The Life And Ministry Of William Button

The Baptist Magazine 1822

The Rev. William Button was born at Peasmarsh, near Rye, Sussex, March 5, 1754. His grandfather, the Rev. John Button, was a Presbyterian minister at Rye, and also a farmer; but, towards the close of his life we believe he became a Baptist. 

His father was a respectable farmer and grazier. His mother was the daughter of Mr. Viney, a gentleman of considerable fortune at Tenterden in Kent. She was an accomplished and truly pious woman. Her funeral sermon was preached by Dr. Gill from Psalm 42:11, Why art thou cast down, O my soul, &c. It was afterwards printed under the title of “The Dejected Believer’s Soliloquy.” 

Soon after the birth of the subject of this memoir, his father removed to Portsmouth; and subsequently, in the year 1761, he came to London, and engaged in partnership with a Mr. Kemp, an upholsterer in Cornhill. 

When about five years of age Mr. Button was seized with the small pox, and such was the malignancy of the disease that his life was despaired of; but, contrary to the expectations of his parents and the physician, he recovered, although with the loss of the sight of his right eye, which defect however was scarcely perceptible. 

In 1762 he was placed under the tuition of the Rev. John Ryland at Northampton. There he received his first serious impressions under a funeral sermon preached by a Mr. Greg, an Independent minister, upon the occasion of the death of one of his schoolfellows. The text was Matt. 19:14, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven. It was remarkable, that one of his fellow-pupils was awakened under the same sermon. A close intimacy between this youth and Mr. Button was the natural consequence; and daily after their school instructions were concluded, they retired together to their chamber to read, converse, and pray. 

On Sept. 11, 1767, master (now Dr.) John Ryland, and Mr. Button, related their experience before the church under the pastoral care of master Ryland’s father. On the following Lord’s day they were baptized together in a river about a quarter of a mile from the school, and on the same day partook of the Lord’s supper.^[1]

In allusion to these events Mr. Button thus writes,^[2]—“And with pleasure, yea, with exceeding gladness of heart, I continued with my brethren in fellowship, in breaking of bread and in prayers, and went on my way rejoicing in the Lord. But at length two heavy trials came upon me, which turned my joy into mourning.

“First, tiding were brought of the death of my dear, invaluable, and affectionate mother, whose life and death were to the glory of God. It is impossible to relate what I felt under this loss.

“The second trial was this. I received intelligence of an awful and destructive fire that had consumed my father’s house and property, by which he lost many hundreds of pounds, being unhappily under-insured. These two events brought me into a state of melancholy, which continued a considerable time.”

In 1769 he was apprenticed to his father, who being engaged in a very extensive trade to the East and West Indies, Mr. Button was frequently under the necessity of working all night to expedite the orders. On many of these occasions he was seized with profuse bleedings at the nose from the effect of the quicksilver used in silvering looking-glasses. These fatiguing exertions both greatly impaired his health, and depressed his spirits. So great, indeed, was the dejection of mind under which he labored at this period, that for four years he abstained from church-fellowship and the Lord’s-supper.

At length, after sitting some time under, and deriving profit from, the ministry of Mr. Clarke of Unicorn-yard, Southwark, he requested to join that church, and was cordially received into it Sept. 24, 1772. His union with it greatly revived and animated him, and with joy he pursued his Christian course. 

At their conference meetings Mr. Button was frequently called upon to deliver his thoughts upon passages of scripture, and his exercises upon these occasions were so acceptable, that after a little time Mr. Clarke intimated to the church that he considered him as possessing ministerial gifts. In this opinion the church unanimously concurring, he was invited to address them in the vestry on Monday evening, Jan. 18, 1773. In his diary, under this date, he thus expresses himself.

“This evening was fixed for my first speaking on a Monday evening—went froth trembling—had a thousand fears, but trust I was enabled to throw myself on the Lord, and he helped me far beyond my expectation. The passage I spake from was 2 Sam. 7:18,19, Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, &c.”

After some months, during which he diligently pursued his preparatory studies under Mr. Clarke, he was sent forth by the church to the public ministry, and preached his first sermon at Unicorn-yard, July 25, 1773, being then about nineteen years of age. 

The following extract from his diary gives an account of this, to him, interesting day.

“This morning rose a little after four: prayed to the Lord for his assistance in meditation, and received hoped and comfort in prayer. Went at six to the society, where brother V—— spake from Psalm 68:10: he spake excellently well, but it was not much to me, my mind being so much taken up in thought. Returned home, and prayed again, I trust earnestly, for assistance. Went to meeting, and O how did I tremble in going up the pulpit stairs! My heart indeed failed me. When I rose to pray I was at first confused, but at length enjoyed some liberty, some consolation, in my own soul. When they had sung I got up, and after some little introduction named my text, which was Ps. 121:1, I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. At first the sight of such a number of people struck a great damp into my spirits; yet afterwards I should not have cared if there had been ten thousand more. I was indeed alive: I trust the Lord was with me of a truth, and enabled me to speak boldly without the fear of man. Concluded in prayer; but no sooner had seated myself, than I recollected that I had forgotten to pray for Mr. Clarke. This greatly distressed me. It then occurred to me how grieved I was last night that Mr. D——and Mr. B——had not remembered me in their prayers. This was a reproof to me; for as I knew it was not from want of love that I forgot Mr. Clarke, I concluded that it was not from want of love that they forgot me. However, it still distressed me, as I thought every body would take notice of it, as indeed some did. When I came down Mrs. C—— spake to me, and said she had had a joyful opportunity; if ever she knew what it was to have the word come with power, it was this day. On my telling her I was confused in prayer, she said she did not perceive it in any thing but my forgetting Mr. Clarke; but added, which greatly relieved my mind, that it was very excusable.”

After mentioning his having in the evening called upon a member of the church, when two of the family told him that they did not know how to thank God enough for the delightful season which they had enjoyed, he adds, “This surely is encouragement for me to go on. O how amazing it is that such a poor unworthy creature as I am should be made useful to any one! But I perceive there is nothing too hard for the Lord. O that I may always go forth depending on him, and reliving upon his strength! This day I have received some hope that I am called to the work. O that I may be ever kept humble under a sense of his goodness to me, and be continually at his footstool!”

Thus early, and unexpectedly, called to the ministry, he found his heart greatly encouraged by the notice taken of him by the London ministers, particularly Dr. Stennett, Mr. Wallin, Mr. Macgowan, and his worthy friend and pastor Mr. Clarke. These all invited him into their pulpits, took him kindly by the hand, and bah him God speed. 

Through the recommendation of Mr. Wallin he received an invitation to supply for one Sabbath the church at Tile-house-street,^[3]Hitchin, Hertfordshire, deprived by death of their late valuable and much-esteemed pastor, Mr. Samuel James. This invitation he accepted, and went down thither Oct. 2, 1773. On the following Lord’s day he preached there three times, to the great satisfaction of the church and congregation. On the Monday he visited one of the deacons; which is thus noticed in his diary. “Went to see Mr. Foster, one of the deacons, and a comfortable opportunity and afternoon I had. He is an excellent Christian: he cannot talk about experience without tears in his eyes. He heartily thanked me for my discourses. O what encouragement to have old grey headed fathers in the church express satisfaction with my ministry! Who am I that I should be thus honored?”

The next day he was waited upon by a deputation from the church, to invite him for three months. He told them that he would consult his London friends, and send them an early decision. 

Upon his return to London, and consulting with Mr. Clarke and Mr. Wallin, they advised him by all means to accept the invitation, which he accordingly did. 

Three days previous to his setting off for Hitchin to fulfill his three months engagement there, he received the following letter. 

To the Rev. William Button.

Oct. 29, 1773

“Whereas it seems the pleasure of the Lord in the course of his all-wise providence, that so great an affliction as a separation should take place in the church of Christ, late under the pastoral care of the late Dr. John Gill, we, members of the said church, having had opportunity of hearing you in public, and judging from what we have heard that your ministerial gifts will be acceptable, and we hope profitable to us, do request that you will serve us as a separate interest in the work of the ministry on Lord’s days, as the circumstance of place may direct, for twelve months; and we beg that you will so regard this application, as not to engage yourself with any other people, and look upon the same as prior to any other than may have been made, it having before been suggested to you by your father. 

Signed,

Deacons—Thomas Ribright, Joshua Warne, John Button.

Thomas Hill.

Joseph Collier. 

Charles Herbert.

George Dickison. 

John Mears. 

Samuel Barnes. 

George Keith. 

Richard Lewis. 

Joseph Maylin.”

This letter threw him into a great strait. His desire was towards Hitchin, if that church would concede open communion, of which it at present admitted. He determined however, at all events, to fulfill his engagement with them. On the day previous to his quitting London for this purpose, he dined with Mr. Wallin. In the course of the afternoon that Rev gentleman thus addressed him. “I hope, my young friend, you will stand up for the order of God’s house. That church admits of open communion. I have often expressed to my worthy brother James, that I thought he was wrong in opening his doors wider than the apostles and the New Testament churches did, who admitted none but those who regarded both the positive institutions of Jesus Christ. This, my young friend, of this: recollect what an inspired apostles says to the church at Colosse; that he rejoiced in beholding their order, as well as their steadfastness in the faith of Christ.” This advice (says Mr. Button) from a venerable minister of Jesus Christ, I own made a great impression upon my mind. 

On the 23^rd of October he arrived at Hitchin, and met with a most cordial welcome. During his stay with this proud and warm-hearted people, he preached to large and attentive congregations three times every Lord’s-day. His public labors were abundantly blessed, and his society affectionately courted: but as he could not conscientiously yield the point of strict communion, he, on the 11^th of January, 1774, with the most painful regret, quitted them. 

In his diary of January 10,11, his departure is thus noticed.

“Went and took leave of my friends; and with humility and thankfulness, and not with boasting, would I mention, that they all expressed great sorrow at my departure. O why was I made so acceptable among them? I am astonished beyond measure that I should be so universally approved of. May the Lord take all the glory! I desire none. 

“While I was at Mrs. James’s, Mr. G—— came in, and said he wished to speak to me. It was to tell me that he hoped I had been useful to his son, who was now crying out for salvation; and what was very remarkable, it was from that very discourse, in the delivery of which I was so much ashamed of myself, on January 2. O my Dove, thou art in the clefts of the rock. This was, that God might have all the glory, and have it he shall: not unto me, not unto me!”

Shortly after Mr. Button left London, the separatists from the late Dr. Gill’s being formed into a church, became uneasy that he had not replied to their letter of October 20; and hearing how universally acceptable his ministry was at Hitchin,^[4]they feared that he would be prevailed upon to settle there: two of the deacons were therefore debuted to go down to that place. Immediately upon their arrival, they sent a message, requesting him to meet them at the inn, with which request he complied. They then represented to him the anxiety of the newly formed church for his reply to their application, and entreated that he would given them his immediate decision. In the course of the day he delivered to them his written answer, which (being in compliance with their wishes) they received with great satisfaction, and on the following morning returned to London. 

In this answer, (dated December 18, 1773,) he assigns the reason of his not having replied to their invitation earlier; which was,—that he feared it would be wrong in him to assist in dividing a church; but as they were no themselves formed into one, that objection was obviated. He then adds, “You mention your desire of my being with you for twelve months; which I have considered, and think it would be better for me and for you to come to this determination, viz., that I should preach among you for three months, and then, if you desire it, stay longer; because, should I fix for twelve months, and it should appear at the end of three, that my ministry is not in general acceptable, profitable, and useful, during the other nine months I should be a burden to you, as well as uncomfortable in my own mind; for I should never be happy if the people amongst whom I preached were not satisfied with my ministry.” The latter arrangement was agreed to.

The day after Mr. Button’s return from Hitchin, viz., January 13, 1774, a meeting was held at Mr. Wallin’s place of worship, Maze Pond, Southwark, for the purpose of recognizing the separatists from the late Dr. Gill’s as a distinct church. Mr. Booth began in prayer; Dr. Stennett then called upon the church to give an account of their proceedings; which being done by one of the deacons, Dr. Stennett delivered an affectionate address. Mr. Clarke prayed; after which Mr. Wallin preached from Eph. 2:22: For an habitation of God through the Spirit. Mr. Macgowan prayed, and Mr. Rippon concluded. 

This interesting and solemn service was printed. Mr. Wallin kindly offered this newly formed church the use of his meeting-house on the Lord’s day mornings; and they applied fro that in Mile’s-lane for the Lord’s day evenings, which was granted; and in these places Mr. Button continued to preach until the new meeting-house in Dean-street, Southwark, was erected.

In pursuing Mr. Button’s diary, it is impossible not to be forcibly struck with the genuine humility and piety of his character. The following is an extract from it. “March 5, 1774. Hitherto has the Lord helped me. I am this day twenty years of age. I look back with shame and confusion of face. What time have I lost! How many sabbaths thrown away! How many moments misspent! How many sins committed against God! Who but a God of love could have borne with me? Herein does his patience, his longsuffering, his forbearance, appear, that I am not cut off as a cumberer of the ground. What mercies have I received, and how have I slighted them, and like the children of Israel loathed the manna, ungratefully loathed it as light bread! Pardon mine iniquity, O Lord, for it is great.”

On the 23^rd of the same month he writes thus. “Went this morning to visit Dr. Stennett, who received me very kindly, and took me with him to the Library in Red-cross-street, and had my name registered among the general body of Dissenting ministers. O may it appear that my name is registered in heaven in the Lamb’s book of life among the general assembly of the saints!”

Mr. Button’s three months’ engagement being nearly expired, a church-meeting was called, the following letter drawn up, and the next day forwarded to him. 

“To the Rev. William Button.

“March 30, 1774.

“Sir,—Taking into consideration your answer December 18, to our invitation, especially that part of it wherein you hint your willingness to serve us, but only for three months, suggesting at the same time, that if your ministry should be approved and blessed, you should be willing to serve us longer, on inquiry we find the church, with other friends, pleased with and profited by your ministry. We therefore desire you will regard our first request in point of time. We trust your labors among us will not be in vain in the Lord, but will be attended with a divine blessing. That so it may be, we hope that all and each of us shall send up our petitions to the Lord on your account. 

“Signed by the request of the church, and in the name of the whole,

Deacons: Thomas Ribright, Joshua Warne.”

To this letter he replied, that as he considered them as a people whom God had formed for himself, as they dwelt in perfect harmony, manifested the greatest affection towards each other, and aimed with united hands to promote the glory of God, and the enlargement of his visible church, he was willing to continue with them for the remaining nine months. He then thanks them for their remembrance of him in their prayers, and says, “I am persuaded, that so long, and no longer, will a minister be made profitable to a people than they remember to pray to their heavenly Father in his behalf.”

The new meeting-house in Dean-street being finished, on the 27^th of November, 1774, it was opened for public worship, and Mr. Button preached in the three services.

Having labored among this people for eighteen months, he was on the 5^th of July, 1775, ordained pastor over them. On this occasion the following ministers were engaged. Mr. Reynolds (of Cripplegate) began with prayer; Dr. Stennett introduced the service, and received the account of the proceedings of the church; Mr. Button then signified his acceptance of their call, and delivered his confession of faith. Mr. Booth prayed; Mr. Clarke gave the charge from 1 Cor. 4:2,—Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful; Mr. Wallin preached to the people; and Mr. Ryland, Sen concluded. 

During the time that Mr. Button was at Hitchin, he formed an acquaintance with Miss Anna James, second daughter of the Rev. Samuel James,^[5]late pastor of the Baptist church at that place; and after a correspondence of two years and a half, they were, on the 22^nd of October, 1776, married at Hitchin church. After the ceremony was performed, upon Mr. Button’s tendering the fee, the rector (the Rev. Mr. Morgan) thus addressed him. “You and I, Sir, are preachers of the same gospel; you are married into a respectable family; your lady’s father I highly esteemed; and I wish you may continue long happy in each other. You will excuse my not receiving any thing at your hands upon this occasion.” He then cordially shook them both by the hand, and withdrew. By this lady, who is still living, he had nine children, of whom three sons and one daughter survive him. 

In 1785, Mr. Fuller’s Treatise, “The Gospel Worthy of all Acceptation,” having created a considerable sensation among various denominations of Dissenters, Mr. Button was urged by many of his friends to reply to it, which at length he did, and in that year published his “Remarks on a Treatise, entitled, ‘The Gospel worthy of all acceptation, &c.’ Wherein the Nature of special Faith in Christ is considered, and several of Mr. Fuller’s mistakes pointed out: in a series of Letters to a Friend.”

These “Remarks” elicited a rejoinder from Mr. Fuller. The prescribed limits of this memoir forbid our attempting an analysis of this controversy: it is indeed rendered unnecessary from its nature being so generally understood. It was admitted on all sides that Mr. Button acquitted himself with considerable ability. Mr. Fuller himself once remarked to a minister in London, “Well, I suppose our friend Mr. Button said all that could have been advanced on his view of the subject.” 

This publication introduced him to an extensive correspondence in various parts of England, and also in America. 

In 1786 he entered into business as a bookseller, and his next appearance from the press was in 1790, as editor and publisher of a volume of posthumous sermons by Dr. Gill, entitled, “Sermons by the late learned Dr. John Gill.” This volume soon became scarce, and has for many years obtained a high price. 

At the request of his congregation he printed a Fast Sermon, preached by him at Dean-street, February 28, 1795, under the title of “National Calamities Tokens of the Divine Displeasure.” In the same year he published his answer to Mr. Peter Edwards’s “Candid Reasons,” &c., under the title of “The Candor of Peter Edwards exhibited, and his curious Reasons for renouncing Antipaedobaptism examined. By a plain Countryman.”

Disgust at the indecent flippancy with which he conceived that his intimate and venerable friend, Mr. Abraham Booth, was treated in the “Candid Reasons,” gave rise to this ingenious and spirited Tract. It was at first generally ascribed to the pen of another powerful, though also anonymous antagonist of Mr. Peter Edwards. Among others, the Reviewer in the Protestant Dissenters’ Magazine, in August, 1795, hazarded this conjecture, as will be seen by the following extract. “Though this writer styles himself a Plain Countryman, it is easy to discern the man of education; and we should not be in amaze^[6]to find that he was one of the body of London ministers.” It is certain, however, that that gentleman was wholly ignorant both of the piece, and who was its author, until some months after it was published. The only friend to whom Mr. Button submitted this manuscript, or who knew any thing of his design, was the late Rev. Joseph Middleton of Lewes, whose letter (upon his returning the manuscript) is printed in the Preface to this piece. 

This year also, he received from America a certificate of his having been elected honorary member of the “Pennsylvania Society for promoting the abolition of slavery, the relief of free negroes unlawfully held in bondage, and for impoving the condition of the African race.”

His next publication was in 1806, entitled, “The Rise, Fall, and future Restoration of the Jews.” This excellent compilation from Basnage, Herman Witsius, Gill, Whitby, Doddridge, President Edwards, &c., &c., he, with his accustomed modesty, also published anonymously. This work was highly commended by the various Reviews: indeed it is perhaps the best compendium of the history of the Jews now in existence. The criticism upon it in the Oxford Review for June, 1807, thus concludes:—“In no one book can so much general knowledge of the Jews be found, as in that now under our consideration.”

Ever a strenuous assertor of order in a Christian church, he viewed with holy jealousy every act which he judged a violation of it; accordingly, upon perusing a pamphlet written by a “Layman,” defending a member of a Baptist church going forth to preach without the concurrence of that church, he again took up his pen, and wrote, “A Reply to the Layman, containing Strictures upon his Notions of Christian Liberty, in Opposition to Church Authority. By Philokoemos.” This was published in 1807. 

Having been for some time indisposed, and being recommended to try a change of air, he in the autumn of 1811 went to visit a friend in Staffordshire. While he was there, a curious incident occurred, which he thus relates in a letter to Mrs. Button, written a day or two afterwards. 

“Mr. A—— wished me to preach in the Wesleyan Chapel, and spake to Mr. W——, the local preacher there, who acquiesced in his request. I accordingly did so: it was circulated round the town, and at seven o’clock the chapel was filled. My text was Acts 15:14: Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. Heads. 1. The peculiar favor bestowed on the Gentiles;—they had a visit from God. 2. The intent of this visit;—to take out a people for his name. Under this head was observed, 1. There is a people denominated the Lord’s peculiar people. 2. This people, by nature lie in the ruins of the Fall. 3. The design of the preached gospel is, to recover this people from their awful situation, and that, for the glory of his name.

“I had not the least idea of giving offense; but Mr. W—— took offense; and, as soon as I had finished the discourse, he slept forward in the pulpit, and addressed the congregation thus: ‘You know, my friends, that I intimated last Sabbath evening that it was my intention to speak on a particular subject; but at the earnest request of some persons, I have given my place to another; but I hope I shall never be requested to do the like again. My friends, it is said, The grace of God appeared to all men; that Christ tasted death for every man;’ and was going on, when a worthy old gentleman, one of the managers and trustees of the place, arose and said, ‘Mr. W—— you had better give out a hymn.’ This stopped him; and a hymn he gave out. The following was one of the stanzas:

“‘Stand then against your foes,

In close and firm array;

Legions of wily fiends oppose

Throughout the evil day;

But meet the sons of night,

And mock their vain design,

Arm’d in the arms of heavenly light,

Of righteousness divine.’

“He kept me behind him, and would not suffer me to conclude in prayer; and when he had done, he would not turn round to speak to me. I went partly down the pulpit stairs, expecting him to follow; but he kept his seat. I returned, took him by the hand, and said, ‘Good night, Mr. W——;’ but he shook off the viper from his. The whole congregation was in agitation, and evidently in pain for me. His treatment of me was town talk. The congregation at large expressed their approbation of the sermon, and astonishment that any part of it had given Mr. W—— offense.”

In 1814, Mr. Button accompanied by his brother-in-law Mr. Isaac James of Bristol, went through Holland and Flanders. His Journal of this Tour is highly interesting; but the following is only extract for which we have room. 

Brussels, Sabbath day, July 10, 1814. 

“After engaging with my companion in devotional exercises in our chamber, we went into the city, and were surprised to see so little appearance of religion amongst the generality of the people. From the exhibitions in the streets, you would imagine yourself in a heathenish place, in a pagan city. Shops open, markets full, even fuller than they were yesterday, buying, selling, shows of various kinds, round-a-bouts with horses and boxes; and all employing themselves in dancing, skipping, and playing all sorts of tricks and games. Something somewhat different presented itself to us in the Cathedral; there were the priests at the altar, walking and bowing, tossing over the leaves of books laid on the sacred table, and making noise which I should think must be unintelligible to all. Now and then the organ brake out, which was a little more grateful to the ear than the muttering of the priests. Thousands were present, and all apparently truly devotional; men, women, and children, kneeling with their mass books, often lifting up their eyes to the cross over the altar, and seemingly in earnest for the blessing of Him who was represented as hanging thereon. Their serious behavior, and devout manner of worship, may put to the blush our protestant congregations in general. Just as we left the cathedral, music was heard: we followed the sound, and presently perceived it was the playing of the bands of the three regiments of soldiers before mentioned, who were going to St. Augustine’s church, a church appropriated for English soldiers, and protestants in general, and on which account all the crucifixes, images of Saints, &c., are removed. We attended them, and heard the chaplain read prayers. After this we proceeded to another church, and were just in time to witness the procession of the host. I have read, and I have heard of such processions, but now my eyes saw one in perfection. I have seen many processions, and grand one, but never saw one equal to this for solemnity and splendor. It is impossible for me to give you an adequate idea of it. You must be contented with a miserable scrap of representation. 

There was a full church, with superb altar, and elegant appendages. About the middle of the aisle was placed Mary the mother of our Lord, nearly as large as life, elegantly dressed in pink covered with muslin and lace, in a glass case, under a canopy of gold, surrounded with was tapers. In the center of the church stood some foreign officers. The priests were performing mass; the people all devout. At length the consecrated wafer was elevated, and the music vocal and instrumental was exquisitely fine. Presently came forward some men who took the elegant Mary on their shoulders, and went out. We followed, and entered a large square, where every thing was put in order for the procession. First proceeded a number of boys, neatly attired, with little bells, which they rang as they went along, to give notice I suppose of what was coming. Next, some men with staves and crucifixes. Then followed some soldiers. The people looked, bowed, and clasping their hands appeared all in extacy. After these followed a double train of persons with large lighted wax tapers in one hand, and holding in the other a small flag, on each of which was portrayed a Saint. Between these were two rows of boys, with the same kind of flags. Next came musicians with all sorts of instruments. Then followed singers, whose voices adapted to their respective parts, and well managed, produced a harmony that was truly enchanting. After these, came two long trains of priests richly attired, and singing delightfully. A young lady then made her appearance, elegantly dressed, carrying flowers in her hand. And now came a large square canopy, covered with gold, and under it two priests most superbly adorned, one of whom held in his hand the Pyx, a kind of little chest or box richly ornamented, containing the consecrated wafer, said to be transubstantiated into the real body of Christ. When this made its appearance, the people all bowed, knelt, and prostrated themselves in the streets. At certain distances there were altars erected, where they stopped and each of them the whole of the music, vocal and instrumental, struck up, the whole multitude were on their knees, and most of them in a state of prostration. Altogether it presented such a scene, that it was impossible for the passions not to be moved. As for myself, I confess that the tears gushed from my eyes. What added to the grandeur of the whole was,—the houses were covered with boughs: the streets strewed with leaves and flowers of every description, particularly roses; the inhabitants of the houses, as the procession passed along, flew to their windows with their lighted wax candles; and across the streets were suspended garlands and crowns, as canopies to walk under. In short, the whole surpassed all descriptions. But alas! After all this solemnity was over, strange to tell! All manner of levity, irreligion, and rioting, appeared; boys tearing the boughs from the walls and windows, and running up and down the streets with them; and games, quarreling, fighting, and every species of mischief succeeded.”

For some months previous to his setting out on this tour, he had experienced a gradual decay in his sight. After his return this decay rapidly increasing, he became alarmed, and was induced to seek professional advice. He accordingly applied to one of the oldest and most eminent oculists in the metropolis. After two visits, this gentleman pronounced that there existed no disease, and that the defect in his vision of which he complained, was nothing more than what might be expected from his years. Mr. Button’s son, who accompanied him, took the gentleman aside, and hinted his fears that a cataract was forming. He replied, “The first time I saw Mr. Button I was of that opinion; but upon further inspection today, I am convinced that there is nothing of the kind.” At length his sight so far failing him that he could see to read or write only by the aid of the most powerful magnifying glasses, his son prevailed upon him to consult Sir William Adams; who at the first interview pronounced decidedly, that a cataract was formed; and said that he would either remove it immediately, or a month or two hence, just as Mr. Button preferred. Mr. Button being very doubtful of the efficacy of an operation, deferred undergoing it until his vision was so far obscured, that he was unable even to distinguish countenances. In March, 1815, Sir William Adams performed the operation, and with such complete success, that Mr. Button to the close of his days could see to read the smallest print with as great facility as he ever could at any period of his life.

Of his obligation to Sir William Adams for his kindness and extraordinary skill on this trying occasion, Mr. Button ever afterwards entertained a high sense. 

Scarcely had this wave of affliction left him on the shore, and he was singing praises for his deliverance, when he found himself overwhelmed by another tremendous billow, and borne back again into the tempestuous ocean of distress and sorrow. 

He had for some time past perceived with anguish of heart, that the affections of a few of the leading men in his church were estranged from him. They had on several occasions treated him with the greatest unkindness; but on the first Sabbath that he preached at Dean-street after the recovery of his sight, one of them absented himself, and the conduct of two others towards him was such as he felt himself unable to bear. He accordingly addressed an affecting letter to the church, stating that the distress of mind which he suffered from the conduct of these individuals was so great, that he was almost induced to resign his pastoral office. 

Affairs, instead of improving, through the influence of the persons above alluded to, growing worse, Mr. Button on the 11^th of September, 1815, sent in the following letter of resignation.

“Dear Brethren and Sisters,

“You are assembled together this evening on important business, to choose Deacons; the Lord I hope will influence and direct your minds to make a wise choice. I thought to have met with you, but unpleasant occurrences forbid. I did hope from what had passed at our last church-meeting, August 14, that there was some probability of our being more united than we have been for some time past; but I find that there is an inveterate prejudice in the breasts of some against me, and I clearly discern, that nothing less than an entire resignation of my pastoral office will give them satisfaction. On this head, brethren, suffer me to say a few words. The church at Dean-street has long lain near my heart. I have been many years pastor over it. I have endeavored to feed the flock of God committed to my charge, with knowledge and understanding, looking to Jesus the great and good Shepherd for supplies. I blush indeed, when I think of my infirmities. When I take a retrospective view of my life and labors among you, I perceive ten thousand defects: I sink into the dust of abasement, and there bewail my numerous faults. I am filled with admiration and gratitude to God, who for forty years has borne with my manners in the wilderness, and with my imperfections in the church. Brethren, I have had my joys and my sorrows, my elevations and depressions. I have said at one time—”Who hath believed the report?”; at others, “Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows”? The church at Dean-street has been my sanctuary, the place of my delight. Hither I was sent by the Lord in the year 1774. Here the Lord has given me children, who have been nourished and brought up and taken to glory. Here I have enjoyed the most pleasant communion with my Christian friends; and here, which is till more delightful, I have truly had fellowship with the Father, and His Son Jesus Christ. I have had soul-elevating seasons in the pulpit, at the Lord’s table, and at our weekly prayer meetings. Here I have heard many persons declare their experiences, and relate what God had done for their souls under my poor ministry, which has warmed my heart. In short, I have repeatedly seen the power and glory of God evidently displayed in this little sanctuary to the joy of my soul. But alas! The harvest is past, the summer is ended. My labours appear to be finished in this part of the vineyard. I wished, had it been the pleasure of God, to continue at Dean-street. I have said concerning the church, “I will hold her fast, I will not let her go;” but my hands have been so sorely smitten, that I can retain her no longer. I have said with Job, “I shall die in my nest;” but I have found it was a mistaken idea. My nest has been disturbed, and from quarters I little expected; and I have heard a voice to which I was very unwilling to hearken, “Arise, depart, this is not your rest.” And I think, considering all the circumstances which have occurred, that I am warranted in concluding it to have been the voice of God. I therefore, take my leave of you. I resign my pastoral office. 

And now, my Brethren and Sisters, I feel anxious lest my resolution to retire at once from my labors among you, should be by some attributed to any motive of resentment. Permit me therefore in this my last address to you, to assure you that such a feeling is remote from my breast. For the last few months, none can conceive the heaviness, not to say agony of heart, with which I have ascended that pulpit, from which I have, I humbly trust, dispensed the pure gospel of Christ for forty years, arising from the bitter reflection of the probability that I had but few more sermons to address to a people to whom my soul had been so long and so truly attached: but now that that probability is reduced to a certainty, I feel that my frame would be altogether unable to sustain a shock so great as that of continuing to preach to you under such circumstances.

This, my dear friends, is the motive of my having adopted this resolution. 

To those beloved brethren and sisters among you, (and I bless God there are yet many,) who to the present hour have poured oil and wine into my wounds, who have wept when I have wept, and rejoiced when I have rejoiced, who with the most affectionate earnestness have desired that I would continue amongst you, whose conduct towards me has afforded the heart-consoling evidence that though afflicted, I am not forsaken; to you I cannot bid farewell without my solemn assurance that these marks of your affection are deeply engraven on my heart, and will descend with me in grateful recollection to the grave. Let us, however, console ourselves with the reflection, that though the bond of pastor and flock between us is (doubtless for wise purpose) rent asunder, yet that the tender cords of love, as fellow-disciples of Jesus, will still unite us. May, therefore, our supplications, dictated by the Holy Spirit, for the temporal and spiritual welfare of each other be incessantly poured out, that though our bodies may be scattered in the world, our souls may be daily united at the foot of the throne of the God of all grace. I now close my letter to you, as Paul closed his to the Corinthians, with saying, ‘The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all, Amen.’

“I remain, I still hope, Your brother in Christ,

“William Button.”

The severing of this connection with Dean-street, affected his mind to such an alarming degree, that he was advised to retire for a time into the country. He accordingly went to Lewes in Sussex, where it was hoped that from change of air and scene, his spirits might recover a little composure. During this absence from town, a church-meeting was called at Dean-street to deliberate on his letter of resignation. At this meeting it was moved and seconded, “That Mr. Button’s resignation of his pastoral office be accepted, and that the letter containing the same be entered on the minutes.” Whereupon an amendment was moved and seconded, “That Mr. Button be affectionally requested to continue his pastoral office amongst us.” The amendment being carried by a majority, it was then “Resolved that brother B., (one of the Deacons) be requested to inform Mr. Button of the above decision, and request him to send an answer as soon as possible.”

In compliance with this requisition, Mr. B., forwarded the minutes of these proceedings to Lewes. Mr. Button wrote in reply, that he would certainly give these minutes his serious consideration, and send them his ultimate decision time enough for their next church-meeting. 

Upon his return to London, Mr. Button transmitted his final communion, of which the following is a copy.

“Dear Brethren and Sisters,

“When at the last church-meeting but one I sent in my resignation, I had no expectation of being called upon to address you again. It was therefore with surprise, and, I cannot but add, with high satisfaction also, that I received the communication from one of your deacons, of the Resolutions passed at the last church-meeting, as they afford me an irrefragable proof, that I have still a majority of friends at Dean-street, whose affectionate request that I should continue in my pastoral office, demands from me the most grateful acknowledgements. That request, my dear friends, has been the subject of my most serious consideration and prayer to the Lord for direction. But as the circumstances that induced me to send in my resignation, remain unchanged, it appears to me that it is my painful duty to decline acceding to it, and to abide by the determination expressed in my last letter; viz., wholly to resign my pastoral office. Much has been urged by my opponents respecting the low state of the church; and to no one has this been a subject of deeper sorrow than to myself; but whether this low state is attributable wholly to me, I shall not now enquire. It is however a source of great consolation to my heart under all my sufferings, that notwithstanding the numbers which I doubt not have been transplanted into the church triumphant above from this little hill of Zion during the period of my forty years labor in it, yet, through the goodness, mercy, and grace of my heavenly Father, I am nevertheless enabled to leave behind me, double the number of members that I found there at the commencement of my Pastoral Office. 

I now conclude with committing my little flock to the care of the great and good Shepherd: may the God of Peace be with you all. 

I remain, Your brother, I hope, in the Lord,

William Button.”

From the shock which his constitution sustained by this separation, he never entirely recovered. In reference to this painful event, he says, (in his memoir of himself,) “Truly I had sunk altogether into despair, had not two good Samaritans pitied my distress, and poured oil and wine into my wounds.”

Mr. Button’s adherence to the sentiments of strict communion had been already noticed. In 1816 a controversy upon this subject having been excited, he published a defence of that practice, under the title of “An answer to the Question, Why are you a strict Baptist? A Dialogue between Thomas and John.” This was his last appearance as an author. Since his decease, however, there have been found among his papers several other pieces which he evidently had prepared for the press. There is also the beginning of an Answer to the Rev. J. H. Evens’s “Dialogues on the Trinity.” The first Letter is nearly finished; there is a Syllabus of the remainder; and Notes, with numerous references to writers that he had consulted, were found between the leaves of Mr. Evans’s book. If Mr. Button had lived to finish it, it is thought that it would been a masterly defence of the Doctrine of the Trinity. 

Towards the close of his life, it was the will of an all-wise Providence that this excellent man should be visited with some very severe reverses in his temporal concerns. These ultimately led to those painful consequences, which are so well known that a detail of them here is wholly unnecessary. Let it suffice, that at a meeting of Mr. Button’s friends, including some of the London ministers, he submitted the circumstances by which he had been plunged into a situation so distressing. The result of this investigation was, a Testimonial drawn up, and signed by all present, that there appeared nothing that in any degree affected the integrity and uprightness of his character! And a recommendation, that a subscription should be entered into for the purpose of purchasing an annuity on the joint lives of Mr and Mrs Button. This was immediately commenced, and in a short time the sum of £500 was subscribed. 

On Monday morning, the 14^th of July, 1821, after having engaged in family prayer, in which he was observed to be particularly earnest for the spiritual welfare of his children, he went out with the intention of visiting his sister at Hackney. In his way thither, he slipped from a board, and was precipitated into some water near the lock of the canal in Hackney Fields. It happened very providentially that a person who was working at a little distance, and having with some difficulty drawn him out, kindly conducted him to the place of his destination, where some dry apparel was procured. Upon his return home, it was discovered that he had received a paralytic stroke. He was bled, but his right side soon became entirely paralyzed, and it was with the utmost difficulty that he could be taken up stairs to his chamber. The next day he appeared to be considerably better. On Wednesday he got up, and during the remainder of that week he conversed, the use of his limbs was partially restored, and his friends cherished the most confident hopes of his ultimate recovery. On the Sabbath following, however, these fond expectations began to wither; a material alteration for the worse was observed; and from that period his bodily strength and mental faculties daily declined. On the 31^st of July he sank into a state of insensibility, in which he continued until the 2^nd of August; when, at half-past two o’clock in the afternoon, without a struggle or a grown, this good and faithful servant entered into the joy of his Lord.—Mr. Button was buried in Bunhill-fields. An address was delivered at the grave by the Rev. Dr. Newman; and a Funeral Sermon was preached at the Meeting-house in Eagle-street, London, August 12, 1821, by the Rev. Joseph Ivimey. These have been since printed in one pamphlet. 

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[1] Mr. Button was then but thirteen years and a half old.

[2] In a memoir of himself.

[3] The precise time of the formation of this church cannot now be accurately ascertained. That it existed as early as 1669 appears from a letter in their church book from the renowned Dr. John Owen and Mr. George Griffiths, dated the 18^th of the third month, 1669, addressed to the church as then existing. 

To the high honor of this truly Christian community be it recorded, that during the long period of 144 years, they have had but four pastors,—all of whom have died with them. 

Mr. John Wilson, their first pastor, was sent from the church of the celebrated Mr. John Bunyan, as appears from a letter of discussion signed by that extraordinary man, in the church book at Tile-house-street: it is dated, 1^st month (the day not mentioned) 1677: and on the 28^th day of the fourth month of the same year Mr. Wilson was ordained pastor, and continued so upwards of 40 years. He was succeeded by Mr. John Needham, who we find, from the printed funeral sermon for him by Mr. Samuel Wilson, (grandson of the above John Wilson, and author of the “Scripture Manual,”) was their pastor 37 years. Mr. Needham was succeeded by his son-in-law Mr. Samuel James, who presided over them 30 years. His funeral sermon was preached by Mr. Wallin, and printed. Their present respectable minister, Mr. John Geard, who still lives in their affections, has been with them more than 46 years.

[4] Last September, the writer of this Memoir spent a fortnight in Hitchin, and derived much pleasure from observing the very high respect and esteem in which the memory of Mr. Button is still held in that town. 

That there are now but few living who were members of the church in Tile-house-street, when he preached there is 1773, may be inferred from the following solemn and striking fact. 

The writer, on his late visit, was walking one day in the burial-ground attacked to that meeting-house, accompanied by his excellent friend the Rev. John Geard; when, after some minutes’ silence, his aged friend, with evident emotion, said to him, “Since I have been minister of this place, I have in this burial-ground spoken over the grace of between 700 and 800 persons.”

Is not this a voice loud as the last trumpet, “Be ye also ready!”

[5] Author of those affecting narratives, entitled, “An Abstract of the gracious Dealings of God with several eminent Christians, in their Conversion and Sufferings. Taken from authentic Manuscripts, and published for the Comfort and Establishment of serious Minds.”

[6] The respectable author to whom this alluded, was at that period pastor of the church in Maze-pond.</p>