Dr. Priestley. CHAPTER II. AN ARTICLED CLERK AT COLCHESTER. WHILE I lived as an articled clerk with Mr. Francis of Colchester, I learned the ordinary routine of an attorney's office and was absorbed in newspaper and pamphlet reading, in which religious controversy was included. On religious subjects I seem very quietly to have given up my orthodoxy, and to have felt strongly for Dr. Priestley on account of the Birmingham riots; but even the orthodox Dissenters became sympathizing on that occasion. I attended a meeting of Dissenters at Chelmsford to appoint deputies to go to London to concert measures for the repeal of The Corporation and Test Act; we dined together, and among the toasts given was one in honour of Dr. Priestley and other Christian sufferers. I recollect that I was irritated by the objection of one who was present that he did not know Dr. Priestley to be a Christian. I replied that if this gentleman had read Priestley's Letter to the Swedenborgians he would have learned more of real Christianity than he seemed to know. I had myself, however, not formed any distinct religious opinions, but felt deeply the importance of religious liberty and the rights of conscience. Through Mr. Dobson, who afterwards became a distinguished mathematician at Cambridge, I formed an acquaintance with a number of French emigrants on CHAP. II. French Revolution. their escape from France during the horrors of the Revolution, and my compassion for them modified my 1790-1795Jacobinical feelings. I was, however, a Jacobin notwithstanding, and felt great interest in one Mr. Patmore, who was indicted for selling some of Paine's works, and ultimately escaped through a defect in the indictment. But my Journal records my shock at the death of the King of France. My French attachment expired with the Brissotine party, though in my occasional pious moods I used to pray for the French. At the Spring assizes of 1791, when I had nearly attained my sixteenth year, I had the delight of hearing Erskine. It was a high enjoyment, and I was able to profit by it. The subject of the trial was the validity of a will-Braham v. Rivett. Erskine came down specially retained for the plaintiff, and Mingay for the defendant. The trial lasted two days. The title of the heir being admitted, the proof of the will was gone into at once. I have a recollection of many of the circumstances after more than fifty-four years; but of nothing do I retain so perfect a recollection as of the figure and voice of Erskine. There was a charm in his voice, a fascination in his eye, and so completely had he won my affection that I am sure had the verdict been given against him I should have burst out crying. Of the facts and of the evidence I do not pretend to recollect anything beyond my impressions and sensations. My pocket-book records that Erskine was engaged two and a half hours in opening the case, and Mingay two hours and twenty minutes in his speech in defence. E.'s reply occupied three hours. The testatrix was VOL. I. C Erskine. CHAP. II. an old lady in a state of imbecility. The evil spirit 1790-1795 of the case was an attorney. Mingay was loud and Effect of Erskine's eloquence. violent, and gave Erskine an opportunity of turning into ridicule his imagery and illustrations. For instance, M. having compared R. to the Devil going into the Garden of Eden, E. drew a closer parallel than M. intended. Satan's first sight of Eve was related in Milton's words "Grace was in all her steps, heaven in her eye, and then a picture of idiotcy from Swift was contrasted. But the sentence that weighed on my spirits was a pathetic exclamation-"If, gentlemen, you should by your verdict annihilate an instrument so solemnly framed, I should retire a troubled man from this court." And as he uttered the word court, he beat his breast and I had a difficulty in not crying out. When in bed the following night I awoke several times in a state of excitement approaching fever-the words " troubled man from this court" rang in my ears. A new trial was granted, and ultimately the will was set aside. I have said I profited by Erskine. I remarked his great artifice, if I may call it so; and in a small way I afterwards practised it. It lay in his frequent repetitions. He had one or two leading arguments and main facts on which he was constantly dwelling. But then he had marvellous skill in varying his phraseology, so that no one was sensible of tautology in the expressions. Like the doubling of a hare he was perpetually coming to his old place. Other great advocates I have remarked were ambitious of a great variety of CHAP. II. arguments. He About the same time that I thus first heard the most perfect of forensic orators I was also present at an exhibition equally admirable, and which had a powerful effect on my mind. It was, I believe, in October, 1790, and not long before his death, that I heard John Wesley in the great round Meeting-house at Colchester. stood in a wide pulpit, and on each side of him stood a minister, and the two held him up, having their hands under his armpits. His feeble voice was barely audible. But his reverend countenance, especially his long white locks, formed a picture never to be forgotten. There was a vast crowd of lovers and admirers. It was for the most part pantomime, but the pantomime went to the heart. Of the kind I never saw anything comparable to it in after life.* [The following letter enters a little more into particulars respecting this interesting occasion.] Dear Brother, October 18th, 1790. I felt a great Satisfaction last Week, on Monday, in hearing (excuse me now) that veteran in the Service of God, the Rev. John Wesley. I was informed in the Afternoon that he was in Town and would preach that Evening. Unfortunately a sick Man had sent to have his Will made directly, and it was * I have heard Mr. R. tell this more than once at his own table, with the interesting addition that so greatly was the preacher revered that the people stood in a double line to see him as he passed through the street on his way to the chapel.-G. S. 1790-1795. John Wesley's preaching. 20 John Wesley. Clerk at CHAP. II. given to me to write. But Mr. Francis, seeing how 1790-1795. mortified I appeared, gave it to some one else, and I went to the Chapel. At another time, and not knowing the Man, I should almost have ridiculed his figure. Far from it now. I lookt upon him with a respect bordering upon Enthusiasm. After the people had sung one Verse of a hymn he arose, and said: "It gives me a great pleasure to find that you have not lost your Singing. Neither Men nor Women-you have not forgot a single Note. And I hope that by the assistance of the same God which enables you to sing well, you may do all other things well." A Universal Amen followed. At the End of every Head or Division of his Discourse, he finished by a kind of Prayer, a Momentary Wish as it were, not consisting of more than three or four words, which was always followed by a Universal Buzz. His discourse was short-the Text I could not hear. After the last Prayer, he rose up and addressed the People on Liberality of Sentiment, and spoke much against refusing to join with any Congregation on account of difference in Opinion. He said, "If they do but fear God, work righteousness, and keep his commandments, we have nothing to object to." He preached again on Tuesday Evening, but I was out of Town with Mr. Francis all day, holding a Court Baron. Death of H. C. R.'s Mother. 1793. On the 8th of January in this year died my dear mother, an excellent woman I firmly believe, though without any superiority of mind or attainments. Her worth lay in the warmth of her domestic affections, and |