To the Friends of the

REV. JAMES ROWLAND,

CONNECTED WITH THE

Congregational Chapel, Henley-on-Thames.

Ir is with much pleasure we dedicate these Memorials of our beloved Father to those amongst whom he laboured for so many years. We have endeavoured to give a simple and concise account of the holy, happy life he lived; and although we have left unnoticed many interesting incidents, and have said nothing about his many valued friendships, we hope this short sketch of his labours will not only interest those who loved him, but also encourage any who desire to dedicate themselves without reserve to God.

We are under deep obligation to the Rev. T. Binney and the Rev. Dr. Stoughton for their kind contributions to the book. We feel sure that their testimony will greatly increase the value of the Memoir in the esteem of all who read it.

HENLEY VILLA, FROME,

November 27th, 1873.

PREFACE.

OLD age has its compensations. Those to whom long life is allotted outlive their friends, and often find that some younger than themselves are removed before them. If, however, they have been distinguished for wisdom and goodness, there is this alleviation, that survivors who knew them in their youth and manhood, and had observed the development of their character as it grew and ripened, have the opportunity and privilege of bearing testimony to their excellence, and of doing something to extend their usefulness, by helping to present to others what in them was worthy of imitation as well as remembrance.

This privilege is accorded to me, by the request of Mr. Rowland's family that I would furnish a few prefatory words to this modest filial memorial to a father's worth. Mr. Rowland entered Wymondley College either just before or soon after I had left it; but it so happened that my intimacy with the resident Professor was such, that I was often his visitor, and thus came to hear something of the students who from time to time entered the house. I well remember how the young Welshman was regarded; how his

diligence, ability, blameless life, and religious earnestness were spoken of; and what hopes were entertained. of his usefulness from the activity and zeal which were so conspicuous in his character from the first. He won respect and confidence from all who knew him.

I remember his first settlement as a minister, and was somewhat aware, though not to the full extent, of the self-denial, disinterestedness, and singleness of purpose which led him to accept the invitation of a Church like that at Baldock. If I am not mistaken, the account of this, given in the Memoir, will be read with respectful admiration of the man.

I was present at the service connected with his entrance on the duties of the pastorate at Henley, and participated in the hallowed pleasure of the occasion. Throughout his whole career, I never knew of a word being uttered respecting JAMES ROWLAND, but what bore on the excellence of his character and the transparent simplicity of his aims and motives, his increasing usefulness, and the respect which he inspired and which followed him wherever he was known.

The life of a country Congregational Minister cannot be expected to be eventful; and in the case of one who never courted public notice by the making and issue of books, it may seem as if there could be nothing to record. It will be found, however, from this book-by all who are in sympathy with the Christian Minister, who takes as the guiding motto

of his life, as to the discharge of the duties of his function, the Apostolic admonition, "Think on these things; give thyself wholly to them,”—that there is room and opportunity in the career of such an one for incidents and occurrences which are at once interesting, memorable, and instructive.

I will not anticipate here what the book itself is to record. I will only say that I think it commendable and well that filial piety has raised this memorial to one deservedly so beloved and venerated. Some strokes or touches might have been added or omitted, if the book had been revised by an experienced writer; but, as it is, there is a simplicity and tenderness about it which cannot fail to win the eye and warm the heart. I have great pleasure in introducing it to the reader, and in commending it to the blessing of that beloved and loving Lord whom our friend served so faithfully, and from whom, we doubt not, he has received the welcome and reward of one who hid not his talent in the earth, but who “made full proof of his ministry.”

T. BINNEY.