on that subject, I think it might be of use in the church of God at | present."

Perfectly agreeing with my friend both on the importance of the subject, and on the peculiar eligibility of the Imperial as the medium of its elucidation, I shall be happy, as far as my very humble talents may enable me, with your permission, to When ministers, such as Mr. Wilks attempt the opening of such a discussion was, distinguished for personal piety, as he calls for, (but which I presume extensive usefulness, unabating ardour in cannot be of a very extensive nature,) the cause of Christ, and steady persever- with a view to satisfy, not his mind ance in the path of duty, are taken away | alone, but those of many others, who by death, we sometimes think that the have by no means either clear or coinChurch has sustained an irreparable loss. ciding apprehensions upon this most We must not, however, forget that its interesting and important subject. Iwelfare is in the hands of God, who can raise up instruments when and how he pleases, to supply the places of those who are removed. He who permitted the martyrdom of Stephen, qualified a Saul of Tarsus to fill the vacancy which his death had made. Knowing therefore that he is omnipotent, and assured by his promises that the cause of religion shall ultimately prosper, we may safely leave the formation and adoption of means at his disposal.

To his successors in the ministry, Mr. Wilks has bequeathed a bright example of more than fifty years, a spirit of liberality, which, when compared with his income, seems almost unexampled, and habits of self-denial, which in every respect appear worthy of the strictest imitation. Through these, though dead, he yet speaketh; and this voice will be heard for years to come, not only in the church of which he was so long the faithful pastor, but in other churches also, where such legacies are of more sterling worth than silver and gold. Of this venerable minister, it is understood, that an enlarged biographical account is preparing for the press. When it shall appear, the picture, now drawn in miniature, will be given in becoming amplitude; but a sufficiency has been stated in this epitome to place his name and character in an amiable, an auspicious, and a commanding light.

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It hath pleased God to constitute faith the instrument of a sinner's justification with him, in opposition to the doctrine which would inculcate justification by the deeds of the law. But no man can avail himself of this branch of the divine economy, without an experimental knowledge, and a practical exercise, of the principle thus enacted as the medium of a sinner's reconciliation with an offended God. Hence the necessity of our ascertaining both the nature, and the source of 'justifying faith;' that we may be satisfied that what we possess as the supposed fruits of that faith, is no delusion, but a genuine pledge and foretaste of that eternal life which can flow (at least to a professed Christian,) only from the knowledge and love of the only true God, and of his Son Jesus Christ."

I know that some able divines have distinguished the different branches of faith by various denominations, such as justifying faith-saving faith-the true Christian faith,' &c. &c. but in as much as all genuine faith has the same common ends in view, viz. the reception of the truth of God, as the medium of human salvation, I do not conceive it neces sary to observe those distinctions in the present consideration of the subject. But would just remark, that all true faith, when matured, includes belief, confidence, and assurance.

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