CHAPTER XXXIII.

History of the Chapel at Tunbridge Wells-Mr. Venn and Mr. Madan preachin the open air-Extracts from Lady Huntingdon's letters-Mr. Whitefield visits Tunbridge Wells-Messrs. Shipman and Matthews preach thereIllness of Lady Huntingdon-Illness of Mr. Whitefield-Mr. Venn-Mr. Newton-Mr. Thornton-Preaching at Lady Huntingdon's-A condemned criminal-Opening of the Chapel by Mr. Whitefield and Mr. De CourcyMrs. Althens-Chapel at Margate Mr. Aldridge-Mr. Cooke-Mrs. Horsley Chapels at Dover-Folkstone-Deal-Dr. Carter-Mrs. Elizabeth Carter and Miss Talbot-Lady Huntingdon's observations on Mrs. Carter's opinions-Charles and Edward Perronet-Chapel at Canterbury—Mr. Aldridge-Dr. Povah-Mr. Maddock-his death-The Unwin family and Cowper the poet--Mrs. Major Cowper-Mr. Unwin preaches at Lady Huntingdon's Chapel-Mr. David Simpson-Mr. Taylor.

CELEBRATED for its waters, Tunbridge Wells was remarkable for little else than the ignorance and profaneness of its inhabitants. As a place of public resort for the affluent, the gay, and the invalid, it became one of the most distinguished spots in the kingdom. In this benighted place the sabbath was openly profaned, and the most holy things contemptuously trampled under foot; even the restraints of decency were violently broken through, and the external form of religion held up as a subject of ridicule. This general description of the inhabitants of Tunbridge Wells must not, however, be indiscriminately applied to every individual among them: exceptions there were to this prevailing character, but they were comparatively few indeed.

That something should be attempted towards the conversion of this people was Lady Huntingdon's most anxious wish, and seemed to be the general desire of all those whom she consulted. Commencements so auspicious as those at Brighton and Oathall, confirmed and encouraged her hopes in this most desirable enterprise. Accordingly, in the summer of 1763, her Ladyship went thither, accompanied by Mr. Madan and Mr. Venn. Some attempts had been made to introduce the Gospel to this resort of fashion, about this time by Sir Thomas l'Anson, who resided in the neighbourhood, and had occasional preaching in his house. By this means attention was excited, and many were anxious to enjoy the blessings of the everlasting Gospel. The chapel belonging to the Established Church having been refused, Mri

Madan and Mr. Venn preached in the large Presbyterian place of worship, which was freely lent on this occasion, and in which Mr. Wesley and others had also preached. But spacious as this place was, it was insufficient to contain the numbers who wished to hear, and Mr. Madan and Mr. Venn were encouraged by Lady Huntingdon to address the assembled multitudes in the open air. This was a new and extraordinary occurrence at Tunbridge Wells, and created no small stir. Whilst Mr. Venn was enforcing that gracious invitation, "Come unto me, all ye that are weary and heavy laden," a man in the congregation, not far from where the preacher stood, dropped down and instantly expired. This circumstance caused a general sensation, of which Mr. Venn very judiciously availed himself, and with great energy and warmth exhorted them to seek the Lord while he might be found, and to call upon Him while he was near :

"So strong and general an influence (observes Lady Huntingdon) on a congregation I seldom remember to have seen. Many were melted to tears, and seemed resolved to fly from the wrath to come. Dear Mr. Venn was most solemn and impressive; the word came with power, and the arrows of conviction stuck in the hearts of many."

When Mr. Venn had concluded, the people lingered around the spot, as if unwilling to depart. Lady Huntingdon observing this, urged Mr. Madan to address a few words to the congregation:

"Many (says her Ladyship) wept under the word, and a general concern seemed to pervade the assembly. The event of this day is a manifest indication that the Lord hath a people in this place. It hath pleased him to give a successful entrance to his Gospel-the time, the set time is evidently come, and this people are to be brought under the sound of salvation. O that hundreds, nay thousands, may answer the call of the new-creating voice! I have waited on the Lord, and sought the leadings of his Providence in this matter; and I did not visit Tunbridge Wells till I was confidently assured that he had called me there. The fields are white already to harvest. May the precious name of Him who died to save be made very dear to many in this place; and may this grain of mustard seed become, by the blessing of God, a flourishing tree, extending its branches far and wide."

Her Ladyship's active endeavours, which proceeded from true zeal for the enlargement of the kingdom of Christ, and which, like the beams of the sun, passed with unabating alacrity from place to place, from town to town, from city to city, soon ripened into execution. In the year 1768 she procured a permanent residence in that part of Tunbridge Wells usually called Mount Ephraim; and in the month of May received a visit from Mr.

Whitefield, then on his way to Lewes and Brighton. He preached twice in the open air,-nor did he preach in vain :—

"Very many (says her Ladyship) were cut to the heart-sinners trembled exceedingly before the Lord, and a universal impression seemed to abide upon the multitude. Truly God was in the midst of us to wound and to heal. Such happy indications of the approbation of God induce me to hope that He will deign to smile on my humble efforts for the glory of his great name and the good of the people of this place, and ultimately crown them with distinguished success. Conscious that every effort is impotent without his Almighty aid, I cry continually to Him for wisdom and strength. But what am I, that He should condescend to make me instrumental in communicating any good to others? I am humbled in the dust before him. It is the Lord, the Lord himself, that has done the work. The treasure is in an carthen vessel, but the excellency of the power is of God only, and not of man.'

Early in the month of January, 1769, Lady Huntingdon arrived in London full of plans for the glory of God and the immortal happiness of her fellow-creatures. Her Ladyship's residence at this time was in Portland-row, Cavendish-square. Mr. Whitefield and Mr. Wesley were both in the metropolis, and frequent in preaching at her Ladyship's house, with Mr. Romaine and others. On Tuesday the 10th of January, Mr. Whitefield administered the sacrament, and Mr. Wesley preached on "Ye are saved by faith." Tuesday, the 17th, Mr. Romaine administered the Lord's Supper, and gave a solemn address to the communicants: after which Mr. Whitefield explained that important declaration, "If they hear not Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead."

Lady Huntingdon appears to have suffered much from bodily

Previous to the opening of the College at Trevecca, Mr. Shipman and Mr. Matthews, two of the students expelled from Oxford, paid her Ladyship a visit at Tunbridge Wells, with a view of obtaining admission into the intended College, and were most cordially received by her Ladyship. It occurred to Lady

Huntingdon, that as she had two ministers in her house, one of them should preach. Notice was accordingly sent round that on such an evening there would be preaching before the door. At the appointed time, a great many people had collected together, which the young men seeing, inquired what it meant? Her Ladyship said, "As I have two preachers in my house, one of you must preach to the people." In reply, they said they had never preached publicly, and wished to be excused. Mr. Shipman was a ready speaker, but Mr. Matthews was remarkably diffident. Lady Huntingdon, therefore, judged it best for Mr. Shipman to make the first attempt. While he hesitated, she put a Bible into his hand, insisting upon his appearing before the people, and either tell them he was afraid to trust to God, or to do the best he could. On the servants opening the door, her Ladyship thrust him out with her blessing, saying, "The Lord be with you-do the best you can.' ." He preached from Genesis vi. 3, " And the Lord said, my spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh."

indisposition at this time. Her constitution, ever since her last illness, had been extremely delicate; and a cold, caught soon after she reached London, threw her on a bed of sickness. Her inward conflicts were severe, and the pressure of many outward things concurred to aggravate her affliction.

Mr. Whitefield was now almost entirely laid aside from duty. On the 27th of February, Mr. Wesley writes, "I had once more agreeable conversation with my old friend and fellow-labourer, George Whitefield. His soul appeared to be vigorous still; but his body was sinking apace; and unless God interpose with his mighty hand he must soon finish his labours." The next day, however, he was at Lady Huntingdon's, but wholly unable to take any active part in the usual service at her house. Mr. Green administered the Sacrament, assisted by Mr. Elliott, and Mr. Romaine preached on "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Early in the month of March Mr. Venn arrived in London, and was most cordially greeted by Lady Huntingdon, with whom he spent much of his time. Many pulpits were open to him, and frequent applications were made to him to preach charity

sermons :

"Last Sunday morning (says he) I preached a charity sermon in one of the largest churches in London. The curate so hated my name that he left the church, and there was no one to read the prayers; after making the congregation wait, I was obliged to read them myself. In the congregation I saw two young men from Huddersfield, who had run away from their homes. I took occasion to tell the congregation that I knew there were present two unhappy people, self-deceivers concerning the doctrine of grace."

At the request of Mr. Thornton, who was high-sheriff for the county of Surrey, Mr. Venn preached the assize sermon at Kingston, which was afterwards published; he preached also very frequently at Lady Huntingdon's, and at the Lock Chapel. On one occasion, after Mr. Whitefield had preached at her Ladyship's, Mr. Romaine and Mr. Venn administered the Sacrament; and in the evening of the same day Mr. Venn preached in her drawing room to a very crowded assembly. Mr. Whitefield was now much recovered, and enabled to preach several days successively; and Mr. Venn availed himself of every opportunity to attend the instructive ministry of that great apostle of the Lord. At the last meeting at Lady Huntingdon's house for the season, her Ladyship being about to leave London, and Mr. Venn being on his return to Yorkshire, Mr. Charles Wesley exhorted all present to "stand fast in one mind and in one judgment." The Lord's Supper was administered by Mr. Romaine

and Mr. Venn, and Mr. Whitefield gave a very solemn parting prayer; Mr. Venn concluded with the usual benediction; after which the doxology—

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow," &c.

was sung with uncommon fervour and devotion, and all separated with a deeper sense of their mercies, and of their infinite obligations to the Lord Jesus Christ.*

Previous to the day of dedication at Tunbridge, her Ladyship was very diligent in sending invitations about the neighbourhood, and also to some more distant, requesting their attendance on that occasion. Accordingly, great numbers of persons flocked into Tunbridge, and at a very early hour of the morning assembled in front of her residence, where they continued engaged in singing hymns, and other acts of devotion, till the time when public service commenced. Lady Huntingdon has been often heard to say, in reference to this circumstance-" It is impossible to express the delight and satisfaction I experienced on being awoke at an early hour in the morning by the voice of praise and thanksgiving-my heart was powerfully affected, and never can I forget the sensations of pleasure I then felt."

On Sunday, July 23, the chapel was opened for divine worship, and soon thronged in every part. Mr. De Courcy, who came down for the purpose, read the prayers of the Established Church, and Mr. Whitefield preached from Genesis xviii. 17: “How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!" The congregation was too large to be accommodated in the chapel, and this herald of salvation, like his great Master, preached in the open air, from a mount in the court before the chapel. The hallowed spot is still preserved, and when pointed out to the visitant can scarcely

* Lady Huntingdon had engaged Mr. Venn before his departure to visit a condemned criminal, at a short distance from London. He was the son of godly parents in Ireland, yet a most notorious offender, who had been recommended to her Ladyship's notice by Mr. Shirley, a friend of his unhappy parents. Mr. Whitefield and several other ministers had been to see him, and hopes were entertained that he was under deep convictions as to his awful condition in the sight of God the Judge of all. "I am so much engaged (says Mr. Venn) in visiting a condemned man, twelve miles from town, that I fear I shall not be able to leave London before the end of three weeks. I think it long; but my friends are so kind, and make so much of my company, that I cannot refuse them. The man is chained to the floor whilst I am preaching to him." And again, “I have returned from visiting the condemned prisoner, with whom I was a good deal; and preached one evening in the gaol to a small company, on those blessed words-"The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." The poor man seemed to have a glimpse of that blessed Redeemer, and His ability and willingness to save him; so that his heart began to feel a hope he never knew before: so certain is it that the preaching of Christ crucified is the power of God unto salvation.