“WESTON-FAVEL, _Feb. 2, 1746_.
“DEAR MR. W⸺,—Your spouse informed me, you were concerned, that
the little money, I left in your hands, had not been remitted
to me; but, dear sir, I am glad on this account. If it may be
the means of cherishing one of the least of our Redeemer’s
brethren, I rejoice that it has not been returned.
“You did right in delivering a guinea to Mrs. Williams, for
the benefit of poor widow Cole. If Molly Lake, or Betty Peak,
are in want, by all means, let them be relieved. Tell them,
I present them each with a crown; and bid them think, if a
poor mortal, a wretched sinner, is so ready to help them,
according to his ability, how much more ready is the infinitely
compassionate Saviour of the world to pity all their miseries,
and comfort them in all their troubles. Were it in my power,
I would willingly do more for them; but let them remember
that the power of the blessed Jesus knows no limits. Oh, it
is impossible to imagine how rich our Divine Master is in
goodness, and how mighty in power!”[170]
Every one knows that, in 1745, England was thrown into a state of the
utmost excitement, by the landing of Charles Edward Stuart, and his
Scotch and Irish adherents, and by the futile march to Manchester, and
subsequent retreat to Culloden. The following refers to this and other
matters:—
“WESTON-FAVEL, _Feb. 9, 1746_.
“Thanks to you, dear sir, for your kind wishes. Blessed be the
Divine Providence! I am now able to inform you, that what you
wished is accomplished. I have had one of the most agreeable
losses I ever met with. I have lost my indisposition, and am,
in a manner, quite well.
“I congratulate you, sir, and my country, on the good news
received from the north.
“How do you like Stackhouse’s History of the Bible? I am
sure, he has one advantage superior to all the historians of
the world, namely, that, the facts, which he relates, are
more venerable for their antiquity, more admirable for their
grandeur, and more important on account of their universal
usefulness. The Scriptures are finely calculated to furnish the
most exquisite entertainment to the imagination, from those
three principal sources, mentioned by Mr. Addison,—the great,
the beautiful, and the new.”
The next was written to his Cornish friend, the Rev. Mr. Thompson, of St.
Gennys,—a gentleman possessed of considerable property, and whose family
seat was at Brynsworthy, near Barnstaple, in Devonshire.
“WESTON, _June 28, 1746_.
“DEAR MR. THOMPSON,—Your last gave me hopes of the speedy
receipt of another letter; in pleasing expectation of which, I
have waited thus long. But now my pen refuses to be restrained,
and, therefore, writes to the friend whom its master honours,
and loves from his very soul.
“I presume, this will find you at Brynsworthy, that agreeable
seat, where, three years ago, I passed several delightful
weeks. Oh! when shall I spend my hours of conversation so much
to my improvement!
“I very much want to know something relating to the condition
and conduct of my old acquaintance. When were you at the
Abbey?[171] When did you favour Bideford with your company? How
goes on the good cause among the people lately committed to my
care? How are your lectures prospered at your own and Mr. B⸺’s
Churches?[172] Have you heard of Mr. S⸺? Where is he settled,
and how does he proceed? Is Mr. W⸺’s abode in your parts? I
hope, his manner of life answers your expectations of him; and,
I hope, your acts of kindness and words of exhortation have not
been in vain. Have you received any tidings of, or from, Mr.
Walker?
“One more question permit me to ask, and I have done with my
interrogatories. Did not a certain Cornish clergyman take a
journey to Exeter some time ago, on a very particular occasion?
Was he not summoned to appear before the bishop of the diocese,
in order to give an account of his behaviour and zeal?
“If you have any knowledge of this remarkable affair, (and I
believe it will be impossible to apply to one who knows it more
perfectly), be pleased to favour me with a narrative of its
occasion, its circumstances, and its issue. I imagine an answer
to this one query, will furnish materials for a very long
letter.[173]
“We had this week a very heavy storm of rain, attended with a
surprising darkness, awful thunders, and fierce lightnings.
At a celebrated fair, that was held upon a spacious common in
this neighbourhood, several persons were struck down with the
flashes, and one poor man, with two horses, killed upon the
spot.
“I congratulate you, dear sir, and my country in general, on
the late most important and happy victory obtained by the
gallant Duke of Cumberland. We can never be sufficiently
thankful to the God of the armies of Israel for turning the
scale of war in our favour at that ever-memorable event.[174]
“My little piece, entitled ‘Meditations among the Tombs’
and ‘Reflections on a Flower Garden,’ has been published a
considerable time.[175] I have taken the liberty to dedicate it
to Miss R. Thompson; and, was I near, or had I the opportunity
of conveyance, would desire Miss C. Thompson to accept one of
the books. The thing, I am told, finds acceptance with the
public, greater indeed than I durst expect. Mr. Richardson,
the author of ‘Pamela,’ is my printer. Seven hundred and
fifty copies are struck off; the printer and writer are joint
adventurers with regard to pecuniary advantages, if any such
should accrue from the sale. If, at some leisure moment, you
should happen to cast a glance upon the lines, mark, dear sir,
their blemishes, correct their improprieties, and improve them
into a greater neatness, in case a second edition should be
demanded. O may they tend, in some small degree, to awaken my
readers into a serious concern for their eternal state, and
lead their minds unto the Rock of ages, the Hope of all the
ends of the earth, Jesus Christ! May they, under the propitious
influence of grace, answer this desirable end; or else let them
share the fate of literary rubbish, and be swept away into
utter oblivion!
“Be pleased to make my most respectful and affectionate
compliments acceptable to Mrs. Thompson. I wish Miss Thompson
may be a living picture of that amiable and virtuous woman,
whose price is above rubies. If your trusty friend, Mr. B
(ennet) is with you, pray tell him I love him, because he loves
Mr. Thompson.
“Should you inquire after my state, you will find a description
of it, Judges viii. 4—‘Faint, yet pursuing.’ Cease not, dear
sir, to pray, that, the hands which hang down may be lifted
up, and the feeble knees strengthened, to walk in the way
everlasting.
“In your last, you inquired after a very holy woman, whose name
is Mary. I have asked Dr. Doddridge about her. He declined
giving me a particular account of her intercourse with
heaven, and only said, that, she was a very sincere and devout
soul, but somewhat addicted to chimerical and extravagant
imaginations. The Doctor desired me to transmit his cordial
good wishes and service to yourself and spouse.
“Let it not be long before dear Mr. Thompson, with a letter,
delights, animates, and comforts, his most obliged and
affectionate friend,
“JAMES HERVEY.”
The success of the “Meditations and Reflections” was such, as to
encourage Hervey to attempt another work of the same description. Hence,
the following letter, probably addressed either to his friend Dr.
Doddridge or Dr. Stonehouse:—
“WESTON-FAVEL, _Nov. 1, 1746_.
“DEAR SIR,—This morning, I received your favour. The day
lowers, and threatens rain, which debars me from the pleasure
of paying you my thanks in person.
“Mr. Huygens[176] I hope to read very carefully; but, I
believe, it will be proper to take heed of adopting into my
plans any notions that are difficult and abstruse. I would have
everything so perspicuous, that, the dimmest understanding
may apprehend my meaning; so obvious, that, he who runs may
read. Let me lay before you a little sketch of my design, with
a request, that, you would alter the general order, and make
retrenchments, or additions of particular incidents, as you
shall think most expedient.
“A contemplative walk. The approach of evening, and gradual
extinction of light. The advantages of solitude. The stillness
of the universe. The coolness of the atmosphere. Darkness, and
its usefulness to mankind. Sleep, and its beneficial effects.
Dreams, and their extravagance. A glow-worm glimmering. An
owl shrieking. A nightingale singing. The very different
circumstances of mankind; some revelling and carousing;
some agonizing and dying; A knell sounding; The notion of
ghosts walking; The moon, with its various appearances, and
serviceableness to our globe;—the heavenly bodies—their
number, size, courses, distances,—display many of the glorious
attributes of their Creator; some of which are specified. They
teach nothing of redemption; this, the peculiar prerogative of
revelation—Christ, the day-star from on high, that points out,
and makes clear the way of salvation.
“These are some of the subjects which, I imagined, might be
admitted into the composition of a Night-piece. If others occur
to your mind more pleasing, or more striking, be pleased to
suggest them.
“I am glad to find, by the quotation from Mr. Locke, that
your esteem and veneration for the Scriptures are on the
increasing hand. May we be persuaded, even more and more, of
the incomparable excellency of those sacred volumes! This one
consideration, that they are the Book of God, is a higher
recommendation of them, than could be displayed in ten thousand
panegyric orations. For my part, I purpose to addict myself,
with more incessant assiduity, to this delightful and Divine
study. Away, my Homer! I have no more need of being entertained
by you, since Job and the prophets furnish me with images much
more magnificent, and lessons infinitely more important. Away,
my Horace! Nor shall I suffer any loss by your absence, while
the sweet singer of Israel tunes his lyre, and charms me with
the finest flights of fancy, and inspirits me with the noblest
strains of devotion. And even my prime favourite, my Virgil,
may withdraw; since, in Isaiah, I enjoy all his majesty of
sentiment, all his correctness of judgment, all his beautiful
propriety of diction, and⸺But I must have done. The messenger
waits; he can stay no longer, than barely to allow me leisure
to subscribe myself, dear sir, etc.,
“J. HERVEY.”
While Hervey was thus occupied in literary pursuits, he was neither
unmindful of his flock, nor of the general claims of Christian charity.
Among other public institutions in which he felt deeply interested, the
county hospital of Northampton was not the least important In a letter,
apparently to Dr. Stonehouse, he writes:—
“WESTON-FAVEL, _November 22, 1746_.
“DEAR SIR,—I heartily applaud the zeal you show for the
spiritual welfare of the patients. The infirmary would be
an inestimable blessing, if it might be productive of a
reformation in the persons whom it admits and discharges. As
distressed objects will, in all probability, resort to it from
all parts of the county, a change wrought in their hearts,
and a renewal begun in their lives, might be a happy means of
diffusing religion far and near. I hope the clergy, concerned
in the management, will concur in the prosecution of so
desirable an end. I wish some proper scheme was contrived for
this, in which I might bear some little part, without giving
umbrage to my brethren, or alarming their jealousy. I have
thought of offering to give the patients a kind of lecture or
exhortation once a week; but, sometimes doubtful whether such a
proposal would meet with acceptance, and sometimes checked by
the infirmities of my constitution, I have hitherto neglected
to mention the affair. However, I now venture to submit it
to your consideration. To this, or any other more advisable
method, I should very readily contribute the best of my
assistance.”
In 1747, Hervey joined himself to a society, whose object was that of
reading together the Old Testament in English, and the New Testament
in Greek. This assembly, which was not to “consist of more than ten or
twelve individuals, lest an increased number should produce confusion
or dissensions,” met on the first Tuesday morning in every month, and,
oddly enough, in different inns, agreed upon, from time to time, by the
majority. Each member was chairman of the meetings, in alphabetical
succession, and read a chapter out of each of the two Testaments, pausing
at the end of every verse for inquiries and reflections. Every one also
was expected to give an account of some religious book, which had been
read by him since the last time of meeting; all dined together, at the
expense of eighteen-pence a head; and each one subscribed half a crown a
month for charitable uses. The meetings, including an hour for dinner,
lasted seven hours in the summer season, and six in winter. Hervey
drew up two beautiful forms of prayer, to be used by the respective
members, before and after they came together. The society was unique,
but useful. None but gentlemen of social position and of good education
were qualified for admission; and it was certainly to the honour of the
neighbourhood in which Hervey lived, that, in that age of fox-hunting,
carousing, and roistering, such an assembly was formed.
Meanwhile, Hervey was busily occupied in completing his “Contemplations
on the Night”; and also in publishing a second edition of the volume
which he had issued in 1746. References to these and other matters will
be found in the following extracts from his letters.
“WESTON-FAVEL, _February, 1747_.
“DEAR SIR,—I have heard nothing from my printer during all this
interval. What can be the reason of his long silence and great
negligence I cannot imagine. But, this week, it occurred to my
mind, that, if he delays the second edition at this rate, I may
possibly be able to prepare the third letter[177] to accompany
it. Accordingly, I have postponed other business, and applied
myself wholly to this work. I have transcribed some part of the
intended piece, and sent it for your perusal. Pray be so good
as to examine it narrowly, and favour me with your remarks and
improvements, on a separate paper. There are, I fear, besides
more material faults, several mistakes in the copy, owing to
my want of leisure to review it. I suppose the remainder of my
design, when completed, will consist of about the same number
of pages.
“If I live till Monday, I propose to visit my patient at the
infirmary; and, if company happens to be agreeable, will take
the pleasure of spending an hour with a certain valuable and
very much esteemed friend at Northampton. If you are not able
to guess the person I mean, you shall soon be informed by,
Dear sir, yours, etc.,
“J. HERVEY.”
“WESTON-FAVEL, _April 12, 1747_.
“DEAR SIR,—I have folded down a corner of the leaf at the place
where your perusal left off. There is a note or two subjoined
to the preceding pages, which I wish you would please to
examine. My humble service to Dr. ⸺. I desire He will write his
remarks and corrections on a separate paper. What think you of
the following lines for a motto?—
“‘Night opes the noblest scenes, and sheds an awe,
Which gives these venerable scenes full weight,
And deep impression on th’ intender’d heart.’[178]
“Your plan for forming a Christian society,[179] and regulating
our interviews, I greatly approve. It seems to me to be
complete. I heartily wish to have it carried into execution,
and hope it will be productive of considerable comfort and
advantage to the members; and not to them only, but, by
rendering them more useful in their respective stations, to
many others.
“I hope you have perused the remainder of the manuscript: and
cannot but wish you would give the whole a second reading. The
unknown importance of what we print, inclines me to urge this
request. Who can tell how long it may continue, and into what
hands it may come? I almost tremble at such a thought, lest I
should write unadvisedly with my pen; and injure, instead of
serve, the best of causes.
“I shall soon create you a second task, by transmitting for
your correction, twenty folio pages of the Remarks on the
Stars, and Serious Improvements,
“Yours, etc.,
“J. HERVEY.”
“_June 2, 1747._
“REV. AND DEAR SIR,—My father is wonderfully recovered. Had
he lived in the times of superstition, for ought I know, his
uncommon disorder might have been ascribed to witchcraft, and
his speedy recovery passed current for a miracle. We thought
him to be on the very brink of death; but now he lives, and
regains his strength daily. Last Sunday, he read prayers in his
church; and intends next Sunday to fill the pulpit.
“I am just now going to our visitation, held at Northampton.
I shall appear as a stranger in our Jerusalem! knowing few,
and known by fewer. Methinks, there is something august and
venerable in a meeting of the clergy; especially if one looks
upon them as so many agents for the invisible God, and envoys
from the court of heaven. I hope to be put in mind of that
awful day, when the Lord Jesus Christ, that great Shepherd of
the sheep, and Bishop of souls, will make His entrance in the
clouds of heaven.” Etc.
“J. HERVEY.”
From the above, it is evident, that, though Hervey had now spent several
years at Weston-Favel, his acquaintance with the clergy of the diocese
was extremely limited. Why was this? Was it because he lived, to a great
extent, the life of a literary recluse? Or was it because he had been a
Methodist? Or was it because of his known friendship with Dr. Doddridge,
the great and good Dissenter of Northampton? Whatever the reason, the
fact existed; and, in this respect, he was in the same position as his
old friends Wesley, Whitefield, and Ingham.
The next extract is valuable, and ought to be seriously considered by all
who are chargeable with the same criminal inadvertencies. It is also a
beautiful instance of Hervey’s extreme delicacy in administering reproof.
“WESTON-FAVEL, _June 27, 1747_.
“MY DEAR FRIEND,—Was it you, dear sir, or I, that, when
a certain passage in Scripture happened to be mentioned,
treated it, not indeed with contemptuous disdain, but, with
too ludicrous an air? descanted on it, in a sportive and
frolicsome manner, in order to create a little pleasantry? If
I was the person that indulged this improper levity, I beseech
you to rebuke me, and severely too. Though my design might be
innocent, my conduct was apparently wrong. That infinitely
precious and important book, should be always held in the
highest veneration. Whatever the Divine Spirit vouchsafes
to dictate, should be thought and spoke of by mortals, with
gratitude, dutifulness, and awe. It is the character of a
religious man, that, he trembles at God’s Word; and it is said
of the great Jehovah, that, He has magnified His name and His
Word above all things.
“Who was it, dear sir, that lent to our valuable friend, that
vile book, ‘Le Sopha,’ and yet wrote by Crebillon,[180] with an
enchanting spirit of elegance, which must render the mischief
palatable, and the bane even delicious? I wonder, that, your
kind and benevolent heart could recommend arsenic for a
regale. It puts me in mind of the empoisoned shirt presented
to Hercules. I am sure, you did not think on it, or else you
would no more have transmitted such a pestilent treatise to the
perusal of a friend, than you would transmit to him a packet
of goods from a country depopulated by the plague. If that
polluting French book still remains in your study, let me beg
of you to make it perform quarantine in the flames.
“Dear sir, bestow a thought on these things. If the
remonstrances are wrong, I willingly retract them; if right,
you will not pronounce me impertinent. Love and friendship
dictate what I write; and the only end I have in view, is the
holiness, the usefulness, the happiness, the final salvation of
my much esteemed friend.”
In July, 1747, Hervey completed his “Contemplations on the Night,” which
he dedicated to the youthful son of his deceased friend, Mr. Orchard, of
Stoke Abbey. He was also diligently occupied in the preparation of his
“Contemplations on the Starry Heavens,” and his “Winter Piece”; hence the
following, from a letter by Dr. Doddridge, dated,
“_July 6, 1747_.
“I have just been writing to my good friend, Mr. Hervey; whose
manuscript on The Stars, I have reviewed with pleasure. I hope
it will be means of raising the hearts of many _above_ the
stars; and of fixing them on Him, who is, so much more than
anything material, ‘The bright and morning Star.’ I see, in
Mr. Hervey, an example of diligence, humility, candour, and
universal goodness, which I am sure ought to keep _me_ humble,
and, I hope, in some measure, does so.”[181]
The next, which appears to have been sent to some friend in the
neighbourhood of Stoke Abbey, refers to the same subject; and also shows,
that the state of Hervey’s health was becoming serious:—
“WESTON-FAVEL, _August 8, 1747_.
“DEAREST MR. ⸺,—”I ought to take shame to myself, for suffering
so kind a letter, received from so valuable a friend, to remain
so long unanswered. Upon no other consideration than that of my
enfeebled and languishing constitution, can I excuse myself,
or hope for your pardon. My health is continually upon the
decline, and the springs of life are all relaxing. Medicine
is baffled, and my physician, Dr. Stonehouse, who is a dear
friend to his patient, and a lover of the Lord Jesus, pities,
but cannot succour me. This blessing, however, together with a
multitude of others, the Divine goodness vouchsafes, to gild
the gloom of decaying nature, that, I am racked with no pain,
and enjoy the free, undisturbed exercise of my understanding.
“I am much obliged to you for carrying my message to Stoke
Abbey, with so much speed, and conveying to me, with equal
despatch, a satisfactory answer. When you visit the worthy
family again, be pleased to inform Mr. Orchard, that the
piece is sent to the press, and, after some corrections made
in the dedication, addressed to my godson.[182] It is my
humble request to him, and my earnest prayer to God, that,
he may regard it, not merely as a complimentary form, but
as the serious and pathetic advice of his father’s intimate
acquaintance, and his soul’s sincere friend; who, in all
probability, will be cut off from every other opportunity of
fulfilling his sacred engagements, and admonishing him of
whatever a Christian ought to know and believe to his soul’s
health.
“I forget whether I told you, that, the last work will be
divided into two parts; will be full as large as the first two
letters; and, therefore, the whole will be disposed into two
small pocket volumes, on a very neat paper, with an elegant
type, in duodecimo. But a convenient number of the new essays
will be printed in the octavo size and character, for the
satisfaction of those who purchased the former edition, and
may possibly be willing to complete their book. It was a
considerable time before I could think of a title for the last
pieces, that suited their nature, and expressed their design.
At length, I have determined to style them, ‘Contemplations on
the Night,’ and ‘Contemplations on the Starry Heavens.’
“Now I apprehend myself to be so near the close of life, with
eternity full in my view, perhaps, my dear friend would be glad
to know my sentiments of things in this awful situation.
“I think, then, dear sir, that, we are extremely mistaken,
and sustain a mighty loss in our most important interests,
by reading so much, and praying so little. I think also, we
fail in our duty, and thwart our comfort, by studying God’s
Holy Word no more. I have, for my part, been too fond of
reading everything elegant and valuable, that has been penned
in our own language; and been particularly charmed with the
historians, orators, and poets of antiquity. But were I to
renew my studies, I would take my leave of these accomplished
trifles. I would resign the delights of modern wit, amusement,
and eloquence, and devote my attention to the Scriptures of
truth. I would adopt the Apostles’ resolution, and give myself
to prayer and to the Word.
“With regard to my public ministry, my chief aim should
be, to beget in my people’s minds a deep sense of their
depraved, guilty, undone, condition; and a clear believing
conviction of the all-sufficiency of Christ, by His blood, His
righteousness, His intercession, and His Spirit, to save them
to the uttermost. I would always observe, to labour for them
in my closet, as well as in the pulpit; and wrestle in secret
supplication for their spiritual and eternal welfare. For,
unless God take this work into His own hand, what mortal is
sufficient for these things?
“My hope, my whole hope, with regard to my future and immortal
state, is in the Lord Redeemer. Jesus is all my trust His
merits are my staff, when I pass through the valley of the
shadow of death. His merits are my anchor, when I launch into
the boundless ocean of eternity.
“Though the days are come upon me, in which I have reason to
say of worldly things, I have no pleasure in them; yet, I find
a secret satisfaction in this consideration, that, to you and
to others, I may be permitted, even when dead, to speak in my
little treatises. May they, when the author is gone hence,
testify, with some small degree of efficacy, concerning Jesus!
May they fan the flame of love to His person, and strengthen
the principle of faith in His merits! Once more, dear sir,
adieu!
“J. HERVEY.”
Hervey was afflicted in person; he was also afflicted in the sufferings
of his friends. Hence the following, written in the month of December,
1747.
“Your last found me on the recovering hand, getting strength
and spirits, though by slow degrees. Soon after I received
your favour, a messenger came from London, bringing us the
alarming news, that my youngest brother was extremely ill.
My father’s bowels yearned, and his heart bled; but the
infirmities of age, and an unwieldy constitution, hindered
him from taking the journey. Upon me, therefore, the office
fell. Feeble and languid as I was, there was no rejecting
such a call. Accordingly, I took coach, and, in two days,
arrived safe in London, where I found my poor brother (the
packer) seized with a most violent fever. He was attended by
two eminent physicians; but they proved vain helpers. For a
considerable time, his stout constitution struggled with the
disease; but, at last, was forced to yield. After attending
his sick-bed for several days, I had the melancholy task of
closing his dear eyes, and resigning him up to death. Oh, the
uncertainty of mortal things! Who could have thought that I
should survive my brother? I, sickly and enervated; he, always
lively and vigorous. In flourishing circumstances, and blessed
with prosperity in his business; but now removed to the dark,
inactive, silent tomb! Lately married to a beautiful and
blooming bride, but now a companion for creeping things!
“Scarce was I returned to Weston, but another awful Providence
fetched me from home. My very worthy physician, Dr. Stonehouse,
who lives and practises in Northampton, had the misfortune to
lose an amiable and excellent wife. She also was snatched away
in the morning of life (aged twenty-five), and dead before I
so much as heard of her being disordered. At this valuable
friend’s house, I was desired to abide some time, in order
to assist in writing letters for him, and dispatching his
necessary affairs; in comforting him concerning the deceased,
and in endeavouring to improve the awakening visitation to our
mutual good.[183]
“You will surely say, when you read this account, that, I have
been in deaths oft: once upon the borders of it myself, and
more than once a spectator of its victory over others.
“The ‘Contemplations,’ you are pleased to inquire after, are,
after long delays, or a very slow procedure of the press,
launched into the world. What may be their fate, I dare not
conjecture.
“J. HERVEY.”
Two more letters, belonging to the year 1747, must be added.
The venerable Dr. Watts, in 1746, had published his speculative and
dangerous book, entitled, “The Glory of Christ as God-Man Displayed,”
and had presented Hervey with a copy. He was now in the last year of his
life, and died November 25, 1748. Hervey wrote to him as follows:—
“WESTON-FAVEL, _December 10, 1747_.
“REV. AND DEAR SIR,—Pardon me if I take leave to interrupt your
important studies for the good of mankind, or suspend for one
moment your delightful communion with the blessed God. I cannot
excuse myself without expressing my gratitude for the present,
by your order, lately transmitted from your bookseller, which I
shall always value, not only for its instructive contents, but,
in a very peculiar manner, for the sake of the author and giver.
“To tell you, worthy doctor, that your works have long been
my delight and study, the favourite pattern by which I would
form my conduct and model my style, would be only to echo back,
in the faintest accents, what sounds in the general voice of
the nation. Among other of your edifying compositions, I have
reason to thank you for your ‘Sacred Songs,’ which I have
introduced into the service of my church; so that, in the
solemnities of the Sabbath and in a lecture on the week-day,
your muse lights up the incense of our praise, and furnishes
our devotions with harmony.
“Our excellent friend, Dr. Doddridge, informs me of the infirm
condition of your health; for which reason, I humbly beseech
the Father of spirits, and the God of our life, to renew your
strength as the eagle’s, and to recruit a lamp that has shone
with distinguished lustre in His sanctuary: or, if this may not
consist with the counsels of unerring wisdom, to make all your
bed in your languishing, softly to untie the cords of animal
existence, and enable your dislodging soul to pass triumphantly
through the valley of death, leaning on your beloved Jesus,
and rejoicing in the greatness of His salvation.
“You have a multitude of names to bear on your breast, and
mention with your lips, when you approach the throne of grace
in the beneficent exercise of intercession; but none, I am
sure, has more need of such an interest in your supplications,
none can more highly esteem it, or more earnestly desire it,
than, dear sir, your obliged and affectionate humble servant,
“JAMES HERVEY.”[184]
It is a curious fact, that, Hervey possessed and cherished the friendship
of the two greatest Dissenters of the age, Doctor Doddridge and Dr.
Watts; and, that, the hymns of the latter, even in his lifetime, were
sung in the service of an established church.
For eight years, Wesley had been an itinerant preacher, and had
encountered an unparalleled amount of violent opposition. There had been
a temporary estrangement between him and Whitefield, on Calvinistic
doctrines; but the two were now as warmly attached to each other as ever.
Methodism, meanwhile, had been established in all directions; and, in
this very year, 1747, had been introduced into Ireland. Brutal were the
persecutions from which the poor Methodists still had to suffer; but
their truth was mighty and triumphant. Hervey had taken no part in the
great movement of the Wesleys and Whitefield; but he had not opposed it.
Indeed, it had his sympathy and prayers. His old friends occupied one
sphere of Christian usefulness; he, according to his ability, occupied
another. Hence the following, addressed to Wesley:—
“WESTON, NEAR NORTHAMPTON, _December 30, 1747_.
“DEAR SIR,—With pleasure I received, and with gratitude
acknowledge, the favour of your two letters. That which bears
the date of November 21, I should have answered long ago, had I
not been retarded by the following reason:
“I was desirous to give a proof of my love for your person and
of my reverence for your conduct, somewhat more substantial
than the bare profession of my pen. My bookseller is, this
week, to pay a sum of money for a second impression of my
two little pieces of devotional meditation, which I lately
ventured to publish, and which God has vouchsafed to honour
with acceptance. This is to be received by my brother, in
Miles’s Lane, at whose house, if you please to call, he will,
in my name, present you with five guineas, which I beg of you
to accept, as a token of that affectionate and grateful esteem
which I bear to my ever-valued friend; and distribute among the
indigent or distressed members of that Divine Benefactor, who
died for us both.[185]
“Assure yourself, dear sir, that I can never forget that
tender-hearted and generous Fellow of Lincoln, who condescended
to take such compassionate notice of a poor undergraduate, whom
almost everybody condemned, and for whose soul no man cared.
“If you ask, Why I have withdrawn into a corner, and lain hid
in obscurity, while God seems to be shaking the heavens and the
earth, and to be doing His work, His great and glorious work,
of bringing sinners to Christ, as the doves to their windows? I
will tell you freely. It is because of an infirm constitution,
a languid flow of spirits, and an enervated state of body,
which render even that small share of business, which lies
within my narrow sphere, too often burdensome to me, and but
very poorly performed by me.
“As for points of doubtful disputation,—those especially which
relate to _particular_ or _universal_ redemption,—I profess
myself attached neither to the one nor the other. I neither
think of them myself, nor preach of them to others. If they
happen to be started in conversation, I always endeavour to
divert the discourse to some more edifying topic. I have often
observed them to breed animosity and division, but never knew
them to be productive of love and unanimity. I have further
remarked, that, in forming their sentiments on these doctrines,
persons may be diametrically opposite, and yet be high in the
favour of God, and eminently owned by Him in their ministry.
Therefore, I rest satisfied in this general and indisputable
truth, that, the Judge of all the earth will assuredly do
right; and whosoever cometh to Him, under the gracious
character of a Saviour, will in no wise be cast out.
“I embrace—readily embrace—your offer. Let me ever be reckoned
in the number of your friends, and often remembered in the
earnestness of your prayers. Though it is your distinguished
province, to lift your voice on high, and make the world
resound with the Redeemer’s name; though my employ is to catch
the pleasing accents, and echo, or rather whisper, them among a
little circle of acquaintance, yet, I hope, we may be united in
the same cordial affection here, and united in the same kingdom
of our common Master hereafter.
“Your correspondence will be greatly esteemed, and, I hope,
will prove a blessing to, dear sir, your very unworthy, but
truly affectionate brother and servant,
“J. HERVEY.”[186]
Affliction was still the heritage of Hervey; but, in the midst of
all, his full heart overflowed with pure benevolence, and his pen was
not unemployed. Having completed his “Contemplations,” he now devoted
what health he had to the revision and enlargement of his “Descant on
Creation.” The following are extracts from letters written in the months
of March and April, 1748.
“If you have not so much as you wish to relieve the necessities
of the poor, distribute from my stock. I am cloistered up
in my chamber, and unacquainted with the distresses of my
brethren. Lend me, therefore, your eyes to discover proper
objects, and your hand to deal about my little fund for
charity. Do not forbid me to send a guinea in my next for this
purpose. Do not deny me the pleasure of becoming, through your
means, an instrument of some little comfort to my afflicted
fellow-creatures.
“Herewith comes the ‘Descant’ enlarged. I hope you will be able
to read it, and not a little to improve it. Can you engage Dr.
⸺ to run it over? I must write it over again, so fear not to
erase and blot.
“A letter from my father is enough to cast contempt on created
things. It informs me, that, my poor sister is reduced very
low, so low that my father cannot hear her speak. He seems to
look upon her life to be in very great danger. May the Father
of compassion restore her health, that she may live to the
honour of her dying Master, and be a comfort to her afflicted
parents!”
For months after this, Hervey’s health was very feeble, but his soul as
large as ever; hence the following:—
WESTON-FAVEL, _Aug. 18, 1748_.
“MY VERY DEAR FRIEND,—I received your letter, full of
tenderness, and full of piety, last night. The very first
thing I apply myself to this morning, is to acknowledge your
favour, and confess my own negligence. But your affectionate
heart will pity rather than blame me, when I inform you, that,
a relapse into the disorder, of which I was never thoroughly
cured, has brought me very low, insomuch that I am unable
either to discharge the duties of life, or to answer the
demands of friendship. I have not been capable of preaching for
several Sundays. Pyrmont water, ass’s milk, and such kind of
restoratives I try, but try in vain.
“You are not ignorant of my sentiment with regard to our
Dissenting brethren. Are we not all devoted to the same supreme
Lord? Do we not all rely on the merits of the same glorious
Redeemer? By professing the same faith, the same doctrine
which is according to godliness, we are incorporated into the
same mystical body. And how strange, how unnatural it would
be, if the head should be averse to the breast, or the hands
inveterately prejudiced against the feet, only because the one
is habited somewhat differently from the other? Though I am
steady in my attachment to the Established Church, I would have
a right hand of fellowship, and a heart of love, ever ready,
ever open for all the upright, evangelical Dissenters.”
To a great extent, Hervey was now an invalid. Sometimes he catechised
the children on the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Ten
Commandments; but confesses his want of aptitude for this, and that he
rarely did it so as to satisfy himself. His public work, however, was
extremely limited. By preaching, he could do but little; but, by his
treatises, he was reaching the hearts and consciences of thousands who
never heard his voice. In 1749, a sixth edition of his “Meditations and
Contemplations,” in two volumes,[187] was published; and Whitefield wrote
as follows:—[188]
“July 10, 1749. Your sentiments concerning Mr. Hervey’s book
are very just. It has gone through six editions. The author
of it is my old friend, a most heavenly-minded creature, one
of the first of the Methodists, who is contented with a small
cure, and gives all that he has to the poor. He is very weak,
and daily waits for his dissolution. We correspond with, though
we cannot see, one another. We shall, ere long, meet in heaven.”