INTRODUCTORY LETTER.

MY DEAR SIR,

58, REDCLIFFE Gardens,

November 23rd, 1873.

I am very sorry that my visit to America has prevented my writing an Introduction to your Father's Memoir, as I intended to do. I find that the work is now at press, and will shortly be completed; as I think not a day should be lost, I sit down, amidst manifold engagements, to write hastily respecting my beloved and honoured friend a few lines which can be appropriately introduced at the end of your Preface.

Our friendship commenced on the day of his being recognized as pastor of the Church at Henley. We were members of the same Congregational Association, and the natural curiosity I felt to see our new brother, was gratified, even beyond expectations raised in my mind by reports of his laborious and successful career at Baldock. His appearance and manner, his replies to the questions proposed, his obvious devoutness, and his genial, frank, and hearty demeanour towards his brethren, at once won my esteem and affection; and the favourable impression received at our first interview was perpetuated and deepened by an after-intercourse of many years. As young men and ministers, we had sympathies and aims in common, and cordially united

in certain efforts which were made between thirty and forty years ago for the revival of religion in the county of Berks, and that part of Oxfordshire over which our Association extended.

I well remember the early prayer-meetings held in winter time, when 400 or 500 people might be seen trooping along the dark streets, many with lanterns in their hands; and the beaming smiles which your father's gladdened countenance shed upon the congregation, as he stood up to deliver one of his characteristic addresses.

And here let me remark that there was a peculiarly impressive mode of utterance belonging to all he said from the pulpit. His stature, countenance, voice, and Welsh accent, with a clearly revealed interest in his audience, as to their devout aspirations, and their spiritual wants, contributed to the impression which he made; while his pointed appeals, (for the application was ever the strongest part of his discourse,) probed consciences in such a way, that the sympathetic hearer felt he was being dealt with by a man of God.

Mr. Rowland greatly disapproved of read sermons; and certainly his own would have grievously suffered, if his eyes, in which there was much expression, had rested on a MS. instead of being fixed on the congregation. Preaching was his forte. He loved it. His studies, his conversation, his thoughts turned towards it as the main business of his life. I suppose he was never so happy as when engaged in it or preparing for

men.

it; and his profiting, in this respect, appeared to all His work was a success in the best acceptation of the word; for whilst he was far more than commonly acceptable as a preacher in Henley and elsewhere; he so, by God's blessing, laid hold on men's hearts, as actually to turn them from the world to Christ, from sin to God.

I was reading the other day some lines about gemless crowns, crowns of salvation indeed, but not such crowns as will be worn by those who have turned many to righteousness. In your father's crown, made from the pure gold of redeeming grace, there will be numerous gems, composed of souls he fetched out of darkness and sin, and polished for heaven and glory.

Yet preaching was not his only work. He sowed beside all waters. In the parlour, the street, the public conveyance, the chance interview, he was ever about his Master's business; and he had a tact, an adroitness, a facility in turning passing occurrences to account for spiritual ends, which I greatly envy. The Master bestowed on him a special gift that way, and to that blessed Master's honour he habitually consecrated it.

Rarely does one meet with a minister so engrossed in his proper calling. He made full proof of his ministry, in season and out of season, adopting Paul's motto, "This one thing I do," carrying out Paul's resolve, "I determined not to know anything among you save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified."

His simplicity of character, combined with his moral courage in rebuking sin, and in striving to reclaim

sinners, forcibly struck me; and the courage was, in no small measure the result of the simplicity. His simplicity was that of a clear conscience and a pure heart. He saw God. His eye was single and his body therefore full of light. He walked in the light as "He is in the light," and hence the common fear of man,—of giving ofence, incurring ridicule, risking worldly reputation,—had no place in his better nature; thoughts such as perplex and unnerve good people of a certain order, had no place in his mind. Withal he was kindly, sympathetic, generous,—feeling for poor brethren, both giving and procuring assistance. Letters I have received from him, touching cases of distress, contain delicate proofs of this.

But these scanty lines I must draw to a close. I could say much more; however, it is not necessary, for the following Memoir will furnish abundant example of the truth of what I have said, and of what I should say, did time and space permit. I have read with very much pleasure the few sheets in type you have sent me. They contain a vivid portraiture of your father's early life, which I am sure will deeply interest all his friends. May your father's spirit and your father's mantle rest on you.

I remain,

Your affectionate friend and servant,

JOHN STOUGHTON.

TO REV. A. ROWLAND.