THE HARBINGER.

FEBRUARY, 1857.

THE LATE REV. DR. HARRIS,

FOR SOME YEARS PRESIDENT OF THE COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON'S COLLEGE, CHESHUNT, AND MORE RECENTLY PRINCIPAL OF NEW COLLEGE, LONDON.

If, reader, in the beginning of the present century, you had visited one of the Bristol Sunday Schools, you would have seen there mingling with others a boy of sedate manners, paying great attention to his teacher's instructions, and giving indications of piety and general excellence of character sufficient to warrant the commendation,-"Yes, John Harris is a good attentive boy, and I wish all the members of the class were like him.' But you would not have discovered any extraordinary evidence of that greatness of character which subsequently appeared; but God had pre-arranged that the church should not be completed without his special agency, and that before he should fall asleep he should in a very evident manner serve his own generation.

Long before youth had ripened into manhood John Harris had attracted the attention of christians in Bristol, who concluded from the combination of talent and piety-for without piety they would have passed him by however talented he was-that God intended him for the christian ministry. After suitable preparatory studies, his early educational advantages having been few and limited, Mr. Harris was received as a student at Hoxton Academy, and there also he won for himself the respect and admiration of tutors, students and committee. This period of his history has been sketched by one who passed two years in company with him in that institution; from which we give the following extract :—

"Dr. Harris's preaching talent was so distinctly acknowledged, even whilst only a student,' that he was wont to be paid a compliment on this score which was never accorded to any other student of Hoxton either before or since. While in the divinity class, according to the custom then observed, Mr. Harris prepared what is called in College terms, a College sermon-taking ashis text Acts xxiv. 16. This sermon produced great sensation both within and without the walls of the institution. The writer states, moreover, of his own knowledge, that, having occasion for.

the services of a student for his own pulpit, during his first vacation after settlement, he applied to the late Thomas Wilson, Esq., the treasurer of the academy, who asked him whom he would deem an acceptable supply. The name of Harris was instantly mentioned, upon which Mr. Wilson, stroking his chin as usual, remarked, "Well, sir, you must have him then, but you are of course aware that Mr. Harris is the best preacher in the house."

Mr. Harris became pastor of a small congregation at Epsom, where he wisely sought to enrich his mind with sacred and other truth. It has been said, the chief inducement for accepting this comparatively limited sphere, rather than others more important to which he was invited, was his extreme debility. This consideration must have weighed with him, but his love of study must have had a greater influence. The position he had attained as a preacher was by the laboured efforts of a student in preparing his "College sermons;" this he knew he could not long sustain with the resources then at his command. He had set himself no mean standard, and was unwilling to aim at it by plagiarism or any other unlawful means. In referring to this period to one of his classes at Cheshunt, he said, "When I became a settled minister I had few books and fewer Commentaries, but those I had I determined to make my own, and if I can lay claim to any originality in my theological views, I owe it to a close and exclusive study of the Bible,' making it its own interpreter, rather than enquiring what Commentators said about it." While residing at Epsom Mr. Harris contributed to periodicals then circulating. Here, too, he became the author of those remarkable works "The Great Teacher," and "Mammon." As a preacher he excited little attention, his style was too pure and his composition too even, to make much way with the general public. A friend who heard him preach at an anniversary at Kingston, during his pastorate at Epsom, remarked on returning home, "That was an extraordinary sermon we had from Mr. Harris, and how meek and unobtrusive a man he seems to be." As the successful essayist on "Covetousness, the Sin of the Church," the quiet pastor of Epsom became known, and his services were in demand for all kinds of societies, in all parts of the kingdom: and there is scarcely one of the leading societies in connection with any of the Dissenters' sections of the christian church for which he has not at some time or other preached. And in his efforts he was most sincere. Catholicity was his real spirit—and while connected by birth and education with the Congregational body his heart was too large, and his views of the gospel too scriptural to imagine that the truth was only with them and his word would die with him.

At the time Mr. Harris became so well known, a tutor was wanted at the Countess of Huntingdon's College at Cheshunt, and the Trustees and Committee invited him to occupy the vacant post. This invitation he accepted, and for several years filled the office of President and Theological Professor of that Institution. There Dr. Harris, for he received his diploma while Tutor of Cheshunt, found a sphere congenial with his own spirit, and proved that though so long associated with a distinct section of the church he was not unsuitable to a position, the leading characteristic of which always has been, and still is, real catholicity where Christ is

all in all,—the true spirit of the noble and illustrious foundress. The writer having been privileged to enjoy the tutorship of Dr. Harris for four years feels it due to his memory to say that he never, during the whole of those four years, knew the Doctor say or do any thing that could in the slightest manner influence a student in his choice of the section of the church in which he should exercise his future ministry.. Church polity, except as it is taught by several expressions in the New Testament, never formed a subject of lecture or address, and then it was not introduced in conjunction with the Greek Testament exegesis. The Connexion has often been disappointed in the fewness of the students who have settled in our chapels, and there has sometimes appeared a disposition to ascribe this to the influence of Tutors: but it will be well to consider whence the majority of these students came. May God raise up candidates from our own churches, and we may then calculate on seeing them seek the Connexion as the scene of ministerial settlement, even though presenting less inviting spheres than are to be found elsewhere. The writer can further testify-and to the honour of his departed friend and tutor he records it-that as a student from the Connexion he was kept in ignorance of a pressing application, which he afterwards discovered was three times repeated, for his services as probationer at a Congregational chapel, because at the time he had been invited to a less promising sphere-and a much less remunerative one—in the Connexion.

Whether or not Dr. Harris's talents qualified him to be Theological Professor, whose style will to some extent influence that of his students, or whether it was not better suited to his position as an author we will not now discuss. Did it not sometimes make his students appear to be moving in stilts rather than with that freedom and ease that are so essential to pulpit exercise? We refer not now to the practice of reading sermons, but to style of composition generally. It was a common remark amongst the churches where we supplied: "You might have been sure that young man came from Cheshunt did not you perceive the influence of his tutor's style?" As to reading sermons, the Doctor was rarely understood in this respect. It is true many of the students read their sermons, and some have continued to do so and while thinking the practice most objectionable, we must say, if composed suitably for public delivery, and then delivered with ease and affection, in dependence on the Spirit's help, let us have good sermons read, rather than pointless uninstructive sermons extemporised all must make extensive preparation whether the manuscript is exhibited in public or no. But if the subject is thoroughly understood, and the heart engaged, might we not then enter the pulpit and speak upon it as God the Holy Spirit shall enable us? Dr. Harris never approved of reading sermons in the pulpit, and on one occasion in the class, said, "I am sorry to hear, gentlemen, that you are in the habit of reading your sermons when you go to supply! This I thoroughly disapprove; however justifiable it may be to adopt the practice in the College pulpit it will not suit a stated congregation. When a settled pastor myself I never read my sermons, and if I were to become a pastor again

I should not do so. The sooner, gentlemen, you leave off that practice of reading your sermons the better." There was a stiffness, and coldness in Dr. Harris's manner, that some might have objected to in a Tutorbut we know the opposite of this has not been found to work well. Perhaps it was acquired by his having entered the college at a time he was called to lecture men his seniors in age. In kindness, and consideration of the feelings of his students, none could excel him. This was his character to a fault, since it often caused him to be less severe in criticism than was for our good. But, however, what was lacking in the tutor was generally more than compensated for by the criticism of the students. If he had occasion to find fault-and could discover anything in the same production worthy of commendation, he would commend it that the author might not be dispirited. At one time the students were severely criticised by an aged man who attended the college chapel; he complained to the Doctor that he could not obtain food to his soul, that the sermons were too scholastic, and not suited to experienced believers. This complaint was mentioned to us, and I doubt not mentioned that we might profit by the remark, but in his kindness of heart the Tutor added, “Not that this very man has much right to complain, for if any one is refreshed by attending the college chapel he must be, for he sleeps through the whole of the delivery of the sermon." At another time in class, the length of sermons was the subject of criticism. He said, "Be not too long, you are not to confine yourself to so many minutes, neither more nor less, still there is a length that is injudicious and wearying to the people. At the time the hour glass was in use our forefathers were given to very lengthy sermons, so much so that sometimes seeing the sands had run out, they would reverse the indicator, saying, 'We will have one glass more,' but this will not do in our day." But though occasionally indulging these little familiarities, his general conduct was distant, and dignified. No sincerer friend could a student find, but a companion he was not.

Imagine it is near the hour for lecturiug. His measured step was heard across the court-the bell rang-the class entered-and having gone through the exercise, again retired—a slight bow of recognition welcoming you on your arrival and greeting you on your departure. It is the hour of prayer. The family bell sounds, the students with the matron and servants are assembled—and then you see the Doctor at the head of his own domestic establishment slowly enter and take his place. But it is Friday, the evening when the President leads the devotions of the family. A student has read a portion of the scriptures and announced a hymn: then followed the prayer, in which his soul seemed fully conscious of its solemn engagement. These prayers were often sublimer than any other exercises in which he engaged; you felt he was truly wrestling with God. Powerful as other impressions were, I suppose none will remain longer, or be felt with greater benefit by his students than those made at the family altar.

Of his writings we say nothing now-these may form a subject for a future notice. It is well known that several colleges were amalgamated a few years ago, and that they form "The New College, St. John's Wood." We are glad to say the Trustees of Cheshunt did not join in that move

ment, because believing it was better to have College a few miles distant from the metropolis, and conducted more as a family institution. Those who carried that movement through, thought no one so suitable to be at the head of it as Dr. Harris. To this post he was invited, and the invitation he accepted. A few years-oh, how few!-he remained there, but soon "fell on sleep," entering into that "divine rest" on which he had so eloquently discoursed a short time previous to his departure. He had attended the funeral of a friend, and in doing so is supposed to have taken cold, which in a few days terminated fatally. Dr. Harris died at the age of 54, having served his own generation above many his equals.

The position once occupied by Dr. Harris at Cheshunt is now filled by the Rev. Dr. Alliott, whose well known soundness in theology and catholicity of spirit well qualify him for the office of President and Theological Professor of Cheshunt College, and we pray the Great Head of the Church that He may direct the Council of New College to some one who may be as well suited to fill the office of Principal and Theological Professor of that Institution. Let us "follow after things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another."

G. J.

Christian Portraiture.

No. 4.

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

Great confusion of thought has been occasioned by the variety of meanings which the word "church" has acquired. Sometimes it is employed to denote the building in which an assembly meets for worship; sometimes, the society of christians, gathered out of the congregation, and united in church fellowship; and sometimes the entire aggregate of congregations, which are subject to hierarchical government. Thus we hear of the Established church, the Romish church, the Independent church, &c.; and some persons are tempted to indulge the idea that there are different kinds of christian churches, as each variety lays claim to the title of being a christian church. There is, however, but one church of Christ; this is the real true church; it consists in the possession of important vital elements ; and wherever they are found, there the true church exists. Let us look at the portrait of a christian church.

The true church is composed entirely of believers. It is something distinct from a congregation; for there the greatest variety of characters is to be met with.

Many motives have brought the assembly together; the force of habit, curiosity, and even desire to scoff, may induce hundreds to attend. In the church, however, one great characteristic pervades all. They are all believers. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the uniting, and impelling principle of their lives, and gives to their character its peculiarity and power. They are all saints; because they have been sanctified, or set apart, for the peculiar manifestation of the glory of God, and because they have been purified by the power of the Holy Spirit. They are christians, Christ's people; not only because they profess to adhere to him, but because their nature is attracted to Christ, their character reflects, however feebly, the character of Jesus, and their present and future career is determined by the continued existence of their Saviour. The church, therefore, exists wherever these persons are found; and it is immaterial to the validity of the church whether they assemble in buildings belonging to the nation, in chapels, or in private houses. The edifice does not consecrate the worshippers, but the christians the edifice. The church of Christ must, therefore, be pure, spiritual, filled with love and zeal; an example of all that is excellent; the embodiment of the great work of Christ.