It may be vain in us, but we think this remark worthy the attention of Friends: if we are mistaken in our view of this subject, we should be happy to be put right; but if we are correct, the main pillar of Quakerism is overthrown, and the edifice must, as in that case it would deserve to, fall.
Of Dr. Hancock's work, it may, perhaps, be enough to say, that it affords a poor defence of notions which many of our readers will believe do not merit a better. Like some other "defenders of the faith," the Doctor makes up for a lack of argument, not indeed by an exhibition of the sword, or the stake, but by positive assertions, by dogmatism, and by a condemnatory spirit. The unfortunate author of "The Beacon" appears, in Dr. H.'s opinion, to have committed an almost unpardonable offence against the society, and, in this opinion, we are sorry to find the Doctor is by no means singular. It is melancholy to witness the bitter spirit of intolerance and persecution, which the well-intended effort of Mr. Crewdson has raised in the Society of Friends—the peaceable, the nonresisting Friends. It is questionable, even now, whether the publication of his little volume may not lead—in violation of one of the fundamental principles of the Society, as stated and advocated by William Penn, in his address to Protestants, and in contempt of the spirit of religion, and, happily, of the age in which we live,—to the exclusion of Mr. Crewdson from the Society of Friends. Alas for poor human nature! whatever else may change, this is always the same—the same, whether under a bishop's mitre, or a Quaker's broad-brim. The "Defence" may certainly appear a powerful thing to those who entirely agree with the author: those who differ from him will probably be of another mind. A few short extracts will suffice to show the clearness and consistency of the author's statements. In page 17, he says, "I consider every opinion which has not their (the Scriptures') support must fall to the ground;" but in page 8 he says, "If nothing of divine influence, in the days of Fox and Penn—nothing, I say, but the light and knowledge of Scripture, had operated on the minds of men, then, I believe, our religious Society would never have had existence, for they were taught immediately by Christ, and they directed all to Christ." Every opinion not supported by Scripture must fall to the ground: then Quakerism must necessarily sink; for, according to the Doctor's own showing, that system owes its very existence, not to the Scriptures, but to something else—to immediate revelation. In page 22, he says, "Neither the opinion of Robert Barclay, nor that of any other man, would weigh with me, if I did not consider that it was founded on a correct and enlarged view of Scripture doctrine:" very good; but then, in the very next sentence, he adds, "I quote the Apology of Robert Barclay, concluding, that one who is now a minister (Mr. Crewdson), in outward fellowship in the same society with myself, can hardly be supposed TO HAVE THROWN OFF THE AUTHORITY OF A WORK so justly esteemed as it is amongst us; for this would imply, that his departure from the ground of our testimonies was greater than I am yet willing to believe it to be." The opinion of Barclay has no weight: yet no man in the Society of Friends can be supposed to have thrown off the authority of Barclay's Apology! We cordially congratulate the Society of Friends on the appearance of the "Beacon;" and sincerely pray, that a spirit of inquiry may be universally excited, and that the divine authority of the Scriptures, as the sole and sufficient rule of faith and practice, may eventually, and even speedily, be established in the mind of every individual amongst them. Of Dr. Hancock we know nothing; and of that gentleman, personally, we cannot, and will not, say anything bordering on disrespect; but we heartily wish the Mystics and Quietists all the joy, to which they are fairly entitled from his Defence.
OBITUARY
REV. R. COMPTON.
The Rev. Robert Compton, late minister of the General Baptist church and congregation, at Isleham, Cambridgeshire, was born at Withybrook, near Monk's Kirby, in Warwickshire, on the 21st of February, 1780. He had the unspeakable privilege of being the son of parents decidedly pious. His father died more than thirty years ago; but his mother, whom he visited for the last time in August, 1833, survived until some time early in the spring of the last year; when, in a good old age, she slept in Jesus, and entered into her rest, preceding her son to glory only a few months.
Mrs. Compton, lik Eunice, possessing "unfeigned faith," discovered great concern for the spiritual welfare of her children, not only praying for them, but conversing with them on the most important and deeply interesting subject that can engage the thoughts of young persons,—the way in which mercy is extended to sinners. Her anxiety that her children might walk in the paths of peace led her, in conversation with Christian friends, freely to express her views in reference to their religion. When about seventeen years of age, our late friend overheard his mother telling a person that she had some hopes of the piety of her son George, but had none respecting her son Robert. This, connected with the circumstance of his brother John, about the same time, becoming decided for the Lord, very powerfully wrought upon his mind, and he could not dislodge the thought—"If my brothers should go to heaven, and I should perish!" From this time he began to seek the Lord by prayer, and reading the holy Scriptures with a new and peculiar delight. Before he was eighteen years old, he made a public profession of his repentance and faith, being baptized in company with his brother John, and several other persons; and became a member of the General Baptist church at Hinckley, in Leicestershire.
Having now found a Saviour suited to his own circumstances as a guilty ruined sinner, he was anxious to direct other guilty and ruined sinners to the same refuge; and being encouraged by his friends, he began to preach the gospel in the neighbouring villages.
A few years after Mr. Compton began to explain the Scriptures in the vicinity of his native place, he removed into Cambridgeshire, residing first at Harston, then at Sawston; and preaching frequently to the congregations at Ashwell, in Hertfordshire, and at the latter mentioned place of his residence. From Sawston, he came to reside at Isleham, in the year 1816, and was ordained pastor over the General Baptist church and congregation here, October the 29th, 1817, where, with fidelity and great affection, he continued to labour almost to the time of his death.
Soon after Mr. Compton came to Isleham, he was called to mourn under a sudden and most painful stroke, in the death of his kind and endeared companion, who left behind her five children, at an age when they were almost unconscious of their loss. A kind Providence, however, soon repaired his loss, by leading him to contract a second marriage with the highly esteemed lady who survives him.
Mr. Compton was, a few years ago, a strong man; formed as if for vigorous, persevering, and unwearied effort. A little more than three years since, evident symptoms of consumption appeared; and in each succeeding spring they increased, and threatened to put an end to his faithful and successful labours. During the spring and summer of 1834, he appeared fast hastening to the grave. His emaciated countenance, his feeble and almost inaudible voice, and his increasing debility, clearly indicated the near approach of death. Not only did his weakened frame show the nearness of the last enemy, but the detachment of his mind from the world—the calm and serene composure of soul which he enjoyed—the strength and firmness of his hope and confidence in the righteousness of Jesus Christ, gave satisfying evidence that he was ripening for glory.