CHAPTER I.
HIS EARLY LIFE--AND MINISTRATIONS.
Daniel Corrie, the subject of this Memoir, was born on the 10th of April 1777, and was the eldest surviving son of the late Rev. John Corrie, for many years Curate of Colsterworth, in the county of Lincoln, and Vicar of Osbournby in the same county, and afterwards Rector of Morcott, in the county of Rutland. The history of the early part of Mr. Corrie’s life will be best told by the following extract from his private Journal, dated on his twenty-seventh birthday:--
“Alas, when I look back, what a dreary waste appears! Seventeen years spent at home without a thought of God or salvation, though I had the benefit of family worship, and abundance of good advice. The succeeding four years I spent with Mr. E.,[1] principally in London, and its neighbourhood, exposed to every temptation. The first serious resolution I made of reformation was on the night of February 10, 1798, on which I heard of my mother’s death, which, occurring suddenly, was a great shock to me. I loved her most dearly, and had much reason to do so. Being totally ignorant, however, of my own depravity, and in darkness as it regarded the work of the Redeemer, I soon broke all my resolutions. In May 1798, I returned to my father: and, being removed from my temptations, I was in hope of effectually reforming myself; but, alas! on every convenient occasion, I became the prey of my former temptations. In the October of that year, we removed from Colsterworth to Grantham, where I became still more strict, attending every month at the Lord’s Table; but I was still ignorant of the way of salvation. In the summer of 1799, I was entered of Clare Hall, Cambridge; and before going into residence, I met frequently with Mr. G. N., who took much pains to direct my views aright; but I obstinately withstood him, and succeeded too fatally, I fear, in hardening C. against his admonitions. Still, I was destitute of true peace, and determined on greater strictness, such as fasting and penance, &c. &c. I went into residence at Cambridge, October 1799; but instead of further reformation, I spent my first year in a round of dissipation. Still, however, I maintained appearances, being seldom out of gates after ten o’clock, or being absent from chapel. I went occasionally to Trinity Church,[2] though I was much disgusted with what I heard there. During the summer of 1800, I had time for reflection, and returned to college in the autumn, with some faint desires of doing better. At Christmas of that year, I was appointed to an exhibition at Trinity Hall, and removed thither in the January of 1801. I now began to feel a growing attachment to Mr. Simeon’s ministry, although I seldom ventured to take a seat. Returning home in June 1801, reformed in a great degree in my outward conduct, and with desires the world could not satisfy, it was my happiness to find John Buckworth,[3] at his father’s; who, taking me to visit some religious people, I insensibly began to love their society, and to perceive that it was the way of life I desired to follow. I reflect with much gratitude on the kindness and forbearance of my friend Buckworth, who led me on by degrees, till I ventured to speak to him of my state; and from that time I have experienced a pleasure in the ways of God before unknown. Yet, alas! I began to be proud; and returned to college in October 1801 full of self-conceit. I now attended Trinity Church regularly; but my walk was very uneven. About Christmas I fell grievously, and continued for about a fortnight full of terror, and without resolution to proceed. It pleased the Lord, however, to raise me up again; and since that period I have had no distressing apprehensions respecting God’s willingness, and the Saviour’s sufficiency, to save to the uttermost.”
With reference to what Mr. Corrie terms in the foregoing extract, a grievous fall, he expressed himself to his friend Buckworth, in a letter dated Dec. 25, 1801, as follows:--
“I was too forward and presumptuous in my notions of acceptance with God, and of an interest in the Saviour; and God has thus left me to myself, to prove to me the pride and deceit of my heart. I have been ashamed of my Saviour, and he has withdrawn from me the sense of His presence; and dismay and a fearful looking for of judgment has taken possession of my soul. Yet the anxiety and longing after His presence, which I feel, leads me to hope that He will not cast me off for ever. God, Thou knowest my heart: Thou knowest that I trust not in my own self for strength to serve Thee. O shut not Thy merciful ears to my prayers!”
After keeping the usual number of Terms in Cambridge, Mr. Corrie was ordained Deacon on Trinity Sunday, June 13, 1802, by Dr. Tomline, Bishop of Lincoln, to the curacy of Buckminster, in the county of Leicester. His views and feelings with respect to the christian ministry, are expressed in the following extract from a letter written about the time of ordination to Mr. Buckworth:--
“The ministry appears to be indeed an awful undertaking: the nearer the time approaches, the more difficult do the duties of it appear. At C. the obstacles seem to be greater than elsewhere. O for a firm reliance on that grace that can overcome all obstacles, and make even a bed of thorns easy!”
Shortly after Mr. Corrie had been ordained to the curacy of Buckminster, he received an appointment to that of Stoke Rochford also. On this latter curacy he resided, until in 1806 he accepted a chaplaincy to the East India Company; and his correspondence with Mr. Buckworth, affords us some notices of his early ministerial life. In a letter dated November 10, 1802, he writes,
“I yesterday met a large party from Skillington at N.’s. You know I never was among them before. I felt little edification: their manner of expression, and many passages in their hymns, were not in unison with my frame. I felt not that ‘Nature’s last agony was o’er;’ or that ‘all was torn from my bleeding heart;’ but thought that ‘would to God this were my experience!’ O that I might love Him supremely--that I might burn with love in return for His matchless goodness! But, what I most objected to was a hymn, beginning, ‘Abraham when _severely_ tried,’ and in the third line, ‘He with the _harsh_ command complied.’ I may not be correct in any except the _marked_ words; but surely nothing can be ‘severe,’ or ‘harsh,’ which proceeds from a God of love, who is engaged to make all things work together for our good. Send me word, dear B. what you think of these things: whether these remarks are not the offspring of a captious and weak head; or whether it is an artifice of Satan to prevent me from profiting by their company; for, certain it is, I feel little of that elevation I have often felt after religious conversation. I spent the evening of Sunday at Mrs. B.’s, I trust profitably. Some of their relations were there, and went away seemingly impressed. May God fix what was said on their hearts! I spoke to them from my favourite subject, 2 Cor. viii. 9. The subject of our poverty, and the way in which we were made rich in Christ, were the principal topics I dwelt on. O that He would be pleased to own the labours of the very least of his servants, who am not worthy to be called a servant! Blessed be He who has ‘laid help on one that is mighty;’ and blessed be He who knows how to pity our infirmities, and will send his Spirit to teach us what to ask for. How my praise for ever flows, to the adorable Trinity for that grand scheme of redemption! While I write, I feel the efficacy of Christ’s atoning blood to purify souls polluted as mine. O when shall redemption in its fullest import appear! When shall we begin the triumphant song of the redeemed, ‘To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood!’”
“March 7, 1803.
“My time, sorry am I to say, has passed heavily of late. Such backwardness to communion with God, such slothfulness in His service: so many painful apprehensions with regard to temporal inconveniences: so many distressing doubts with regard to retaining Stoke! You, perhaps, will not wonder when I tell you that, what with inward conflict and outward service, I am brought very low; or that these unbelieving fears have provoked the Holy Spirit of God to leave me, in some measure, to wrestle with those inward and hidden corruptions of my heart, which, like a troubled sea, throw up mire and dirt in abundance. Yet by this, if by nothing else, do I know that the Lord favours me, since my enemies, who have assaulted me so continually, have not prevailed against me. And though my soul is cast down; yet do I not doubt but that, when the Lord sees fit, I shall praise Him, and again rejoice in the God of my salvation.
“You desire to know how I go on, that is, I suppose, how the work of the Lord prospers. O that I had more to tell you on this head! At Sewstern, I have reason to fear that my hopes were too sanguine. Miss N. was last week attacked very suddenly with a fainting fit. It happened to be the day I was to drink tea with them. I found them much alarmed; and, it gave me an opportunity of speaking on the necessity of a speedy application to Christ.... May the Spirit of God apply it to their hearts! At Easton, I was called to visit a woman who has been long confined, though till lately unknown to me. I trust that the Lord has indeed visited her in mercy. I found her at first in a very contented state, supposing, (in her own words), that she had ‘a good repenting heart.’ I endeavoured to convince her that by nature no one has a repenting heart, but on the contrary that it is only evil, yea ‘desperately wicked.’ On my return a few days after, I found her in much anxiety, saying that she had been deceived in her opinion of herself, &c.; and though her doubts are not yet removed, I trust she disclaimed all other ground of confidence but the Redeemer’s merits. This is matter of much comfort to me; and O what comfort that I have myself been taught these things! Might I not have been ‘a blind leader of the blind.’ Might I not still have been the slave of Satan, and been his instrument in destroying souls? ‘O to grace how great a debtor!’”
“April 25, 1803.
“Soon after my last letter to you, peace began to dawn upon my soul; and by imperceptible advances gradually to increase. I have since then enjoyed in general a settled calm; though of late I have been severely exercised by the revival of corruptions which I had hoped were in a great measure subdued. The Lord has let me plainly see that the seeds of these evils still remain. At the same time I have reason to bless His name, who has made me more than conqueror. Mr. Newton’s letter on Temptation suits my experience on that subject; and it has been the instrument of much comfort and strength to me.
“You perhaps have learned from the newspapers the sudden death of Mr. Cholmeley.[4] He was riding with some friends near his own house, and fell from his horse in a fit, and expired in a few minutes, without speaking a word: he was buried last Saturday. How loudly do such providences call upon us to be in continual readiness; not only to awake from sin, but to be diligent in the improvement of our talent, that when our Lord cometh, He may receive His own with usury.”
“Colsterworth, June 8, 1803.
“Your letter directed to High Street, followed me hither. I should have answered it sooner, but have been much engaged in catechising, attending visitations, &c., besides my usual avocations. With yourself, I have to complain of much deadness of soul; though I enjoy now and then a passing glimpse of the Divine goodness, for which I have much reason to be thankful, and which keeps my soul athirst for God, and leads me to long for brighter manifestations of His love. I cannot but adore the condescension of Jehovah, who, I trust, smiles upon my labours, and owns His own work in the most worthless of His creatures.”
“Stoke, October 31, 1803.
“What obligations am I under to you for the part you have taken, in leading my feet into the ways of peace! But, what infinitely greater obligations do I owe to the Friend of Sinners! That name, the ‘Friend of Sinners,’ endears the adorable Saviour to my soul; and gladly would I leave all things here below to see Him as he is, and love Him as I ought. But His time is best: and it is infinite condescension that He grants us here some visits of His love, and gives us to taste a blessedness begun. When I read your letter, I was almost ready to envy you the pleasure you must have enjoyed during your stay in London; but a little reflection reconciled me to my confined situation. Though you were feasted with spiritual dainties, yet unless your spiritual appetite was good you would pine in the midst of plenty; and, blessed be His name, where He creates an appetite, He will surely satisfy it, were it in a desert. ‘If Elijah wants food, ravens shall feed him.’... I have in general enjoyed much comfort in private, but my public duties have not brought me so much consolation. So much of self mixes with all I do, that it mars my peace; and, I fear, hinders the success of my labours; though it seems the highest presumption to limit the Almighty, or to suppose that a ‘potsherd of the earth’ should obstruct His designs. The Sunday preceding the Fast-day, I endeavoured to prepare the minds of the people for that occasion; and was happy to find that it was not without effect. The three churches were crowded. I took my text from Psalm lix. 1, 2. I have read lately two of the Homilies, ‘the Homily on the Misery of Man,’ and ‘the Homily on Salvation.’ By the advice of my father, I reserve the others for the festivals for which they are appointed. I hope this may have the effect of removing prejudice--the Lord grant it may! I can appeal to Him that my desires are to be useful in His vineyard. May that sovereign grace be magnified which has inspired the desire! Yesterday my father administered the Sacrament for me at Buckminster; the number of communicants was unusually large, though it is a time of the year in which the people do not usually attend in numbers. I hope this is a token for good, and an encouragement to persevere and wait the Lord’s time....
“My dear friend, forget me not at the throne of grace: thither I always bear you in my mind, and I have much need of your prayers, that I may have utterance given me to declare the mysteries of the Gospel. This is all that is worth living for, to make known the riches of Divine grace, and to be instrumental in winning souls to Christ. Yet, O what coldness and backwardness I feel even in this delightful service!...
“Did you, my friend, partial as you are, but know the thoughts that haunt my soul, and pursue me even into the pulpit, your good opinion would, I fear, be turned into disgust. But ‘this is a saying worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.’ This is all my salvation, and all my desire; and this shall be all my theme, ‘Worthy is the Lamb that was slain. From this hold, Satan has not prevailed to drive me of late. To this hold will I cling, for He that is my righteousness is also my strength, and in His strength I shall be more than conqueror. May the soul of my friend ‘blossom as the rose; and be as the garden of the Lord, well watered every where and fruitful!’”
“London, December 20, 1803.
“I rejoice that you seem to expect no further hinderance to your ordination at Easter. I hope you will be abundantly blessed in your labours, for truly nothing else can satisfy a soul thirsting after the honour that comes of God. We need much patience, dear B., that after having done the will of God we may inherit the promises--
‘God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform,’
and, when our finite capacities can discover no good working, He is bringing about the purposes of His own will. Often has he given my impatient soul to see this: in a moment hushed the storm of raging and impetuous passions; and made, even when all in prospect seemed gloomy, a great calm. This experience has been of great service to me, in enabling me to impart consolation to others, and to comfort them with the same comfort wherewith I myself have been comforted of God. O the heights and depths, and lengths and breadths, of the love and condescension of God, to submit, as it were, to the caprices of the creatures of His hand, yea, of the rebels against His government! ‘Is this the manner of men, O Lord?’ I feel, indeed, according to your expression, that ‘without all-sufficient grace, quickly would my heart return to the indulgence of those things which my judgment tells me, are nothing but vanity and sin.’ In the review of my experience since I came hither, much cause of praise appears. That promise has been very abundantly realized, ‘He will not suffer you to be tempted above what ye are able, but will with the temptation make a way to escape.’ And having this experience I would gladly ‘cast all my care upon Him,’ who, I trust, ‘careth for me,’ in expectation that He will ‘keep me by His mighty power through faith unto salvation.’”
“Stoke, February 14, 1804.
“I anticipate much pleasure in your company and from hearing you preach in some of my churches. I have, however, I trust, learned in some poor measure to ‘cease from man;’ nor do I expect either pleasure or comfort further than as a Divine blessing shall attend our communications. The work of the ministry seems to be followed with little effect in this place: for my own part, however, I have felt much freedom from slavish fear; and have delivered my message with boldness. If it were the will of God, I should rejoice in some visible effects; but I desire to resign myself to His pleasure.
“The Methodists have at length established preaching at Sewstern; and, I understand, some have been brought under convictions by their means. If the work be of God, I would gladly bid it God speed; and if it be of man, it will come to nothing. The ministers of the Established Church labour under some disadvantages, from the necessity of having so many parishes to attend to, &c.... Every day convinces me more of the necessity of subordination in religious, as well as civil affairs. The want of this is the cause of that mania, if I may so speak, which prevails among the Methodists, and bids fair in time to turn them all into preachers and no hearers. They seem to look upon preaching as the only instrument of conversion, and overlook other means, such as reflection, self-examination, &c.; hence their various backslidings, falling from grace, &c., with the many reproaches that are brought upon the gospel thereby. These things make me lament sincerely, the defection which, I fear, daily takes place from the Establishment. Pure in her doctrines, and apostolic in her constitution, our Church seems, indeed, ‘the pillar and ground of truth;’ and the best means, under the great Head, of keeping men in the simplicity of the gospel. I would not, however, say with Mr. D. that there is no salvation out of her pale. I would rather pray, earnestly pray, for a revival of vital godliness in her sons.... O that it would ‘please God to illuminate all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, with true knowledge and understanding of His word;’ and enable them to shew its real power both in their preaching and living....”
“April 4, 1804.
“I should have answered your letter sooner, but have been both very unwell and very much engaged. Mrs. B. left this life for a better, in the night of the 26th ultimo. I was in the house at the time of her departure, and I trust profited by the awful event. She was sensible at the last, though for some days she had been wandering. Frequently during her illness, she confessed that she had no hope but in the blood and righteousness of Christ, and wished to receive Him as her King to make her holy, as well as her Prophet to teach her, and her Priest to atone for her transgressions. It was matter of surprise to me to hear her express herself with a correctness on the work of the Redeemer, which had been unusual to her; and did not seem to be expected from one who had become so late in life acquainted with the way of salvation. I have felt more than I had expected to feel from the departure of one of my most constant and attentive hearers. May the effect be lasting!
“I have of late had reason to bless God for some visible testimony of His acceptance of my labours. Soon after you left us, I went to visit an old person and his wife at Sewstern, and trust that the man is in a hopeful way. Some persons at Easton, too, have been awakened, and now meet for the purpose of social worship. The multitude, alas! continue inattentive: but, one soul saved, and that the meanest or weakest of God’s creation, is abundant recompense for a life of toil and labour.
“Last Sunday, I exchanged duty with Mr. G. at W. It is grievous to observe so small an attendance at public worship. It seems a beacon to warn us of the ill consequences of irregularity. When a man shews a contempt for the institutions of the church to which he belongs, the _profanum vulgus_, though dull enough in general, can easily see the motive that keeps him in the church, and they learn to despise the person who, for the sake of emolument, will continue a member of the church.”
To the foregoing notices of Mr. Corrie’s early ministerial labours, may be added an extract from his Journal, dated April 10, 1804.
“On Trinity Sunday, June 13, 1802, I was ordained Deacon. I trust I had a desire to do good to the souls of men; but it was, as I now perceive, very faint, though I hope my labours have not been in vain. And now, O Lord, I desire to adore that sovereign grace, which plucked me as a brand from the mouth of the devouring flame! I would pour out my soul in gratitude, to that dear Redeemer, whose intercession has delivered me from so great a death; and would bless the Holy and Eternal Spirit who has enlightened my dark understanding, so that though I know not the hour, nor the day, nor the month, nor even the year, when He graciously wrought savingly upon me, yet I can say, ‘Whereas I was blind, now I see.’ O Holy, Blessed, and glorious Trinity, let thy choicest blessings descend on Mr. Simeon, who, regardless of the frowns he might incur, faithfully warned me of my danger; and let thy watchful Providence ever protect my friend Buckworth, dearer than a brother; and, O, pardon my manifold sins! This is all my hope, that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin, and that His Spirit is powerful to subdue the most inveterate corruptions.
‘On thee alone my hope relies, At thy dear cross I fall, My Lord, my Life, my Righteousness, My Saviour, and my all.’
Impart to me from thy fulness, and let me evermore be abounding in thy work. I trust thou hast given me to desire the furtherance of thy glory. Enable me to act accordingly, and to live to Him who loved me and gave himself for me. Let nothing ever prevail to allure me from Thee, neither the hope of preferment, nor the fear of opposition. I have a deceitful and desperately wicked heart, but I trust thou wilt never leave me nor forsake me, seeing thou hast given me to hope in thy word.”
During the Easter Term 1804, Mr. Corrie returned to Cambridge for the purpose of keeping his Law Exercises;[5] and on Sunday, June 10th, of that year, was ordained Priest at Buckden, an event which he thus notices:--
“This day I have been admitted to the sacred Order of Priests. I have much, O Lord, to be grateful to Thee for! I was kept calm and collected during the examination; and, (glory be to Thy name!) I have been given to feel, in some measure, my insufficiency for these things. Make me, I beseech thee, more sensible of this, and grant that the solemn transactions of this day may never rise up in judgment against me! Let me be a light in the world, showing forth thy praise; and make me, both in life and doctrine, an example to Thy flock. Lord, excite in my heart strong desires after the welfare of immortal souls; and grant that those to whom, I trust, thou hast sent me, may be ‘turned from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God.’ To thee I look: on thee I would depend. Blessed Jesus! be thou my righteousness and my strength. Fulfil all the good pleasure of thy will in me.”
In answer to a letter received from Mr. Buckworth, who, the Easter previously, had been ordained to the curacy of Dewsbury, he writes, August 24th, 1804:--
“I rejoice to hear of the success of your ministerial efforts. O that the Lord would hasten the time when Satan’s kingdom shall be finally demolished, and the kingdom of the Messiah established on its ruins! You will now have another snare to contend with; the Lord having been pleased to own you for his servant, Satan will now seek to exalt you beyond measure. We tread in a narrow path: dangers stand thick around: a single false step may lead to consequences most ruinous. O what need of watchfulness! May the ‘Watchman of Israel’ guard you; then will you be secure indeed! For myself, I can but just discern the pulse of spiritual life to beat, and that chiefly by the struggle between sin and grace. Alas! I have no active exertions to reflect on. That I am not the willing captive of natural inclination is all that I can say. Since you were here, I have been obliged to apply for medical aid, and have found considerable relief (thanks be to the chief Physician!) so that I am now in usual health, except that I am oppressed with a languor which distresses me exceedingly, and leaves me only able to sigh and cry. How cheering the consideration that ‘our life is hid with Christ in God!’ There it is secure. How animating the thought that ‘when Christ who is our life shall appear, then shall we also appear with him in glory!’ O the wonders of redeeming love, that worms, rebellious worms, may not only hope, but confidently expect such transcendent blessedness! For Christ our Head having endured the cross, to deny Him the rewards of His sufferings would be an injustice incapable of entering the Eternal mind. What shall I render [to the Lord] that amidst all my deadness, this hope is not taken from me? My help it standeth only with the Lord; and though I am destitute of sensible comfort, yet I am enabled to rest upon the unchangeable word of promise, that those whom He has justified, and to whom He has given the love of holiness, the inseparable companion of justification, He will infallibly glorify. With respect to the work of the Lord, I hope it prospers among us. I hear of good being done, and that is some comfort to me. Amongst your numerous friends, let me beg of you to remember me at the throne of grace: none more stands in need of your earnest supplications. Whilst I can keep hold of the promise, I am encouraged: but I assure you, it is indeed a warfare, a struggle, a race. You are often, _often_ present to my mind; and while I have any apprehension of the inestimable value of spiritual blessings, I will not cease to pray that you may be enriched with the choicest of them; and that we may be permitted to join in the songs of the redeemed.”
“Stoke, November 12, 1804.
“It is some time since I heard of you, but hope you are well: if so, the less matter whether I hear of you or not. However, pray snatch some passing hour to let us know how the work of the Lord goes on at D.; for, let matters go how they may with ourselves, still will we say respecting the success of the Gospel, ‘Good luck have thou!’ There is in man a desire to be _something, somewhere_; and this desire is, beyond a doubt, the moving spring of much of that forwardness we see in many touching the promotion of religion. Howbeit, the Gospel is furthered.
“You will be surprised to hear of the death of James P. He was buried at Colsterworth about a fortnight since. With my father’s permission, I preached at his funeral to a crowded church. The effect I know not, but my own heart seemed hard and insensible as a rock; and, indeed, though I have proof that my labours are owned by my gracious Lord, yet I seem like Gideon’s fleece, dry in the midst of divine dew. My hope, however, and my confidence, is kept immoveably fixed on the rock of ages; and I have to bless God for a growing devotedness to his service, an increasing determination to be the world’s fool for the sake of Christ, and to count His reproach my highest honour.”
An entry in his private Journal, dated January 27th, 1805, manifests the same distrust of self, and the same earnestness for the good of his people.
“At Skillington, this morning, I felt an earnest desire, had it been God’s will, that I were able to preach extempore. I had so strong a desire to communicate to the people what I felt of God’s goodness, that it seemed a restraint to confine myself to my paper. But, Lord, thou knowest what a proud creature I am. Thou seest how I covet the praise of man, and in mercy to my soul hast made me ‘slow of speech.’ O make me of quick understanding in the ways of godliness! At Stoke, I felt something of the same spirit remaining, some longings after God in prayer, and some breathings for his blessing on the people during the sermon; but at Buckminster, how changed! Wandering thoughts and imaginations. How manifold are the mercies, how infinite the patience of God! O when will it be that my heart shall be immoveably fixed on God: when shall my soul become as a weaned child? Blessed Saviour! thou art my Friend, my Advocate, my Head of influence: visit me with thy salvation: smile upon my poor, imperfect, defiled labours, and glorify thy name in my weakness!”
April 10th, being his 28th birth-day, is thus noticed:
“Yesterday, I was twenty-eight years of age: but, my heart ever prone to forget the Lord’s mercies, I forgot to make any reflections on the Divine goodness in bringing me thus far. Lord, I would remember, to the glory of thy rich and free grace, that thou forgivest my transgressions, and coverest all mine iniquities. I have to praise thee that thou hidest me from the strife of tongues: thou makest my way very pleasant: thou strewest my path with flowers: thou hast also given me some tokens that I have not run unsent, by blessing my poor attempts to the consciences of my people, and awakening some of them, I trust, from the sleep of sin, making them to hear thy sweet voice speaking peace to their souls. If a worm may be permitted to plead with his Maker, O let my cry enter into thy ears, and awaken many sinners amongst us to come to Christ that they perish not! Yea, Lord, give me to see Jerusalem in prosperity: nor would I cease to plead with thee till thou hast answered my prayer. I would praise thy holy name for a growing determination to glory in nothing save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. I would bless thee for a disposition to count reproach for his sake as my highest glory. I plainly perceive that ‘all who will live godly must suffer persecution.’ I cannot hope to enter into heaven but ‘through much tribulation,’ even as thy choicest servants have done. O enable me to keep my eye ever fixed on Jesus, that I may not be weary, or faint in my mind! When I look back, the brightness of thy favour makes my unprofitableness dark indeed; and I should have just cause to fear, that the avenging sword of thy justice would cut me down as a cumberer of the ground; but Jesus liveth, making intercession, and therefore I am not consumed. Nor shall I ever be consumed, seeing, ‘He is able to save to the uttermost.’ To all thy other favours, O Lord, add a heart to trust thy word; and henceforth let the love of Christ constrain me to a more constant and uniform obedience. Thou knowest that I love thy law; and though I come far short of its requirements, yet there is not one jot or tittle that I desire to have altered. I consent to it that it is ‘holy, just, and good,’ and desire to conform my whole spirit, soul and body, to its divine precepts. Let thy Holy Spirit, then, carry on the work thou hast begun! Write thy law upon my heart; put it into my mind; and let me be changed from glory to glory, till I become ‘meet for the inheritance of the saints in light:’ whither, in thine own good time and way, bring me of thine infinite mercy, for Christ’s sake. Amen.”
In the Easter term of 1805, Mr. Corrie was admitted to his L.L.B. degree. It was during this visit to Cambridge that the subject of a chaplaincy to the East India Company was strongly urged upon him by the late Mr. Simeon. After much and serious consideration, it seemed to Mr. C. to be his duty to devote himself to the spread of the Gospel amongst the heathen. An appointment to India was accordingly obtained for him, through the influence of the late Mr. William Hoare; and the following extracts from Mr. C.’s journal and letters will exhibit the state of his mind, in the prospect of quitting his curacy, for the purpose of exercising his ministry in a distant land.
“July 25th, 1805. I have for a long time neglected to note down the workings of my soul; but I would now remark, that when I have been in my best frames, my mind has been most resigned to the work of the Lord in India. Yet I feel much cleaving to creatures, and a want of resignation. Lord, teach me to know, and do thy will!
“Oct. 6th. As the time approaches for leaving England, more anxiety of mind arises; though blessed be God, no desire to draw back from the work. O may I be found but faithful! Lord, strengthen and support me in the work. ‘Give what thou commandest,--and then command what thou wilt:’ let thy will be done _in_ me, and _by_ me; and in life and death let me be thine, through Jesus Christ, thy dear Son, and my beloved Saviour. Amen!”
TO THE REV. J. BUCKWORTH.
“November 12, 1805.
“From my last you would, perhaps, expect to hear from me before this; which might have been the case, but that I received information, when in London, that the fleet does not sail for India before January next. It is not likely, therefore, that I shall leave this place [Stoke] before that time; unless, indeed, Mr. D. should meet with a curate to supply my place. He is now in London; and, as my engagement with him ceases at Martinmas, should he meet with any person at liberty to enter on the curacy, I cannot expect, nor do I desire, to continue longer. He returns this week, when it will be determined. On my way from London, I stopped at Cambridge, and read prayers for Mr. Simeon on the Thursday evening. It was highly gratifying to see very many gownsmen attentive hearers of God’s word. One might compare it to so many messengers waiting for instructions, with which they were about to post off in all directions. The Lord increase their number, and long continue Mr. Simeon at Cambridge, an invaluable blessing to the church and nation!--I feel some degree of regret at leaving [this place]; and, especially on account of some who manifest an attachment to the cause [of God], whilst yet they are far from being what I could wish them. I experience something of what the Apostle expressed towards his people, when he declared he ‘travailed in birth of them till Christ were formed in them.’ O that the Lord would ‘cut short his work in righteousness,’ that I might leave them with a prospect of rendering an account of them with joy! I reflect with much dissatisfaction on my conduct whilst among them: so little of the example of Christ, so little of warmth in public, so little of zeal in private, so much ignorance, and inexperience in stating the truths of God, that I fear lest their blood should be required at my hands: almost involuntarily my soul cries out, ‘Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O Lord, and my mouth shall sing aloud of thy righteousness!’ O the horrid wickedness of soul-murder! How infinitely valuable must that blood be, that can wash out so foul a stain! O may I ever experience its healing and cleansing power; and may the consideration of the richness and the fulness of redeeming love animate me to greater exertions, and fill my mouth with more exalted praises! Lord Jesus, let thy power rest upon me, and thy strength be perfected in my weakness! Out of the mouth of a babe and suckling in Divine knowledge, ordain praise and glory to Thyself! Let my dear friend say, ‘Amen,’ to these unconnected petitions; whilst, through grace, my prayers shall continue to ascend, that every needful gift and grace may be bestowed upon you, that you may be enriched with all spiritual knowledge and understanding; and that you may have utterance given ‘to declare the whole counsel of God.’”
“January 13th, 1806.
“I have not heard further respecting the time of sailing for India, but am getting ready for a removal on the shortest notice. With much thankfulness I inform you, that my mind is quite tranquil in the prospect of leaving everything dear to human nature. I have, indeed, sometimes, painful convictions of my insufficiency for the great work before me; but am in general enabled to believe, that ‘as my day is, so shall my strength be.’ The affection my people express for me fills me with shame, that I do not more deserve it, and with fear lest I should be tempted to think of myself more highly than I ought to think. It has pleased my gracious Lord, however, to give me of late a deep experience of my own depravity, and of my unworthiness of the least of his mercies. My dear friends seem entirely reconciled to a separation. I trust that we shall be able to part without the sorrow of those ‘who have no hope.’ O how great the condescension of our Redeemer God, who stoops to so close an union with sinful worms: who allows the sons and daughters of corruption to address Him as their Husband and their head; and salutes them as His spouse and His beloved! Methinks such honour, so undeserved, might well engage our every thought, and make our every inquiry only, ‘What shall I render, &c.?’”
[1] A friend who had expressed an intention of providing in life for Mr. C.
[2] The church of which the late Rev. Charles Simeon was then Incumbent.
[3] The late Rev. John Buckworth, Vicar of Dewsbury, whose father was an inhabitant of Colsterworth.
[4] Montague Cholmeley, Esq. of Easton Hall, near Grantham, one of Mr. Corrie’s parishioners, and grandfather of the present Sir Montague J. Cholmeley, Bart.
[5] It was now that Mr. Corrie became more intimately acquainted with Henry Martyn than he had before been.