CHAPTER XI
PAROCHIAL MISSIONS
Five-and-twenty years ago parochial missions were in a different position from that in which they stand at present.
There were very few mission preachers, and they had a good many difficulties to contend with. Some looked askance at the new movement and thought it savoured of Rome; others deemed it “exciting,” and unworthy of the calm atmosphere of the Church of England.
It had not then been reduced to a science: missioners adopted their own individual methods, as seemed best to them. Canon Hoare at an early stage of the history of the movement recognised its vast possibilities, and believed that it was just what was wanted to save the Church from stagnation, and arouse men from that dangerous respectability which enables them to repeat the General Confession, but which declines to particularise. All through his ministry his aim had been to reach individuals, and he saw the opportunities of so doing in the work of a mission.
The first invitation which he accepted was that given by the Vicar of Holy Trinity, Nottingham, on the occasion of a general mission throughout that town in 1872. Being his first, it was a time of the most intense and thrilling interest, and the letters describing it are therefore given at more length than those that refer to later missions. Not that this work lost any of its freshness to him; during the twelve years that followed he undertook similar missions frequently, sometimes twice in a year. The opportunity was always fraught with the deepest and most prayerful interest to the preacher; his congregation, moreover, will remember how he used to return to them after such occasions, not wearied, but fresher than ever, and all aflame with spirituality, power, and love.
His scheme of subjects for a mission was very wisely drawn up; some of these have been printed, and evince great knowledge of human nature. The writer well remembers how that, when he was going to undertake a mission for the first time, Canon Hoare sent for him and said, “Tell me your order of sermons and Bible-readings.” It was mentioned in detail; he replied, “I see very little about the ‘New Life.’” He was referred to the subject of “consecration.” “Well,” said he, “if you will take my advice, you will leave that out. I say little about ‘consecration,’ because that is man’s work. Make the life which is God’s gift one entire subject; its necessity, its source, and its reality; and consecration will follow.” His advice was taken, with the happiest results.
To his daughters:—
“Trinity Vicarage, Nottingham, February 6th, 1872.
“I think I may thus far give a thankful report of my journey. As I passed through London I had a most interesting and encouraging conversation with Mr. —, and a pleasant journey down to this place with —. We arrived just in time to have a hurried cup of tea, and go off to the public prayer-meeting in the Exchange Hall. This was a wonderful sight: the large Hall was crammed full, and many were unable to gain admittance. It was a very striking contrast to the busy market outside. There was a great deal of singing from a very nice little book of the S.P.C.K., and a remarkable address from old Aitken. The best part of it was an exposition of Asa’s prayer: the rest was awakening, and, I hope, profitable, very earnest and very affectionate, but it did not move me, though some people said it almost threw them into hysterics. I offered a prayer myself, and three others besides Aitken. I liked them all thoroughly, and came away, I hope, the better, though the meeting had lasted nearly two hours. So having come here and received a most warm welcome from my pleasant host (Rev. Allan Smith) and hostess, I lay down and awoke fresh and happy for the Sunday’s work. Mrs. Smith is daughter of my old friend Mr. Linton of Oxford, and even you could not make me more comfortable than she does!
“Well! Sunday dawned upon us, and at 10.30 service began. The church is not so large as our own, and was not so well filled, but they were pleased with the attendance. I preached on the deep sleep in Isaiah xxix., and I believe the Lord was with us. They were attentive all through, and towards the close many of them were much affected, so much so that I gave notice I would have a Bible class in the church at 3.45 p.m. for a re-consideration of the subject. The Lord’s Supper was very solemn, and many were in tears, especially two old gentlemen whom I hope to be able to see during the week. So we went home thankful.
“The Bible class in the afternoon was well attended. There must have been more than a hundred present, including several gentlemen, so that I was well repaid for the effort, though very tired when it was over and scarcely up to the Evening Service. However, when the time came I was fresh again, and I believe the Lord helped me. There was a larger congregation than in the morning, but I did not see the same evidence of impression. I preached on the old subject, Exod. xii. 23, and, though there was deep attention, I did not perceive the same emotion. Then followed the prayer-meeting: this was most interesting. The large room was quite full, and during certain periods of silence I heard the sound of weeping in many parts of it. Mr. Smith gave a short address and offered prayer; I did the same, and longed to know how to manage such a meeting. After a time I dismissed them, and invited any to remain who liked. But they all seemed unwilling to go, and it was some time before they began to move. But at last the room was cleared, and then what should I see but two clergymen with their faces covered, in trouble about their souls. One proved to be a most deeply interesting case. He told me his difficulties without any reserve, and at length went away declaring himself satisfied. I really believe he learned the way of peace.
“Meanwhile Mr. Smith was speaking to four adults one by one, and I then found a row of five young people waiting for me. In three of them, especially one, I thought there was great reality, but I had not time to speak with them separately, and I cannot say I was satisfied with the interview. I hope to see one of them again to-night, when I trust there may be more decisive results.
“All this quite freshened me up, so that I was ready and in good heart this morning to start off for the service in Adams’ Factory at eight. The place was quite full, so that there must have been about three hundred present. As they all dispersed immediately to their work, I had no opportunity of any personal intercourse, but they listened with great attention, and I can only hope the Lord gave His blessing.
“I am now enjoying a quiet morning, writing, reading, thinking, and praying; remembering with great affection my dear friends at home who are praying for me, and most especially the three dear daughters left at home to help their father by their prayers and each other by their mutual help. May the Lord be with you!”
“Trinity Vicarage, Nottingham, February 9th, 1872.
“I can hardly tell you what an interesting week I have had. It has been without doubt the most encouraging in my whole ministry. I never knew so many persons awakened under my sermons in so short a time, and I am thankful to say that many of them, and many more who have been previously anxious, have been brought to see the way of life in Christ Jesus their Saviour. I cannot say how deeply I thank God for it, or how it has stirred me up to look out more hopefully for a great blessing at home, and also amongst the young men at Cambridge. I hope you all continue to pray for me.
“Last night I had first a strong middle-aged man come to speak to me under deep conviction of sin; and then a most respectable woman who had no peace in her soul. These two took so long that I was obliged to send for another clergyman to come and help me with the remainder, as there were sixteen waiting in the outer room to see me.
“The greater part of the morning has been occupied by my Bible class, but I had one hour for inquirers, during which there came one of the leading gentlemen of Nottingham, and a most interesting inquirer who had been in deep anxiety for years, and who, I believe, through God’s mercy left the vestry at peace in Christ Jesus. Oh, what can I render unto the Lord for all His goodness to me! Dear love to the dear sisters and to all who pray for us.”
“Cambridge, February 12th, 1872.
“I hope to be home, if it please God, to-morrow by express, and look forward with the deepest interest to my return. One thing is clear, and that is—we must seek to go forward, and look out for far greater results than ever.
“Saturday was a sacred day. I went in the morning on my way to church to see some of those who had been awakened, and found them peacefully trusting in their blessed Saviour.
“I then went to the church to see any that might come to me, and my whole hour was filled up by most interesting cases, one of a most touching character. At 11.30 I gave a short parting address in the church to about a hundred people, and at twelve left for the train, after the most kind and grateful farewells from numbers of people who wished to thank me for my ministry. It has been a new era in my life, and I trust has done me great good.
“I arrived here after five o’clock, swallowed some dinner, and hurried off to the gownsmen’s meeting, which began at six. I did not know how to turn my mind to a new subject, but still I hope the Lord helped me, and it gave me the opportunity of inviting the young men to meet me on Sunday night.
“Well! Sunday came, and I believe the Lord was with us. There was a large morning congregation, and many of the people were deeply moved. Oh, how I longed to ask them to come and open their griefs! but the Vicar would not give me leave to do so, so I was obliged to leave them to God, and perhaps that was better.
“In the evening I stood up in dear old Simeon’s pulpit. The church was crammed with gownsmen, and I believe the Holy Spirit was with us. I then had a cup of tea in Carlos’ rooms, and went off to the meeting of gownsmen. The room was quite full. I gave them an address on Justification and Sanctification, illustrated by some facts in my Nottingham experience. I believe that I might have had many coming to me for help if I had only invited them; but I was stupid, and did not do it.
“But one dear fellow seemed as if he could not go away: he came and took me by the hand, and would not let go. The others all left the room, and then he poured out the troubles of his soul. I thank God his difficulties were removed, and we walked home together blessing and praising God. Oh, what shall I render unto the Lord for all His goodness to me!”