BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 335
and presents a very lively picture of the remarkable individual whom it
describes.
The REV. ROWLANHDI LLwa s the sixth son of Sir Rowland Hill of Hawkstone,
in Shropshire, and uncle of the famous Lord Hill, who distinguished himself
so much in the Peninsular war ; for his services in which he was ennobled.’
Rowland possessed from infancy an open, lively disposition; and gave early
indication of that playful humour which clung to him so pertinaciously throughout
his future years. On one occasion, being brought into the apartment where
his father and mother were sitting with some company, the question was put to
him-“ Well, Rowley, and what should you like to be 1” Looking archly at
his father, who was sitting in an arm chair, he replied-“ I should like to be a
baronet and sit in a great chair !” Rowley was sent to Eton; and, having
early imbibed strong religious notions, which were ardently fanned by his elder
brother and sister, he was subsequently placed at Cambridge, to study with a
view to the Church. Here he soon became conspicuous for his religious zeal,
by visiting the prisons and preaching to the poor in the neighbourhood. In
this course, which gave much offence to the heads of the College ‘of St John’s,
he was greatly encouraged by Mr. Whitfield, to whom he had been introduced,
and who continued to correspond with his young protege for several years.
His father and mother were also nearly as much offended at his illethodistical
conduct as the heads of the College ; and did everything to counteract his propensities.
Nothing, however, could relax the devotion of the young enthusiast,
In 1769 he took the degree of Bachelor of Arts ; and being then twenty-three
years of age, he immediately exerted himself to obtain orders, but was refused
by no fewer than six bishops. Thus rejected, he retired to his father’s seat at
Hawkstone, where, for several years, he continued to reside during the winter
season; and, with the “voice of spring,” went forth to preach throughout
the country. In consequence of his father’s displeasure, the allowance he
received for several years was extremely limited, so much so that he was frequently
reduced to considerable embarrassments ; and sometimes he and the
little pony which he kept to carry him over the country were at a loss where
to find provender for the night. During his peregrinations he was in frequent
danger from the tumults of the mob ; but he was of a fearless disposition, and
regardless of personal danger. In his journal of 1771 this entry occurs-‘‘ 10th
May, at Stowey, to the most outrageous congregation I ever saw. There was
such a noise with beating of pans, shovels, etc., blowing of horns and ringing of
bells, that I could scarce hear myself speak. Though we were pelted with mud,
dirt, eggs, etc., I was enabled to preach out my sermon.” The excursions of
the ‘‘ Baronet’s Son,’’ as he was called, were extended, in this manner, over a
great portion of the country, and even to Wales, where he was well received.
Rowland Hill first visited London in 1772, where he preached to immense
congregations at the Tabernacle and at Tottenham Court Chapel. The same
There were five brothers of this family at Waterloo, all of whom survived the action.
