the progress which he made in that language was owing solely to his own indomitable perseverance. What we teach ourselves, we learn well. Selfteaching, if laborious, is a labour of love; for we enter on the undertaking from feeling its attractions, and are drawn on in the prosecution of our studies till we are rewarded with ample success, and perhaps filled with admiration. Some such result ensued on Mr. Johns' youthful studies. He became a very accurate scholar both in the Latin and the Greek tongue, the latter of which he spoke of with an enthusiasm little akin to his usual sober manner of expression. In the treasures which these languages laid open before him, he found mental nutriment of a high order, which went far to compensate for a paucity of good and useful books in his mother tongue. But one book, to which England owes a debt that it can never repay, began at an early period to exert a predominating influence over the intellect and the heart of William Johns. The Bible had not only filled his mind, but formed his sentiments and determined his path for life. Full of an earnest desire for the ministry, which he had derived chiefly from its pages, he yet saw no means by which the object might be gained. At length his scholarship came to his aid. At the age of sixteen he left his home, and placed himself at Oswestry, under Dr. Williams, as a sub-tutor, in the receipt of a small salary. At the end of a year, he had the happiness of finding himself nearer the realization of his hopes, by being admitted as a student in the College at Northampton, then under the care of Mr. Horsey.

But his satisfaction was not unmingled. The College was not in good repute with Dissenters of high Calvinistic opinions, who regarded with dislike and alarm the known liberality of both tutor and students. The step, therefore, displeased Mr. Johns' parents, who may already have seen tokens of that modification of doctrinal sentiment which probably had had some weight in inducing him to select Northampton for his alma mater. dissatisfaction of his father and mother was increased by the unfriendly and unseemly representations of his eldest brother. The family peace was seriously disturbed, and Mr. Johns determined to withdraw from his heretical son the little pecuniary aid he had previously accorded him. The young man

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was thus thrown exclusively on his own resources and the gratuities of the College. But though grieved and distressed, "he bated not a jot of heart or hope." It was, he felt, a good cause to which he had given himself. His motives were pure. His aims_were lofty. He had a firm trust in Providence. Not without support, in consequence, did he resolve to do his best in order to help himself and reach the end which he had in view. For this purpose he took the right course, ap. plying himself with renewed ardour and increased industry to his several studies, in which he made distinguished progress.

It was not possible, however, for a person of so earnest a nature as Mr. Johns, to change the religious views in which he had been educated, without a severe mental conflict. In accordance with his Calvinistic prepossessions, even doubt at first appeared to him as blameworthy, if not sinful; and every step which he afterwards set in his progress to purer and more enlightened sentiments, was attended by fear which sometimes grew into alarm. Yet his simplicity of purpose and honesty of heart would not let him retrocede. He found aid and support in his early love of the Scriptures. Wisely did he give himself to the study of the New Testament. Against the decisions to which he was at length happily conducted, there was arrayed the whole force of education and parental authority, as well as the awful dread of eternal ruin, should he abandon what was accounted

the way of salvation in matters of belief. It required no small nerve of character even to look these terrors calmly in the face. Mr. Johns persevered in his inquiries, when he had once commenced them, undauntedly, and was rewarded for his faithfulness by clear and satisfactory views on the great topics of faith and duty, and with entire peace of mind. The change which he underwent was final as well as thorough. In the great features of his religious character, he changed now to change no more. From this time forth, progress with him was development. He still, indeed, continued his inquiries, which terminated only with his earthly being; but the long and very diversified process of reading, thinking and composing, through which he afterwards went, had for its result only the removal of difficulties, the widening of his sphere of vision, and the confirmation of his opinions. Emi

nently did he enjoy the blessing of an unwavering faith. Partly, this was a gift of nature; still more was it the result of diligent and long-sustained personal discipline. Having once thoroughly examined the foundation of his hopes, he proceeded, like a wise master builder, to erect thereon with care, circumspection and ceaseless labour, the edifice of "faith, hope and charity," which would, he believed, be "eternal in the heavens." He was not one of those who are afraid of their most conscientious determinations; still less could he yield himself to be "tossed about by every wind of doctrine." Life, he felt, was a serious reality, which before all things required fixed principles of action; and, in his opinion, fixed principles of action could be had only as a consequence of definite and unwavering views of God and duty. Religion with this excellent man was throughout his life, and eminently so in its later periods, the very essence of his existence. Lying at the centre of his soul, the warm genial light of love to God, his Father, to Christ, his Saviour, and to man, his brother, it illumined his whole being, and made him rich in the fruits of the Spirit. Under the influence of a power which he felt to be so benign, he regarded with aversion that boundless and ceaseless speculation which is always learning, and never coming to a knowledge of the truth. (2 Tim. iii. 7.) He believed that there was no halting-place between definite and stable views of religion, and no religious views at all. He held, that a man who was once set loose on the illimitable and restless ocean of inquiry, ran great danger of making shipwreck of faith. He saw not how a man could morally live without the nutriment afforded by divine truth, and he saw not how that divine truth could subsist in any religion of the feelings or the imagination. If, perhaps, he may scarcely have allowed sufficient importance to these two sources of religious life, he was, we think, perfectly right in holding that all true and durable religious life must be laid in firm and definite intellectual convictions. If, undoubtedly, faith is something more than belief, for that very reason it is belief; and if faith without works is dead, faith without conviction is an aerial fancy, pleasing to the sight, perhaps, because reflecting the rainbow colours of the imagination, but too unreal and too unsubstantial to prove in times of need "the true bread of life."

As Mr. Johns had thus been delivered "out of darkness into marvellous light," he was naturally desirous to communicate his views to others. Strong religious convictions are necessarily proselyting. When a man has been taken "out of the horrible pit and out of the miry clay, and had his feet set upon a rock," (Ps. xl. 2,) he cannot avoid speaking of God's goodness-he cannot avoid rendering aid to his fellow-man. Pure Christian light seeks to communicate itself. Like the love of Christ, it must go forth in words and deeds. A holy necessity is laid on the possessor to preach the Gospel, which he dares not disregard. Persons who have been brought up in a calm indifference and tolerant impartiality in regard to religious opinions, may even wonder at the ardour which is displayed for the furtherance of what they deem Christian truth, by men whose religious history is similar to that of Mr. Johns; but it may be doubted if the state of mind in which the former feel complacent, finds a sanction in the history of either Jesus Christ or any other great benefactor of human kind; and we think the world owes more even to intemperate zeal, border as it may on bigotry, than to that cold unconcern which, by regarding all opinions with an equal eye, reduces truth to a level with error, and tends to keep mankind ignorant by keeping them quiet.

Most remote from mistakes of this kind was the good man of whom we speak. It was a rugged path which he had trod on his way to Christian truth. When, therefore, he became a father, he was most desirous to save his children, if possible, the pain and distress of mind which he had experienced. He regarded it as a solemn part of his parental duty to instil into their minds pure and lofty ideas of God, the source of all religious truth and hope. "God is love: God is your heavenly Father; He loves you better than I can; He has sent Jesus Christ to teach you to be good, that you may live with him in heaven for ever;"- "such were his instructions, adapted to their tender years, and which, through every diversity of sentiment and situation, have constituted the happiness of their lives, and their hope in suffering and death."

When Mr. Johns' views on religion had become fixed, he paid a visit to his father, whom, by his temperate and judicious behaviour, he induced not only to overlook the past, but to enter

on an inquiry into the truth of his religious opinions, which ended in his father's adopting the views which he had previously regarded with so much dislike and alarm. A favourite sister also was led by him to the entertainment of Unitarian opinions, in which, against opposition, she has till now persevered. His mother's religious sentiments he did not think it desirable to unsettle, and she remained a rigid Calvinist to the end of her lengthened life, but ever retained the warmest affection for her dutiful and excellent son.

66

At Northampton, Mr. Johns remained during the usual term of study; and, leaving it with much regret, carried with him the esteem and affection of Mr. Horsey and his family, as also of many of his fellow-students. For two of the latter he felt a peculiar esteem; they were men of no ordinary attainments. Both died young. One of these was Mr. John Ross, "whose great intellectual powers". -we quote from Dr. Carpenter's Life, p. 27were united with a remarkably high standard of Christian excellence, rendered more attractive and interesting by the child-like simplicity of his character." The other was Mr. Dewhurst, whom Mr. Johns spoke of as a profound linguist. But his dearest personal friend was a fellow-countryman, by name William Thomas, pastor of the Presbyterian chapel, Chester, who also died at the early age of thirty-four. A more enthusiastic and disinterested friendship never existed, as was evinced by the considerable personal sacrifices which each made for the other. The death of this gentleman occasioned a gloom in Mr. Johns' family, the recollection of which has not even yet passed away; and it was with affection and regret that his name was ever after mentioned by its members.

At the termination of his collegiate course, Mr. Johns was appointed minister of the Presbyterian congregation at Gloucester, where he remained only a year. Thence he removed to Totness, in Devonshire, in which place he had the happiness to form that domestic connection to which he was so much indebted for the usefulness, prosperity and comfort that characterized and blessed the greater portion of his days. This new relation, however, brought with it cares of its own. It became necessary to consider how a family was to be supported. The salary was small. The young wedded pair possessed no independent property. They had, how

ever, those qualities by which property is gained and its real good is secured. Looking, therefore, to the sources supplied by their own powers, they made preparations for commencing a school. Nor were they left unaided in the undertaking. Wherever Mr. Johns' lot was cast, he never failed to attach to himself kind and devoted friends. Such came promptly forward to give him aid on this occasion. But while arrangements were in progress for opening a school, he received from the managers of the Manchester New College an invitation which caused him to change his plans, and which beneficially influenced the whole of his future life. Having been appointed Classical Tutor in the College, he removed with his wife and child to Manchester, and entered on the duties of his office. The hopes, however, with which he looked forward to a sphere of increasing usefulness with an easy competency, were painfully disappointed. The year 1800 was one of great dearth. The price of provisions suddenly rose, so as to defeat the most prudent calculations. Mr. Johns found that his expenses were exceeding his income, and became afraid that the result would be calamitous. Other circumstances there were which added to his domestic discomfort, and seriously affected his health and spirits. A change became necessary. The situation was given up without delay, notwithstanding the inconvenience and expense that had so recently been incurred in removing into Lancashire. Not without a suitable testimony of respect did Mr. Johns retire from this arduous post. following is transcribed from the College records :

The

"New College, May 15, 1800. "At a special meeting of the Trustees held this day,--Mr. Öttiwell Wood, chairman,-it was resolved, That the Trustees receive Mr. Johns' resignation with concern. They respect his character and abilities; and, being fully sensible of the inconveniences he has sustained by his removal from so great a distance, they refer the consideration of his case to the Committee at their next meeting.""

This connection, fail as it did of its promised advantages, was not unattended with pleasing and useful consequences. At least, valuable friendships were formed; among which we must mention that with Mr. Dalton, whose name as Dr. Dalton is now held in profound respect throughout the

civilized world, and who, at the time we speak of, was a fellow-tutor with Mr. Johns, holding the chair of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy. The connection here formed with this justly celebrated man, led afterwards to his becoming a permanent inmate in Mr. Johns' family, and to the formation of an intimacy which during a period of forty years was not interrupted by one unkind word or deed, and which, with a rare felicity, never knew "the shadow of a change."

From Manchester, Mr. and Mrs. Johns retired with dejected hearts to Wrexham, where he had been appointed master of a small free-school, and where, in the ways of a kind but often myterious Providence, they were called to bear privations and annoyances. Here, within a fortnight after their arrival, a second child was born; so that a new claim was made on Mr. Johns' earnest, affectionate, but hitherto unavailing, exertions. Wrexham, it soon appeared, afforded no means for supporting and educating a family. Hence, after he had resided in that place nine months, Mr. Johns was induced to accept an invitation from the Presbyterian church at Nantwich, in Cheshire, though the salary was not more than sixty pounds a year. He went to Nantwich, April 7th, 1801; but before leaving Wrexham, he had again formed most valuable friendships which were afterwards interrupted only by death. At Nantwich, he realized the plan he had formed at Totness, and, opening a school, soon proved himself a successful teacher of youth. But the place was small, and, with all his diligence, he found it difficult to maintain his family. Here, too, he was visited with one of those very severe and dangerous attacks of sickness to which he continued liable through life, and which at last put an end to his existence, at an advanced age it is true, but still under circumstances which, a few months before his demise, seemed to give his friends the promise of enjoying his intercourse for no inconsiderable period.

But a wider sphere was now about to open for Mr. Johns. His were talents, industry and learning which could, in the long-run, scarcely fail to find the proper field for their beneficial exercise. If Mr. Johns had hitherto been little engaged in public life and before the world's eye, he had not allowed his leisure to run to waste, nor his comparative seclusion to make him

disregardful of self-improvement. He studied as diligently as if already he had his eye on the situation of distinguished usefulness which he afterwards occupied. In this he affords a striking and very desirable admonition to young ministers, who may learn from his example the proper and only sure way of emerging from social obscurity. A few notes which we have discovered among his manuscripts, shew us that this was the era in Mr. Johns' life to which mainly he owed the great influence that he exerted at a later period. Now was it that he laid in those stores of varied knowledge which made him, in the best sense of the term, a learned man, and fitted him for the position that he held, and the duties he performed, in the capital of the cotton manufacture, which, on his settlement there, he found just beginning to rise to that high position and commanding influence of which it is now possessed. The course of reading through which Mr. Johns went in the earlier period of his ministry was very extensive and diversified, but confined to the best standard works in each particular department. Embracing the Greek and Latin Classics, it took in a range of English literature which consisted of the best works then in existence. And while at one extreme we find him engaged in the careful and minute study of the Fathers of the Christian church-a species of reading to which he remained to the last attached at the other, he relaxes his mind and refines his taste by the perusal of travels, poetry, and even superior works of fiction. Most surprising is the diligence with which these notes make us acquainted; and we cannot well solve the problem how, in addition to his preparation for the pulpit and other pastoral duties, he could study so many standard works.

His second removal to Manchester was occasioned by an overture made to him by Mr. Grindrod, master of a large and well-established school in that place. The terms proposed were such as few men would have had the courage to accept. Mr. Johns had already had some experience of his ability and success in the very difficult and laborious office of instructing the young; and as the prospects that presented themselves were good, he determined to make the trial, which, in a business point of view, as well as in higher relations, was eminently successful. This, which was Mr. Johns'

VOL. II.

on an inquiry into the truth of his religious opinions, which ended in his father's adopting the views which he had previously regarded with so much dislike and alarm. A favourite sister also was led by him to the entertainment of Unitarian opinions, in which, against opposition, she has till now persevered. His mother's religious sentiments he did not think it desirable to unsettle, and she remained a rigid Calvinist to the end of her lengthened life, but ever retained the warmest affection for her dutiful and excellent son.

At Northampton, Mr. Johns remained during the usual term of study; and, leaving it with much regret, carried with him the esteem and affection of Mr. Horsey and his family, as also of many of his fellow-students. For two of the latter he felt a peculiar esteem; they were men of no ordinary attainments. Both died young. One of these was Mr. John Ross," whose great intellectual powers"- we quote from Dr. Carpenter's Life, p. 27"were united with a remarkably high standard of Christian excellence, rendered more attractive and interesting by the child-like simplicity of his character." The other was Mr. Dewhurst, whom Mr. Johns spoke of as a profound linguist. But his dearest personal friend was a fellow-countryman, by name William Thomas, pastor of the Presbyterian chapel, Chester, who also died at the early age of thirty-four. A more enthusiastic and disinterested friendship never existed, as was evinced by the considerable personal sacrifices which each made for the other. The death of this gentleman occasioned a gloom in Mr. Johns' family, the recollection of which has not even yet passed away; and it was with affection and regret that his name was ever after mentioned by its members.

At the termination of his collegiate course, Mr. Johns was appointed minister of the Presbyterian congregation at Gloucester, where he remained only a year. Thence he removed to Totness, in Devonshire, in which place he had the happiness to form that domestic connection to which he was so much indebted for the usefulness, prosperity and comfort that characterized and blessed the greater portion of his days. This new relation, however, brought with it cares of its own. It became necessary to consider how a family was to be supported. The salary was small. The young wedded pair possessed no independent property. They had, how

ever, those qualities by which property is gained and its real good is secured. Looking, therefore, to the sources supplied by their own powers, they made preparations for commencing a school. Nor were they left unaided in the undertaking. Wherever Mr. Johns' lot was cast, he never failed to attach to himself kind and devoted friends. Such came promptly forward to give him aid on this occasion. But while arrangements were in progress for opening a school, he received from the managers of the Manchester New College an invitation which caused him to change his plans, and which beneficially influenced the whole of his future life. Having been appointed Classical Tutor in the College, he removed with his wife and child to Manchester, and entered on the duties of his office. The hopes, however, with which he looked forward to a sphere of increasing usefulness with an easy competency, were painfully disappointed. The year 1800 was one of great dearth. The price of provisions suddenly rose, so as to defeat the most prudent calculations. Mr. Johns found that his expenses were exceeding his income, and became afraid that the result would be calamitous. Other circumstances there were which added to his domestic discomfort, and seriously affected his health and spirits. A change became necessary. The situation was given up without delay, notwithstanding the inconvenience and expense that had so recently been incurred in removing into Lancashire. Not without a suitable testimony of respect did Mr. Johns retire from this arduous post. The following is transcribed from the College records :

"New College, May 15, 1800. "At a special meeting of the Trustees held this day,-Mr. Öttiwell Wood, chairman,-it was resolved, That the Trustees receive Mr. Johns' resignation with concern. They respect his character and abilities; and, being fully sensible of the inconveniences he has sustained by his removal from so great a distance, they refer the consideration of his case to the Committee at their next meeting.'

This connection, fail as it did of its promised advantages, was not unattended with pleasing and useful consequences. At least, valuable friendships were formed; among which we must mention that with Mr. Dalton, whose name as Dr. Dalton is now held in profound respect throughout the