REVTHOMAS STEEVENS, late of Colchester? Engraved by Freeman for the Baptist Mag. Original Painting. From an Published by Button & Son March 1817. Baptist Magazine. MARCH, 1817. MEMOIR OF THE REV. THOMAS STEEVENS, LATE PASTOR OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH AT COLCHESTER. LIGHT and shade seem not more essential to the production of a finished drawing, than variety of incident to the formation of an interesting memoir: yet we are, occasionally, presented with a moral excellency of manners, which effectually relieves the monotony of life, and more than supplies the regretted absence of striking vicissitude. In some instances, rapid movements, connected with reverses the most unexpected, may afford the best opportunity for developing superiority of mind; while, in others, the undeviating occupation of talent, through a lengthened course, in which the same duties are constantly recurring, constitutes a distinction of character which claims our unqualified respect. On this account, we have often enjoyed more satisfaction in tracing the almost silent progress of unassuming worth, than when we have been hurried through the contrasted scenes of noisy, rather than useful existence. With some such reflections, the reader may profitably turn from contemplating the placid countenance in the engraving which accompanies our present Number, to the following account of its original. VOL. IX. Mr. Thomas Steevens, the only child of his parents, was born at Northampton, October 6, 1745. His father and mother sat under the ministry of Dr. Doddridge, and were both truly pious. Scarcely had his father welcomed the entrance of his beloved child into the world, when, called to embrace him for the last time, he solemnly committed him to the protection of an infinitely gracious Providence, and the superintendence of maternal tenderness, himself being dismissed from all earthly anxieties; and she, who had been a wife only one year, became a widow, and so remained during the rest of her life. She was, however, a widow indeed, trusting in God, and, like another Eunice, watching over another Timothy, the concern of her life appeared to be, that, from a child, her son should be made acquainted with the holy scriptures. Her solici tude experienced an early reward in the docility with which her instructions were received, and the pleasing appearances accompanying her endeavours. Habitual thoughtfulness characterized almost the infancy of Mr. Steevens, to an extent which led M sions, considerably raised him in. the estimation of his most judicious hearers, and confirmed the sentiment to which his earlier years had given existence, that, ere long, he would occupy an important station in the church of Christ. several persons confidently to [ed: the part Mr. Steevens was predict what would be his future enabled to take on these occaemploy. Dr. Doddridge himself appears to have been attracted by what he discovered in this child; and engaged, when he should be sufficiently advanced, to take him under his patronage. Pleasing as such an arrangement must have been, the accomplishing of it was frustrated: for, when his intended pupil had but just reached his sixth year, the Doctor was called to the heavenly inheritance, and Mr. Ryland, of Northampton, became the preceptor of young Steevens, whose proficiency appears to have been ereditable to the well known ability of his tutor. The term of his apprenticeship being expired, he had the satisfaction to receive from his master, who had always treated him as a confidential friend rather than as a servant, the most honourable testimony to his conduct during his residence in his family. An event occurred in 1768, which contributed, in a large piness of Mr. Steevens during the remainder of his life: for, in this year, he received the hand of Hannah Carter, whose parents were in communion with Mr. Potts. The conjugal harmony of Mr. and Mrs. Steevens appears to have been mutually cherished by the most affectionate solici In his fifteenth year, Mr. Stee-proportion, to promote the hapvens came to London, and was apprenticed to the weaving trade with a pious and respectable master. Such now became his thirst for information, that the hours which should have been devoted to rest, were often employed in the pursuit of knowledge. His master, observing the prevailing taste of his ap-tude; and the deservedly esprentice, generously afforded him every facility that might assist his progress; in doing which, he was amply compensated by the fidelity and diligence with which Thomas discharged the duties of his station. Just at this time a clergyman, of the name of Neale, gave private instruction to a select number of young men, among whom Mr. Steevens attended; by which the improvement of his mind was considerably advanced. During this period, he sat, chiefly, under the ministry of Dr. Conder and Mr. Potts, the latter instituted a monthly exercise for the assistance of serious youth, in which theological questions were proposed and discuss teemed widow yet survives, venerating the recollection of hes deceased husband, and cheered by the animating prospect of shortly joining that assembly, whose members have triumphed over death. One inducement to Mr. Steevens to form this important relation, and that not the least considerable, was, that under his roof, his mother, who had been a widow more than twenty years, might receive such evidences of affectionate attention, and filial reverence, as might soften the asperities of declining life, and leave her nothing to wish of an earthly description. For sixteen years these duties were discharged with cheerful removed where the exercise of such benevolence is no longer needed. vigilance, till his aged parent was | and, consequently, his attention was directed to seek communion where the convictions he had received might be honoured by obedience. For some time after his marriage, Mr. Steevens attended the ministry of Mr. Potts in the morning, and Mr. Brewer, of Stepney, in the afternoon of the Lord's-day: he also occasionally heard, and with considerable satisfaction, that extraordinary preacher Mr. George Whitfield, and some others, who, at that period, were distinguished by their eminence in the Christian ministry. Mr. Macgowan was, at this time, pastor of the church meeting near Devonshire-square; and his celebrated "Shaver" having fallen into the hands of Mr. Steevens, he felt a more than ordinary desire to hear the author: the result affords another opportunity of perceiving with how much caution first impressions should be allowed to govern our judgment, and influence our conduct. Having heard Mr. Mac he would hear him no more. For some time he attended at various places, without finding a settled home; till, at length, a near relative expressing her intention of hearing Mr. Macgowan, Mr. Steevens remarked, that he thought her edification would be more promoted by hearing some other minister: she was not, however, to be diverted from her purpose; and, on her return, informed Mr. Steevens she had been much gratified, and added, that in this instance she could not help sus A divine blessing appears to have accompanied these diver-gowan, the conclusion was, that sified means, and Mr. Steevens advanced in knowledge of revealed truth, and in a concern to be governed by its influence. Thus it was that he came to the determination of declaring his faith in Jesus Christ, and uniting with a Christian society. Having concluded to join the independent church at Stepney, he proceeded to prepare a written account of his views and experience. In this attempt, the subject of baptism came under his consideration as it had never done before: by a diligent exa-pecting he had too hastily formed mination of the New Testament, without any supplementary interference, he soon discovered, that, like many others, he had, on this subject, trodden the hackneyed path, taking that for granted which is completely destitute of evidence, and allowing custom to tyrannize over truth. Being fully convinced that the immersion of believers was the command of Christ, and that no authority on earth could be sufficient to justify so flagrant a violation of a positive institute as that of infant sprinkling, he respectfully declined the intended connection, his opinion: for that, were he to persevere in attending on the ministry of Mr. Macgowan, her conviction was, that he would ultimately approve. With this intimation he complied; and, though his prejudices were not instantly removed, they gradually yielded, till he became strongly attached to Mr. Macgowan's ministry; and, in 1772, he was baptized and united to the church. His serious and affectionate behaviour greatly endeared him both to his pastor and the members of this Christian society. An opportunity soon |