Chapter XI: Parochial Missions

Five-and-twenty years ago parochial missions were in a different position from that in which they stand at present.

There were very few mission preachers, and they had a good many difficulties to contend with. Some looked askance at the new movement and thought it savoured of Rome; others deemed it “exciting,” and unworthy of the calm atmosphere of the Church of England.

It had not then been reduced to a science: missioners adopted their own individual methods, as seemed best to them. Canon Hoare at an early stage of the history of the movement recognised its vast possibilities, and believed that it was just what was wanted to save the Church from stagnation, and arouse men from that dangerous respectability which enables them to repeat the General Confession, but which declines to particularise. All through his ministry his aim had been to reach individuals, and he saw the opportunities of so doing in the work of a mission.

The first invitation which he accepted was that given by the Vicar of Holy Trinity, Nottingham, on the occasion of a general mission throughout that town in 1872. Being his first, it was a time of the most intense and thrilling interest, and the letters describing it are therefore given at more length than those that refer to later missions. Not that this work lost any of its freshness to him; during the twelve years that followed he undertook similar missions frequently, sometimes twice in a year. The opportunity was always fraught with the deepest and most prayerful interest to the preacher; his congregation, moreover, will remember how he used to return to them after such occasions, not wearied, but fresher than ever, and all aflame with spirituality, power, and love.

His scheme of subjects for a mission was very wisely drawn up; some of these have been printed, and evince great knowledge of human nature. The writer well remembers how that, when he was going to undertake a mission for the first time, Canon Hoare sent for him and said, “Tell me your order of sermons and Bible-readings.” It was mentioned in detail; he replied, “I see very little about the ‘New Life.’” He was referred to the subject of “consecration.” “Well,” said he, “if you will take my advice, you will leave that out. I say little about ‘consecration,’ because that is man’s work. Make the life which is God’s gift one entire subject; its necessity, its source, and its reality; and consecration will follow.” His advice was taken, with the happiest results.

To his daughters:—

“TRINITY VICARAGE, NOTTINGHAM, _February_ 6_th_, 1872.

“I think I may thus far give a thankful report of my journey. As I
passed through London I had a most interesting and encouraging
conversation with Mr. —, and a pleasant journey down to this place
with —. We arrived just in time to have a hurried cup of tea, and go
off to the public prayer-meeting in the Exchange Hall. This was a
wonderful sight: the large Hall was crammed full, and many were
unable to gain admittance. It was a very striking contrast to the
busy market outside. There was a great deal of singing from a very
nice little book of the S.P.C.K., and a remarkable address from old
Aitken. The best part of it was an exposition of Asa’s prayer: the
rest was awakening, and, I hope, profitable, very earnest and very
affectionate, but it did not move me, though some people said it
almost threw them into hysterics. I offered a prayer myself, and
three others besides Aitken. I liked them all thoroughly, and came
away, I hope, the better, though the meeting had lasted nearly two
hours. So having come here and received a most warm welcome from my
pleasant host (Rev. Allan Smith) and hostess, I lay down and awoke
fresh and happy for the Sunday’s work. Mrs. Smith is daughter of my
old friend Mr. Linton of Oxford, and even you could not make me more
comfortable than she does!

“Well! Sunday dawned upon us, and at 10.30 service began. The church
is not so large as our own, and was not so well filled, but they were
pleased with the attendance. I preached on the deep sleep in Isaiah
xxix., and I believe the Lord was with us. They were attentive all
through, and towards the close many of them were much affected, so
much so that I gave notice I would have a Bible class in the church
at 3.45 p.m. for a re-consideration of the subject. The Lord’s
Supper was very solemn, and many were in tears, especially two old
gentlemen whom I hope to be able to see during the week. So we went
home thankful.

“The Bible class in the afternoon was well attended. There must have
been more than a hundred present, including several gentlemen, so
that I was well repaid for the effort, though very tired when it was
over and scarcely up to the Evening Service. However, when the time
came I was fresh again, and I believe the Lord helped me. There was
a larger congregation than in the morning, but I did not see the same
evidence of impression. I preached on the old subject, Exod. xii.
23, and, though there was deep attention, I did not perceive the same
emotion. Then followed the prayer-meeting: this was most
interesting. The large room was quite full, and during certain
periods of silence I heard the sound of weeping in many parts of it.
Mr. Smith gave a short address and offered prayer; I did the same,
and longed to know how to manage such a meeting. After a time I
dismissed them, and invited any to remain who liked. But they all
seemed unwilling to go, and it was some time before they began to
move. But at last the room was cleared, and then what should I see
but two clergymen with their faces covered, in trouble about their
souls. One proved to be a most deeply interesting case. He told me
his difficulties without any reserve, and at length went away
declaring himself satisfied. I really believe he learned the way of
peace.

“Meanwhile Mr. Smith was speaking to four adults one by one, and I
then found a row of five young people waiting for me. In three of
them, especially one, I thought there was great reality, but I had
not time to speak with them separately, and I cannot say I was
satisfied with the interview. I hope to see one of them again
to-night, when I trust there may be more decisive results.

“All this quite freshened me up, so that I was ready and in good
heart this morning to start off for the service in Adams’ Factory at
eight. The place was quite full, so that there must have been about
three hundred present. As they all dispersed immediately to their
work, I had no opportunity of any personal intercourse, but they
listened with great attention, and I can only hope the Lord gave His
blessing.

“I am now enjoying a quiet morning, writing, reading, thinking, and
praying; remembering with great affection my dear friends at home who
are praying for me, and most especially the three dear daughters left
at home to help their father by their prayers and each other by their
mutual help. May the Lord be with you!”

* * * * *

“TRINITY VICARAGE, NOTTINGHAM, _February_ 9_th_, 1872.

“I can hardly tell you what an interesting week I have had. It has
been without doubt the most encouraging in my whole ministry. I
never knew so many persons awakened under my sermons in so short a
time, and I am thankful to say that many of them, and many more who
have been previously anxious, have been brought to see the way of
life in Christ Jesus their Saviour. I cannot say how deeply I thank
God for it, or how it has stirred me up to look out more hopefully
for a great blessing at home, and also amongst the young men at
Cambridge. I hope you all continue to pray for me.

“Last night I had first a strong middle-aged man come to speak to me
under deep conviction of sin; and then a most respectable woman who
had no peace in her soul. These two took so long that I was obliged
to send for another clergyman to come and help me with the remainder,
as there were sixteen waiting in the outer room to see me.

“The greater part of the morning has been occupied by my Bible class,
but I had one hour for inquirers, during which there came one of the
leading gentlemen of Nottingham, and a most interesting inquirer who
had been in deep anxiety for years, and who, I believe, through God’s
mercy left the vestry at peace in Christ Jesus. Oh, what can I
render unto the Lord for all His goodness to me! Dear love to the
dear sisters and to all who pray for us.”

* * * * *

“CAMBRIDGE, _February_ 12_th_, 1872.

“I hope to be home, if it please God, to-morrow by express, and look
forward with the deepest interest to my return. One thing is clear,
and that is—we must seek to go forward, and look out for far greater
results than ever.

“Saturday was a sacred day. I went in the morning on my way to
church to see some of those who had been awakened, and found them
peacefully trusting in their blessed Saviour.

“I then went to the church to see any that might come to me, and my
whole hour was filled up by most interesting cases, one of a most
touching character. At 11.30 I gave a short parting address in the
church to about a hundred people, and at twelve left for the train,
after the most kind and grateful farewells from numbers of people who
wished to thank me for my ministry. It has been a new era in my
life, and I trust has done me great good.

“I arrived here after five o’clock, swallowed some dinner, and
hurried off to the gownsmen’s meeting, which began at six. I did not
know how to turn my mind to a new subject, but still I hope the Lord
helped me, and it gave me the opportunity of inviting the young men
to meet me on Sunday night.

“Well! Sunday came, and I believe the Lord was with us. There was a
large morning congregation, and many of the people were deeply moved.
Oh, how I longed to ask them to come and open their griefs! but the
Vicar would not give me leave to do so, so I was obliged to leave
them to God, and perhaps that was better.

“In the evening I stood up in dear old Simeon’s pulpit. The church
was crammed with gownsmen, and I believe the Holy Spirit was with us.
I then had a cup of tea in Carlos’ rooms, and went off to the meeting
of gownsmen. The room was quite full. I gave them an address on
Justification and Sanctification, illustrated by some facts in my
Nottingham experience. I believe that I might have had many coming
to me for help if I had only invited them; but I was stupid, and did
not do it.

“But one dear fellow seemed as if he could not go away: he came and
took me by the hand, and would not let go. The others all left the
room, and then he poured out the troubles of his soul. I thank God
his difficulties were removed, and we walked home together blessing
and praising God. Oh, what shall I render unto the Lord for all His
goodness to me!”

The following extract describes a return visit three months later to the scene of his first Mission:—

“NOTTINGHAM, _May_ 30_th_, 1872.

“But I have no words to describe the interest of my short visit here.
Nothing could be more satisfactory. I found almost all those in whom
I trusted a work was begun standing fast and thankful in the Lord.
Many of them were so transformed from the look of gloom and
depression which they had in February to a look of peaceful,
confiding thankfulness, that I could scarcely believe they were the
same persons; and their affection, their gratitude, and their
pleasure in meeting me again were truly touching to my heart.”

Leeds Church Congress:—

“LEEDS, _October_ 8_th_, 1872.

“In almost an hour I am going down to the battle, as weak as David,
but I hope to find the help of David’s God. There is an enormous
gathering for the Congress, and people of all classes will be there.
Oh, how earnestly I hope and pray that the Blessed Spirit will rest
on all there who are called to speak for their blessed Saviour!”

Mission at Hull:—

“HULL, _November_ 25_th_, 1872.

“Many thanks both to you and — for your letters, for I delight to
hear from you, and think of you with most heartfelt and loving
prayers.

“I had a very pleasant, quiet, unfatiguing journey, quite by myself
all the way from London, so that I had no temptation or obligation to
talk. At Tranby I had a most affectionate and brotherly welcome, and
came on here on Saturday, full of hope and thanksgiving for the
privilege of speaking to so many people about their souls.

“Immediately on my arrival I went to a meeting of Communicants, very
much like our own, and then to a very uninteresting conference of the
clergy; so we did not really begin work till yesterday. In the
morning there was a fine congregation, and in the evening one still
larger, with a prayer-meeting after it, in a large hall which was so
full many could not get in. As a mode of intercourse with the people
it of course completely failed, but as an indication of their
interest it was very encouraging, and I am happy to say that, one way
or another, I have already met with several persons anxious about
their state, and I am thankful to be able to add that some of them
have gone home with the expression of great satisfaction to their
souls as the result of what they have been taught.

“I have therefore great reason to be thankful for a beginning, and
from what I have seen of the first droppings of the shower I cannot
help hoping that there is a real blessing in store.

“Immense pains have been taken all over the town, and much prayer
offered, so that we have a right to look for great things.

“My throat is not at all the worse for yesterday, and, if anything,
better; but I tumbled about all night with a very hot head after the
excitement of the day.

“My host and hostess are most kind and agreeable: they make me
exceedingly comfortable, and are people quite able to carry out their
hospitable intentions, so that I am very well off; but I am not sure
that Thorold is not wise in going into a lodging, so as to avoid the
necessity of conversation, for I really believe that talking fatigues
more than preaching, and I sometimes long to be alone, or at all
events to be able to get away into my own study just when I please.
But I ought not to say so, for I am as comfortable as man can make
me. Pray for me, that I may have wisdom and power given to me.”

Specimen of one of Canon Hoare’s “Mission Subjects”:—

ST. DUNSTAN’S MISSION.—_November_ 12_th_ _to_ 22_nd_, 1880.

_Nov._ 12_th_.—To Communicants. Psalm cv. 40: “He satisfied them
with the bread of heaven.”

_Nov._ 13_th_.—Prayer-Meeting. Psalm xcvii. 5: “The hills melted
like wax at the presence of the Lord.”

_Nov._ 14_th_.—_M._ Jonah ii. 9: “Salvation is of the Lord.” A
Divine Saviour; Salvation; Revelation; Application.

_E._ Gen. xlii. 21: “We are verily guilty.” Conscience—may be
seared, 1 Tim. iv. 2; defiled, Titus i. 15; aroused, John viii. 9;
purged, Heb. x. 22.

_Nov._ 15_th_.—_M._ Propitiation: (1) Divine, Rom. iii. 25; (2)
Complete, Heb. ix. 12; (3) Final, Heb. ix. 28; (4) Satisfies
conscience, Heb. ix. 14; (5) Sufficient, Heb. x. 18.

_E._ Heb. xii. 24: “The blood of sprinkling.” Speaks of complete
atonement, full remission of sin, Heb. x. 22, ix. 22.

_Nov._ 16_th_.—_M._ Forgiveness: (1) Present, Psalm xxxii. 1; (2)
Complete, Micah vii. 19; (3) Dependent on atonement, Rom. iii. 25;
(4) First gift of the New Covenant, Jer. xxxi. 34—“for.”

_A._ To Mothers. Heb. ii. 13: “I will put my trust in the Lord. . .
. Behold, I and the children whom Thou hast given me.”

_E._ Job ix. 29: “If I be wicked, why then labour I in vain?” (1)
The difficulty; (2) The remedy—“the Daysman” or Mediator, ver. 33.

_Nov._ 19_th_.—_M._ Justification, Rom. v. 1–10: (1) Five blessings
from, vv. 1–5; (2) Through reconciliation, ver. 10; (3) To whom
given, vv. 6, 8, 10; (4) When given, vv. 6, 8—“yet.”

_E._ John v. 28, 29: “The hour is coming.” (1) The voice; (2) The
resurrection; (3) The separation.

_Nov._ 18_th_.—_M._ The New Birth, John iii. 1–16: (1) The
necessity, ver. 7; (2) A spiritual change, ver. 6; (3) By the
sovereign power of the Holy Ghost, vv. 5, 8; (4) Found before the
Cross of Christ, vv. 14–16.

_A._ To Church-Workers. Zech. iv. 1–10. (1) “By My spirit”; (2) The
mountain removed; (3) Christ will finish His work; (4) Small things;
(5) Christ the King and Priest supplies all, ver. 3.

_E._ John v. 25: “The dead shall hear.” (1) Dead conscience;
affections; hope, etc.; (2) The dead hear; (3) The dead live.

_Nov._ 19_th_.—_M._ Sanctification: (1) In the heart, Psalm xl. 8;
(2) The standard, 1 John iii. 3; (3) The difficulty, 1 John i. 8; (4)
Progressive, 2 Peter iii. 18; (5) By the use of Scripture, John xvii.
17; (6) By the sight of the Lord Jesus, 2 Cor. iii. 18; (7) Must
follow, not precede forgiveness, Jer. xxxi. 33, 34.

_E._ Matt. xxvii. 46: “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?”
(1) The imputation of sin to Christ; (2) The certainty of complete
satisfaction; (3) The burden of unforgiven sin.

_Nov._ 20_th_.—Prayer-Meeting. Psalm xxxiv.: The song of the
delivered.

_Nov._ 21_st_.—_M._ Psalm cxix. 94: “I am Thine.” (1) By the gift
of the Father, John xvii. 2; (2) By redemption through the Son, 1
Cor. vi. 20; (3) By the life-giving power of the Holy Ghost, John vi.
63; (4) By personal surrender to God, Rom. xii. 1.

_A._ To Men only. 2 Cor. vi. 18: “I will be a Father unto you.”

_E._ Exod. xxi. 5: “I love my master; I will not go out free.” (1)
The new master; (2) The old master.

_Nov._ 22_nd_.—Jude 24: “Him that is able to keep you from falling.”

Summary: (1) Finished propitiation; (2) Free gift; (3) Life-giving
power of the Holy Ghost.