THE IMPERIAL MAGAZINE.

OCTOBER, 1832.

MEMOIR OF THE REV. THOMAS ALLIN.

(With a Portrait.)

IN contemplating the history of individuals, we are sometines called upon to witness events, which, if they do not excite admiration, at least, fill us with surprise. By a favourable train of circumstances, connected with unwearied assiduity, some are raised from absolute indigence to wealth and influence; but unfortunately, whilst we give the meed of praise to such persons for their activity and prudence, our approbation is too often checked by a recollection of the mean and disgusting covetousness by which their exertions have been stimulated.

Feelings of a more satisfactory nature are produced, when we see one, who has had to struggle against discouragement, and to contend with powerful obstacles, at last raised to eminence and authority in the literary or scientific world. In such cases we behold the efforts of genius combined with those of patient industry; and while surveying the results of that combination, it is impossible to suppress an involuntary glow of admiration. We admire, not only the brilliancy of intellect, but the ardour, decision, and perseverance, which have gained and merited the honours that are so justly and freely conferred. But even here, our pleasurable emotions are sometimes mingled with regret. High attainments in literature or in science, are not always connected with right views on the subject of religion; hence, the splendour of genius is too often tarnished by manifest deformities in the moral character; and when it is our lot to witness such lamentable incongruities, our hearts cannot but mourn over the perverseness and corruptions of human nature.

The well-regulated and pious mind will gladly turn away from such objects of fascinating yet painful contemplation, in order to direct its attention to those instances in which the manifestations of powerful intellect are not only associated with steady perseverance of effort, but also dignified and adorned with the beauties of Christian holiness-to instances, in which talents of the highest order have not only raised their possessor from obscurity, but which, being consecrated to the best of causes, have conducted him to usefulness and eminence, in the most important and sacred of all offices. Such an instance is set before us in the history of the individual whose portrait is prefixed to this brief memoir.

The Reverend THOMAS ALLIN, a highly esteemed minister in the Methodist New Connexion, was born on the 10th of February, 1784, at Brosely in Shropshire. Happily for him, his parents were influenced by the principles of genuine piety. His mother, who is still living, was

2D. SERIES, NO. 22.-VOL. II.

ardently attached to the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Fletcher, of Madeley; and whenever she had an opportunity of hearing that holy man, she eagerly embraced it. Whilst at Broseley, Mr. Allin's father carried on a manufactory of coarse earthenware; but when the subject of this memoir was about three years old, the family removed to Wednesbury, in Staffordshire. At this place, and at so early a period of life, strange as it may appear, Thomas evinced a strong partiality for that sacred office in which he has since been destined to shine with such distinguished lustre. He, and a young companion, frequently spent their hours of playfulness in singing, preaching, and praying. On these occasions, a large hollow tree served the juvenile orators as a pulpit.

Whilst at Wednesbury, all the education which Mr. Allin ever received was both commenced and completed. His rudiments of knowledge were first acquired at a common village seminary; he afterwards went as a day pupil to a boarding-school in the neighbourhood, and here his education terminated. During his pupilage, he manifested great eagerness in seeking after knowledge, and a remarkable aptitude in acquiring it. At an age when boys are generally averse to the discipline of a school, young Allin seemed to be aware of its advantages, for he diligently sought the improvement of them. We do not, however, find, that his studies at any time extended beyond the boundaries of a plain English education; nor are we aware that they were ever directed either to mathematical or classical pursuits.

During his boyhood, Mr. Allin was not only distinguished for his assiduous attention to school duties, but also for strong manifestations of serious feeling, and of correct moral conduct. He evinced, indeed, such an early and devoted attachment to the precepts of religion, that his punctual observance of them attracted the notice of several individuals; particularly that of a pious female, who, when young, had suffered severe persecution from her parents, on account of her early union with the church of Christ. She evidently felt a powerful and tender interest in the welfare of young Allin; took him frequently with her to prayer and other meetings; and, doubtless, her admonitions and example were instrumental in deepening the impressions and strengthening the resolutions which were then forming in his mind.

When taken from school, he was employed miscellaneously in his father's manufactory, until the year 1800, when the family removed to the Staffordshire Potteries. Here his father joined the Methodist New Connexion; and for a cordial union with this denomination he was fully prepared, by his previously settled and strong attachment to the principles of civil and religious liberty. It may not be improper here to state, for the information of some readers of the Imperial Magazine, that the Methodists of the New Connexion differ from the Wesleyan Methodists in nothing but the subject of church government. As it regards Christian doctrines, experience, ordinances, and the maintenance of a regular ministry, the views and practices of both communities are precisely the same. The leading and distinguishing feature in the constitution of the New Methodists is, to give to the people, what they conceive to be, a proper and scriptural share of influence in the government of the church. Their conference is consequently composed of an equal number of ministers and lay representatives. It may be also added, that they are not only practically but professedly dissenters.

Soon after the removal of the family to the Staffordshire Potteries, Thomas Allin being then about sixteeen, was engaged as an apprentice, by a respectable earthenware manufacturer; and, here, printing was the branch

selected by him, as that which was henceforth, as he thought, to be his permanent occupation through life. Providence, however, designed him for a nobler sphere of action. He had not been long in this new situation, before he became a decided follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, and having imbibed those liberal principles which his father cherished, and doubtless inculcated, he united himself to the Methodists of the New Connexion. It does not appear that any very extraordinary circumstances attended the conversion of Mr. Allin. By the restraining grace of God, he had hitherto been preserved from those gross vices which produce such deformity in the human character; and from his childhood had been blessed with a relish for divine truth, and with a prevailing love for religious ordinances. His mind appears to have been the subject of a gradual process of spiritual illumination and improvement; and his ultimate decision for Christ and heaven, seems to have resulted from the firmer establishment, and the more powerful operation, of principles which had long been implanted, rather than from the sudden communication of impressions and views which had exerted no previous influence over him. He was drawn to the service of the Redeemer by the cords of love, not driven to it by the terrors of justice. Mr. Allin was not an indolent member of the church to which he had united himself; his talents, together with the motives and obligations which directed them, impelled him to exertion in the cause of God. He first became a Sunday-school teacher, and his regularity and diligence in that department attracted the notice of friends, who discovered in the young disciple the promises and pledges of future usefulness. His consistent deportment and steady zeal, so far won the confidence and esteem of the members and officers of the church, that he was very soon invested with the important and responsible office of class-leader. The duties which now devolved upon him were discharged in a manner highly honourable to his intellectual and spiritual attainments; but whilst the religious experience of his members was the chief object of attention, their mental improvement was not neglected. He endeavoured to excite in the minds of the young people of his class a thirst after knowledge; he formed them to habits of reading, and meditation, recommended suitable books, and proposed questions relative to the advantages the perusal afforded. There are some now living who can bear testimony to the lasting benefits they derived from these efforts.

The gifts and graces thus manifested, but not obtruded, convinced those who observed them, that their possessor was well qualified for a more important office in the Christian church. Mr. Allin was requested to make an effort at preaching, but he declined. Again and again he was urged and entreated to preach, but he as firmly persisted in giving a positive refusal. His reason for so long resisting the wishes of his friends, and the call of the Church, was, the almost unconquerable reluctance he felt to engage in the work of the ministry. This reluctance arose from a confirmed distrust of his own powers, and from a strong conviction that God had not bestowed upon him those mental capabilities which are essential to a proper and efficient discharge of ministerial duties. This objection he strenuously urged, against the expostulations of a Christian friend, who earnestly exhorted him not to persist in his refusal to preach, stating, that he himself had, in early life, neglected to embrace similar opportunities of more extensive usefulness, and that he was then labouring under the painful impression that he had thus thrown himself out of the path of duty, and was consequently become the object of Divine displeasure.

This statement did not at the time effect any alteration in Mr. Allin's purposes and feelings. Subsequent reflection, however, operating on his

fears of persevering resistance, produced those impressions, which induced him to consent, at least to make an attempt. He did so, and succeeded much beyond his own expectations, and greatly to the satisfaction and delight of his friends. This event, of so much importance in itself, and which subsequently gave a new turn to his prospects and pursuits, occurred in the year 1806.

After labouring with great acceptance as a local preacher, he was called out in 1808, to engage more fully in the work of the ministry. His first sphere of itinerant labour was Ashton-under-Lyne. At the conference of 1809, he was received as a circuit preacher on trial. During his probation, he gave such manifestations of the superiority of his preaching talents, as excited the highest admiration, and raised the most sanguine expectations in the minds of those who witnessed his pulpit exercises. These expectations were, however, mingled with painful apprehensions. There was considerable doubt whether his physical strength would be adequate to the exertions and labours of the itinerant life; and, at one time, the weakness of his constitution, and the precarious state of his health, seemed to preclude the possibility of his continuing in the work of the ministry.

When the usual term of probation had expired, in consequence of the facts just stated, the conference hesitated much whether to receive him into full connexion, fearing that he would either be speedily disabled for active service, or brought to a premature grave. Happily for the community to which he belongs, these objections were over-ruled; and at the conference held in Manchester, in 1813, Mr. Allin was publicly admitted into full connexion. During his probation, he had been stationed at Bolton, Nottingham, and Manchester; and since that period, Sheffield, Halifax, Hanley, Bolton, Chester, Huddersfield, and Liverpool, have successively been the places in which he has devoted his energies to the cause of the Redeemer. In all these places, the hopes which had been cherished respecting him in the early part of his career, have been more than realized; in a few years he rose to great popularity and eminence, and became the pride and ornament of the Methodist New Connexion. Nor need we view this as a matter of astonishment. He naturally possesses intellectual powers of the highest class, which have been greatly invigorated and enriched by diligent and unwearied cultivation.

If we were asked, what is the predominant quality of Mr. Allin's mind, we should unhesitatingly say, an amazing capability and a decided taste for metaphysical and philosophical discussion. In questions of an abstruse nature, inviting to deep and patient investigation, demanding the exercise of close and vigorous thought, and requiring, in order to their elucidation, a train of connected and powerful reasoning, Mr. Allin appears to wonderful advantage. In questions of this kind, he is quite at home. The most difficult subjects in morals and theology are handled by him in a truly masterly style; and he is perfectly familiar with the most profound arguments which such subjects necessarily involve. In order to illustrate and enforce the propositions laid down, he frequently brings forward the facts and discoveries of natural philosophy, with remarkable facility, and appropriateness this is done without any affectation of learning, without any parade of the knowledge he has treasured up in his mind.

In establishing the proofs of the existence of a Deity, in unfolding the evidences of Christianity, and in defending the essential doctrines of the Gospel, he affords an astonishing display of the researches he has made, and of the powers with which he is invested: when these become the subjects of his pulpit discourses, he sinks infidelity beneath contempt, and

exhibits, in the clearest and most convincing light, the supreme excellence and divine origin of the Scriptures.

Preachers of this class are too generally dry and uninteresting; their language is destitute of beauty, and their delivery void of animation-they consequently seem but ill calculated to attract and impress a popular auditory; the truth of this is often evinced by the smallness of the congregations which they have to address. But these objections do not apply to Mr. Allin. However abstruse the subject which he undertakes, however profound the arguments he is enforcing, his language displays both the beauties and powers of composition. Even when his thoughts have a metaphysical cast, his style is generally perspicuous, always elegant, and frequently affords specimens of the highest flights of pulpit eloquence. His delivery, far from being tame and lifeless, is distinguished for its earnestness and energy. Commencing his sermons in a tone of voice, moderate, but sufficiently distinct and animated, his feelings, as he proceeds, are evidently undergoing a gradually increasing excitement, until towards the close he is filled with an ardour which is almost overwhelming. When the argumentative part of his discourse is finished, having endeavoured to enlighten and convince the judgment, he concludes by addressing the most pungent and faithful appeals to the hearts and consciences of his hearers; these appeals are uttered with an earnestness, and attended with an unction, which render them solemnly impressive, and irresistibly persuasive.

From these several characteristics of Mr. Allin's preaching, some may be ready to conclude that he is too argumentative and philosophical to prove generally useful. All his discourses, doubtless, furnish some evidence of his peculiar turn of mind; but he by no means confines himself to the subjects that have been specified. In his public ministrations, he gives a due prominence to Christian duties and Christian experience; in enforcing the former, and in delineating the latter, he is equally happy and successful.

Men of splendid talents and great attainments are frequently too conscious of their superiority; the applauses they receive fill them with selfesteem and self-confidence, and they consequently, become authoritative and dogmatical: the spirit and deportment of Mr. Allin are quite the reverse of this. In his conduct as a minister and a Christian, he assumes no dictatorial tone. Humility, meekness, and love, are graces which shine conspicuously in his character;-but while, in his intercourse with the Church and with the world, these virtues are brought forth into constant and delightful manifestation, the natural vigour of his mind imparts a firmness and decision to his character, which render him invaluable as a determined advocate for the rigid enforcement of discipline in the societies committed to his care. But here the writer feels a delicacy, which ought to be observed in attempting to delineate a living character; and he hesitates to proceed farther, lest pain should be given to one whom he would not willingly grieve. Those readers who know Mr. Allin will, in their own minds, readily supply the deficiencies of this very imperfect portraiture; and those who know him not, will be taught to conclude, from the little here said, that whilst he powerfully and eloquently advocates the principles, he cultivates and exhibits in his own conduct the loveliest virtues, of

Christianity.

Mr. Allin has several times presented himself to the public as an author. His first publication was a sermon preached on the re-opening of a chapel in Halifax, 1815. This discourse contains some very valuable information on the subject of church-fellowship-the duty and advantages of which are