SALTERS'-HALL.English Presbyterian. persons, who had not been prepared by a suitable education. This, he often publicly declared, "would not only open the door to Antinomianism, but was then the blemish, and if not prevented, would prove the ruin of Nonconformity" Though he had but little encouragement for some years as a Nonconformist, yet having weighed the controversy, and consulted his conscience, he was always firm and steady to his principles, and no less able than willing to defend them. He was not, however, of a narrow spirit, but very charitable towards all good men, whatever might be their difference of opinion. To evince his charity, he freely declared his opinion for occasional communion with the Church of England; but without censuring those who had not so much latitude as himself. He reckoned it an essential right of human nature, for every man to worship God according to the convictions of his conscience; and this antecedent to all human government, to which it never can be subject. In his general character as a Christian, he discovered a steady and uniform piety, endeavouring to exemplify in his conduct the truths he delivered from the pulpit. But besides these virtues, which are common to all Christians, he possessed some peculiar excellencies which shone with distinguished lustre, and rendered his acquaintance and friendship very desirable. He was a man of great wisdom and prudence; of an open, generous spirit; very bold and courageous for the truth; and remarkably circumspect in all his words and actions. As a friend, he might safely be trusted with the most important concerns, being distinguished for his great plainness and integrity. The uncommon courage he discovered upon some occasions, was not so much the effect of his natural temper and constitution, as of those noble and divine principles, by which he was influenced. His extraordinary abilities, and the general esteem in which he was held by judicious and pious persons, were far from SALTERS'-HALL.-English Presbyterian. promoting pride, or an indifference to such of his brethren who were in so many respects his inferiors. "Any little reputation I may have got in the world, (says he) I desire God may be served and glorified by it; and am ready to part with and sacrifice it, when the interest of God makes it necessary." His conversation was pleasant and affable, ingenious, instructive and useful. In domestic life, he was fond and affectionate; and in every relation, knew how to allot its proper place to every duty, so as to render it beautiful in the eyes of a wise observer.* Mr. Taylor was a man raised up for the defence of the gospel, at a time that called for the most zealous exertions of its most able advocates. His writings, indeed, are not so voluminous as those of some others; but what he wrote, was upon such useful and important subjects, and penned with so much acumen and strength of reason, that he rendered more real service to religion in general, and to the Dissenting interest in particular, than many persons whose lives were lengthened out to twice the period of his own. His zealous attachment to the essential doctrines of revealed religion, led him to cultivate an intimate acquaintance with the controversies with Socinians and Deists, whose particular dogmas he has exerted all his abilities to overthrow, in several of his writings. A complete catalogue of them shall be inserted in the note below. (A) • Mr. Shower's Sermon, ubi supra.-Mr. Newman's Sermon on the Death of Mr. N. Taylor,-and Dr. Harris's Preface to Mr. Taylor's "Practical Discourses." (A) WORKS.-1. History of Popish Sham Plots, from the Reign of Queen Elizabeth. 1682.-2. Dr. Sherlock's Cases, &c. as summed up in the Abridgment of the London Cases, considered, and the Dissenters vindicated from the Charge of Schism. 1682.-3. The Baptism of Infants vindicated. 1683.-4. A Sermon preached before Sir John Shorter, Lord Mayor of London, February 12, 1687-8.-8. A Sermon at the Funeral of the Rev. Richard Mayo. 1695.-6. A Funeral Sermon for the Rev. Nathanael Vincent. 1697.-. A Funeral Sermon for Lady Mary Lane, late Wife of the Worshipful Sir Thomas Lane, Knight and Alderman of London, who died SALTERS-HALL. English Presbyterian. WILLIAM TONG.-Upon the death of Mr. Nathaniel Taylor, Mr. Josiah Chorley, of Norwich; and Mr. Matthew Henry, of Chester, were both invited to succeed him, but declined; and the choice, at length, fell upon the Rev. William Tong, of Coventry. This excellent man, who was justly esteemed one of the most distinguished Presbyterian Divines of his age, is now chiefly known as the friend and biographer of the estimable Matthew Henry, whose life forms one of the most valuable pieces of biography ex tant. Eccles, in Lancashire, near Manchester, was, as he informs us,* the place of his father's sepulchre, and most probably, of his own birth, which took place on Midsummer-day, 1662. He used often to take notice of the providence of God in making future provision for his church in November 29, 1698; and for John Lane, Esq. late Father of the said Sir Thomas Lane, who died the 8th of December following. Job xxi. 26.—8. A Preservative against Deism; shewing the great Advantage of Revelation above Reason. With an Appendix in Answer to a Letter of A. W. against Revealed Religion, in the Oracles of Reason. 1698.-9. A Discourse of the Nature and Necessity of Faith in Jesus Christ; with an Answer to the Pleas of our Unitarians for the Sufficiency of bare Morality, or mere Charity to Salvation. 1700.-10. A brief Discourse of Infant Baptism; delivered at the public Baptism of an Infant, at Kingston-upon-Thames, June 23, 1700.-11. Practical Discourses on several important Subjects, viz. A Discourse of the Children of Holy Parents; Eight Discourses of the Covenant of Grace, &c. 1703. These Discourses were prepared by the Author for the Press, but not published till after his death, when they were sent into the world, with a Preface by Dr. William Harris, who bestowed a just eulogium upon the Author. Besides the above pieces, Mr. Taylor published several Tracts without his name, which cannot now be identified. To this catalogue, it may not be amiss to subjoin Dr. Doddridge's character of him as a writer.-TAYLOR (NATHANIEL). The Dissenting SOUTH. There is vast wit, and great strength of expression in all he wrote; yet apt to aggravate matters a little too much. His language is remarkably proper and beautiful. His best pieces are his Discourses on Faith, Deism, and the Covenant. He wrote but little more than these. All deserve reading. Doddridge's Preaching Lectures. • Life of Matthew Henry, p. 272. ter. SALTERS' HALL.- -English Presbyterian. that year, when so many burning and shining lights were put under a bushel. Several of his intimate friends were born in the same year, who afterwards proved faithful and eminent ministers, great blessings in their day and generation; such as Mr. Matthew Henry, Mr. John Wilson, of Warwick, and others. When a youth, he had the misfortune to lose his father, who left a widow, with two sons, and one daughMr. Tong always spoke of his mother with the highest honour and esteem, and behaved towards her with the most dutiful and tender affection, till her dying day. He used to say, that if ever children had reason to bless God for a good mother, they had. She was an excellent, zealous Christian, of the old Puritan stamp, who took great care of their education; and, under God, it was owing much to her management, that he was bred a minister and a Dissenter.* Such were the abilities discovered by Mr. Tong, that he would have shone with reputation in any of the learned professions. It was, therefore, a kind providence to the church of Christ, that he was taken off from the study of the law, after he had made some considerable progress in it. Though, considering his great genius, he would probably have raised himself in that profession to affluence and honour, yet he was influenced by higher considerations, remembering the words of the inspired penman, He that winneth souls is wise; and they who turn many to righteousness, shall shine as the stars for ever and ever. The effects of his ministry will remain visible, when the fashion of this world is past away, and the earth and all the works therein are burnt up. In the last great day, he will doubtless have many for his crown of joy and rejoicing; and will then be able to say, Here am I, and the children thou hast given me. This will be more to his honour and satisfaction, than if he had acquired and amassed together all the treasures of this world. • Mr. Newman's Sermon on the Death of the Rev. William Tong, p. 32, 33. SALTERS'-HALL-English Presbyterian. Such high thoughts did he entertain of the dignity and excellency of the Christian ministry, that he delared, had he a son of his own, who promised to be serious and faithful, he should prefer training him to the ministerial profession, above any other calling, howsoever gainful !* As Mr. Tong was designed for the profession of the law, he enjoyed the advantages of a liberal education; but his thoughts being diverted into another channel, he was placed for academical learning, under the care of the Reverend and learned Mr. Richard Frankland. He entered the seminary of that valuable person, then kept at Natland, in Westmorland, on the second of March, 1680-1; and under his direction pursued a course of studies for the Christian ministry. He began to preach in the beginning of the reign of James II. a dark and threatening time, when our religion and liberties, and every thing dear and valuable to Englishmen and Protestants were at stake, and in the utmost danger. Even then, he was not ashamed, nor afraid to embark in the despised and persecuted cause, of nonconformity. He frequently preached to the poor people in the country, when he knew not but, at the end of the sermon, he might exchange the pulpit for the prison. But God always mercifully preserved him from falling into the hands of his enemies.‡ Upon his first appearance in public, he gave those great and promising hopes, which his after life fully justified. Wherever Providence cast his lot, his labours met with universal acceptance and success. In his younger years he was not without strong solicitations to comply with the national establishment; and could he have satisfied himself in the terms of conformity, he would soon have been qualified to fill and adorn any of the episcopal sees. But he preferred • Mr. Newman's Sermon, ubi supra, p. 32, 33. + Appendix to Dr. Latham's Sermon on the Death of Mr. Madock. |