CROSBY-SQUARE.-Presbyterian, Extinct. ment to religion in every relation of life; and a faithful, diligent, and laborious pastor, who watched for souls as one that must give an account. He studied, prayed, and preached with a sincere aim to promote the sanctification and salvation of his hearers-to ripen them by grace for glory; and he was always ready to instruct, comfort, and encourage any who were under spiritual distress. In short, his wise, prudent, and truly Christian conduct rendered him an eminent blessing to the church of Christ, especially to that part of it over which Providence had placed him.* It pleased God to prolong Mr. Slater's life to an advanced period, and he descended the vale of death without feeling any of those acute pains which are the usual attendants of malignant diseases. The thread of life was gradually worn asunder, and his soul left its tenement without any apparent agony at parting. The excellent Dr. Grosvenor, who was present the last time he appeared in public, (at least on a sacramental occasion) has the following remarkable passage in his diary, concerning Mr. Slater:-"The last sacrament he administered (says the Doctor) I received with him. He looked upon himself as near his end. At the close, he took a solemn leave of the congregation, and ended with these words, which were delivered on his part with the solemnity of a dying patriarch blessing his children, and with the authority of an apostle: I charge you before God, that you prepare to meet me at the day of judgment, as my crown of joy, and that not one of you be found wanting to meet me there at the right hand of God."+ During his confinement, Mr. Slater was visited by several of his brethren in the ministry. The Rev. Mr. Alexander, his colleague, who attended him on one of these occasions, observes, "The last time I was with him, when I asked him what the inward frame and temper of his spirit was, he • Mr. Alexander's Sermon, ubi supra. + Mr. Barker's Sermon on the Death of Dr, Grosvenor, p. 31, note. CROSBY-SQUARE. -Presbyterian, Extinct. told me, He blessed God he had peace, though not joy→→→→ good hope through grace-supported, though not transported." Another minister who visited him a few days before he died, said to him, "Sir, you have served God very faithfully, and you may expect from him great supports in your illness." He answered, "It is true, but God owes me nothing he is not in my debt." And, being told again, there were many excellent promises for him to lay hold upon; he answered," But God must give me the hand to lay hold upon them with." During his long weakness, the Lord graciously favoured him with his presence; Satan was never suffered to molest him; but he enjoyed uninterrupted peace and tranquillity within, and his graces shined to the last.* Then, like the gentle expiring of a lamp that ceased to be fed, or like the bright luminary of the morning, who, after cheering us for awhile with his benignant rays, leaves us gradually at night; so did this good man calmly descend into the valley of death, and left behind him but the shadow of departed light. He died May 24, 1704.(e) Two funeral sermons were preached and published upon occasion of his death. One by the Rev. William Tong, who observes concerning Mr. Slater, that "He passed through the world with as clear and unspotted a reputation as any one." The other discourse was by the Rev. Daniel Alexander, who bears a strong testimony to his singular worth. There are two portraits of Mr. Slater, one an engraving, the other a mezzotinto; but they are both scarce. His publications will be mentioned in the note below. (H) • Mr. Alexander's Sermon, ubi supra. (6) Mr. Slater married the widow of Mr. Hood, daughter of Mr. Harman Sheafe, of London, son of Mr. Harman Sheafe, of Cranbrook, in Kent. This lady survived him. (H) A Discourse of Family Religion, in 18 Sermons.-A Discourse on Family Prayer.-Another on Closet Prayer.-A Discourse on the Preciousness of God's Thoughts towards his People.-A Thanksgiving Sermon on the Discovery of the horrid Plot.-A Sermon before Sir John Shorter, Lord CROSBY-SQUARE- -Presbyterian, Extinct. JOHN REYNOLDS.-As this person is not mentioned by Anthony Wood, it is probable that he received his education in the University of Cambridge. At the Restoration he was minister of Roughton, in Norfolk, where he was ejected for nonconformity. Coming afterwards to London, he was chosen colleague with Mr. Slater, at Crosby-Square. He was one of the ministers who, on the part of the Presbyterians, went up to King James II. with the address of thanks for his indulgence, in 1687.* Mr. Slater, who preached his funeral sermon, speaks of him as a person of considerable abilities and learning, and well accomplished for his work; as a truly gracious humble Christian, a profitable preacher, an able catechist, and a faithful friend. Also as a wise man, a maker of peace, unreprovable, and exemplary in his conversation. Mr. Reynolds died November 25, 1691.+ DANIEL ALEXANDER.-With the history of this gentleman prior to his settlement at Crosby-Square, we are entirely unacquainted. In 1693, he was chosen assistant to Mr. Slater, and was happy in this connexion till Mr. Slater's death, when some uneasiness arising in the congregation occasioned his leaving Crosby-Square. Of this circumstance he speaks thus: "I had the honour and advantage to be an assistant to him (Mr. Slater) near eleven years, in all which time not the least tincture of jealousy, or suspicion, Mayor, 1688.-A Sermon to young Men. Dec. 25, 1688.-And Funeral Sermons for the following ministers: Mr. Thomas Vincent, 1678.-M. Thomas Gilson, 1680.-Mr. John Oakes, 1688.-Mr. John Reynolds, 1691.-Mr. Richard Fincher, 1692.-Mr. William Rathband, 1695.And Mr. George Day, 1697.-Also, a Funeral Sermon for Mrs. Lobb, wife of the Rev. Stephen Lobb, 1691.-N. B. The above catalogue is a strong proof of Mr. Slater's respectability as a Divine, and popularity as a preacher. Biog. Brit. vol. i. Art. Alsop. ↑ Calamy's Account, p. 480. Contin. p. 623. and Mr. Slater's Sermon on the Death of Mr. Reynolds. CROSBY-SQUARE.- -Presbyterian, Extinct. obtained to hinder our usefulness, or mutual confidence; but I was always treated by him with that unparalleled candour, condescending affability, endearing kindness, and sincere respect, which rendered my work in that relation much more pleasant and desirable than otherwise it would have been, as is now manifest from the quite contrary treatment I have met with since his death."* About 1704, Mr. Alexander removed to Armourers'-Hall, where he preached to a congregation till his death, Sept. 3, 1709, when he was 49 years of age. He lies buried in Bunhill-Fields. BENJAMIN GROSVENOR, D. D.(1)-This eminent and truly excellent Divine, was born in London, on the first of January, 1695. His father was an eminent upholsterer; but, in the latter part of his life, met with considerable difficulties, from which he was kindly relieved by his son. At an early age he discovered marks of a sprightly genius, and became impressed with the importance of divine things, which were strongly inculcated by his pious parents. When only ten years old, he had such an awful view of the evil of sin, and such terrifying convictions upon his tender mind, that his life became quite a burden; till, at length, through the providence of God, he was led to hear a sermon at a meeting in Gravel-lane, Southwark, from a minister, whose name he never knew, that satisfied his doubts, removed his fears, and gave him clear views of the gospel method of salvation. From this time, his soul found its true rest; and, henceforward, the duties of religion were his greatest delight. He no longer relished the diversions common to youth; but after school-hours, retired to his closet, spending many hours in prayer and devout meditation, and in reading books on divine subjects. To such a length did he carry these exercises, that his good parents, • Mr. Alexander's Sermon on the Death of Mr. Slater. Prefe (1) In some of his early publications, he spells his name Gravanor. |